Chapter 39: A Backup
Plan
The mere mention of Alexander’s
name changed Charlotte’s
expression.
This wretched woman had struck her sore spot with just a few words!
“Fine, I’ll wager ten percent of the Sterling shares!”
Charlotte said through gritted teeth. If it meant being with Alexander, forget the Sterling Corporation’s measly shares – with his wealth, he could easily establish a hundred more Sterlings.
The others sensed something amiss
and tried to dissuade her in lowered
voices. “Charlotte, if Uncle finds out you gambled with the Sterling shares, he’ll be furious.”
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Chapter 39: A Backup Plan
“Exactly, don’t fall for Isabella’s trap.”
But Evelyn seemed unconcerned.
“What are you afraid of? We’ve all seen her card skills. Charlotte, trust
me, we can’t lose.”
Charlotte nodded and had Evelyn summon the Wraithwoods‘ private lawyer to draft a share transfer
agreement on the spot.
As soon as this round ended, the
contract would take effect.
Isabella’s lips curled in a disdainful smile as she eyed the assembled group. She had played cards with her brothers since the age of three and won the Uno world championship before she was ten. Dealing with these amateurs was simply bullying.
Seeing Isabella’s expression,
Charlotte’s heart sank, realizing she had likely fallen into her trap. But it
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Chapter 39: A Backup Plan
was too late to back out now.
Isabella held her cards with a relaxed
air, like an old man playing chess by
the roadside.
Charlotte, on the other hand, had a
tense face, her hands trembling slightly.
As the last card was played, Isabella
rose gracefully.
“Apologies, everyone, but I win. Oh, and now that I have the means, if
anyone still wants to play, I’m game.”
Her gaze swept over their faces,
meeting the eyes that wished to tear her apart, wholly unafraid.
Having witnessed her true skills, no one was foolish enough to challenge. her again.
“Since no one wants to play, I won’t intrude any longer.”
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Isabella leisurely gathered her winnings from the table and sauntered off, leaving behind a group
of dumbfounded faces.
Charlotte was undoubtedly in the most awkward position, having landed herself in colossal trouble.
Evelyn stood beside her, looking embarrassed, as she had been the one to urge Charlotte to wager at the end.
“Charlotte, don’t be angry. I didn’t expect that wretch to be so skilled either. She played us all.”
Charlotte whipped around to glare at her, eyes almost murderous.
Sensing trouble, the others quickly made themselves scarce. Seeing no
one around, Evelyn lowered her voice. “Charlotte, we haven’t lost yet.”
“She took the share transfer
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agreement. You…”
Evelyn smiled slyly.
“Don’t forget, I had a backup plan. As soon as Isabella steps out that door, she’ll disappear from Riverdale for good, and that share transfer will be
useless.”
Charlotte’s brow remained furrowed, now deeply doubting Evelyn’s
competence.
“If they’re caught, they won’t sell us out, will they?”
“Don’t worry, I hired them off the
black market. They’ve never seen me and are only in it for the money. They have no idea who their employer is.”
Having reassured Charlotte, Evelyn left. As the hostess of this party, she
naturally had other guests to attend
to.
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No sooner had she gone than
Isabella returned.
She casually plucked two glasses of
red wine from a passing server’s tray,
eyes glinting.
“Charlotte, I must thank you for today, for giving me ten percent of
the shares. A toast to you.”
