Chapter 105 The Joyner Family’s Bet

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18 Pearis

“Reba, pull yourself together and give it your best shot. People like the Lane family’s representative aren’t easy to meet. If you do well, our Joyner family might even move up another level.”

Reba had already tidied herself up a bit. “I’ll just go freshen up first.”

Once she was gone, Oliver lowered his voice. “Connor, sounds like the Lane family’s ready to sign you on?”

Connor gave a faint smile. “Almost.”

“And Reba…”

“The Lane family holds her in high regard. She’s notcking, don’t worry.”

Oliver let out a long breath of relief. Then, ncing around, he leaned in and asked more cautiously, “Have you talked to your mother about you and Reba?”

That caught Connor off guard. He hadn’t even thought about that yet. The question left him nk, unsure how to answer.

Martha and Franklin, nearby, turned to him at the mention–clearly waiting to hear his response.

Technically speaking, Reba had always been the one promised to him. If it hadn’t been for the unexpected appearance of Scarlett, things never would’ve gotten this messy.

Just a couple days ago, he might have considered it. He’d been under immense pressure to settle down, and even the Lane family had said being married would improve his public image.

But…

After witnessing Scarlett’s performance, he was starting to question everything. He hadn’t had time to process it, let alone confront her.

If it hadn’t been for the Lane family rep urging him to act, he might not even be standing there with Reba.

Seeing Connor hesitate, Oliver’s heart sank.

He didn’t want to force it, but now that the Jude family had aligned with the Lane family, and with the Robert family out of the picture, the Jude family was poised to dominate Trenwyn.

For Reba’s sake, he truly hoped she could be Connor’s wife. Public opinion would stir for a while, but a single “just putting things back where they belong” would be enough to quiet them.

As for Joyner family business…

His techpany had been stagnant for a long time. If the Lane family granted them a single patent, it would be enough to feed hispany for a lifetime.

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“It’s time to return to the right path. Think it over. Reba’s so outstanding–if not for that broken engagement years ago…”

Martha tugged on his sleeve.

“Enough. Now’s not the time to talk about this. Let’s go meet with the Lane family rep first.”

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12.48 Thu – Aug 100

Chapter 105 The Joyner family’s Bet

Oliver nodded, patting Connor’s arm. “Take care of Reba”

Connor nodded. Just as Reba returned, makeup touched up, the two left together.

Oliver watched them go, deeply satisfied.

“What a turnaround. Reba really is our Joyner family’s good luck charm.”

Martha sighed.

“If not for her health issues, she’d already be world–famous.”

Then she seemed to remember something important.

“Did you send someone to keep an eye on Scarlett? Once the buzz dies down, we need to act!”

Oliver nodded and turned to instruct Eugene–only to realize Eugene and Stanley were gone.

He looked around and spotted them near the exit.

And then, his face darkened.

“Why the hell are they with Scarlett?”

Martha was startled, but quickly reasoned it out.

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* Pearls

“They probably just don’t want Scarlett getting too full of herself. If she finds a strong mentor, our ns will be hard to execute. They’re probably trying to rein her in.”

Martha exhaled in relief.

“Eugene’s sharp. He’s probably over there to kill Scarlett’s momentum and block those professors from recruiting her. That’ll make things easier for us.”

But Oliver didn’t look convinced.

Eugene and Stanley’s attitudes… they weren’t the same as before.

“Keep your eye on the rep. If there’s an opening, we should try to meet with him too.”

Franklin’s voice interrupted his thoughts, and Oliver turned back to work, delegating tasks.

Elsewhere…

Stanley’s voice was nasally and desperate.

/I

“Scully, I swear I misunderstood you, I was wrong, I know that now.”

His tone was so urgent, it felt like the world might end if she didn’t forgive him.

“Come back to the Joyner family. I promise, you’ll be our little princess–you can have anything you want. Didn’t you always love it when I took you out to eat? Come home, and I’ll take you to every single restaurant in Trenwyn, I swear.”

Scarlett was absolutely floored by that.

Chapter 105 The Joyner Family’s Bet.

So threats and insults didn’t work, and now they were itrying /iemotional appealsi? /i

Seriously?

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+8 Pearis