CHAPTER 74: CHAPTER 74: IT’S BETTER TO GIVE UP ON PEOPLE WHO AREN’T WORTH IT

"Well... Both of us are responsible for Aetherflame. Can’t we discuss this together?" Summer Shaw asked.

"You’ve already been told you’re not handling the issues well. What right do you have to talk to me?"

Summer Shaw: "..."

Wayne Paxton looked at Juliana Jacobs, his eyes glinted with an intriguing light.

"You have the guts to impersonate my employee but don’t dare to talk to me alone?"

Juliana Jacobs glanced around the office hall and nodded, saying, "Alright."

Wayne Paxton called the driver, which made Juliana Jacobs feel a bit relieved.

Originally, Juliana Jacobs was going to sit in the front passenger seat, but Wayne Paxton "politely" asked her to the back seat.

"Director Paxton, actually you could learn more about what we do at Aetherflame Dynamics..."

Just as Juliana Jacobs was about to get to the point, Wayne Paxton shook his head at her.

"Actually, we both know the reason for the loan withdrawal, so there’s no need for any pretentious talk."

Juliana Jacobs remained silent.

Is it true that everyone in Kenton has to take their cues from Evan Grant?

Just as she was thinking, a lock of hair near her ear was brushed by someone.

Juliana Jacobs instinctively pulled away and looked at Wayne Paxton in surprise.

Wayne Paxton was calm and composed, pulling out a wet wipe and wiping his hands as he said, "If Miss Jacobs were truly my employee, a significant portion of her salary would have been deducted by now."

Juliana Jacobs touched her hair, realizing it had been messy for some time, "I’m sorry, your bank’s loan is very important to us."

Wayne Paxton tossed the wet wipe away and leaned against the backrest.

"I’m well aware of that, which is why I’m helping you."

Just as Juliana Jacobs was looking at him in confusion, the car stopped at a shopping mall entrance.

"Miss Jacobs, dressed like this, it’s unsuitable for me to take you to a dinner meeting," Wayne Paxton said.

"Director Paxton, I came to discuss the loan, not to accompany you to an appointment."

Wayne Paxton’s lips curled into a strange smile, "I said I’m helping you. Did you misunderstand me?"

Juliana Jacobs thought for a few seconds and got out of the car.

Luckily, Wayne Paxton didn’t follow her; otherwise, she would have been even more suspicious of his motives.

Juliana Jacobs texted Summer Shaw, saying she would be dining with Wayne Paxton and asked her to keep an eye on her phone messages. Then she picked out an outfit that suited her style and returned to Wayne Paxton’s car.

Seeing her fully dressed in long sleeves and trousers, Wayne Paxton joked, "Miss Jacobs has a great figure, why dress so conservatively?"

Juliana Jacobs looked down and chuckled softly, "Mr. Paxton, you’re flattering me. Comfort is what’s important in clothing. After all, it’s the ’inner configuration’ that counts, right?"

Wayne Paxton scoffed, "The entrance requirements are still quite important."

After that, the car journeyed to the restaurant entrance without another word from Wayne Paxton.

As he got out of the car, he told the driver, "Leave the key and call it a day."

Turning his head, he saw Juliana Jacobs texting.

She sent the restaurant name to Summer Shaw.

Summer Shaw replied quickly, "OK, if I haven’t heard from you by nine sharp, I’ll lead the whole department there to fish you out."

Is it really that severe?

Juliana Jacobs almost couldn’t help laughing out loud because of her words.

Wayne Paxton noticed the slight smile at her lips and said by the car, "Miss Jacobs, do you really not trust Paxton?"

Juliana Jacobs lowered her head, "Sorry, it’s not that I don’t trust you. I’m just chatting about some amusing matters with a friend."

"Miss Jacobs, there’s no need to be so formal. I’m not much older than you; you don’t need to use honorifics."

Wayne Paxton turned and walked toward the restaurant, and Juliana Jacobs quickly followed him.

Pushing open the private room door, Evan Grant was drinking cold medicine.

After drinking, he handed the cup to Stella Windsor.

Juliana Jacobs was taken aback for a moment, then followed Wayne Paxton inside.

"Apologies, President Grant, the traffic delayed us.".

Evan Grant saw the two entering together and showed no expression, "I just arrived."

Stella Windsor looked a bit flustered, "Brother forgot to take his medicine, I came to deliver it. I’m leaving now."

Wayne Paxton chuckled, "President Grant and Mrs. Grant address each other as siblings. Truly a loving couple. Today was meant to get to know President Grant better, and since Mrs. Grant is here too, let’s dine together."

The second time being called Mrs. Grant, especially in front of the rightful spouse, Stella Windsor opened her mouth but then lowered her head awkwardly.

Evan Grant glanced at Juliana Jacobs briefly and saw she turned away without any intention to correct, his eyes darkening.

Fine, since she resists the title "Mrs. Grant," he’ll fulfill her wish.

"Sit down."

Simple words, yet they seemed to acknowledge Stella Windsor’s identity.

Wayne Paxton smiled, "I just came to Kenton, not fully understanding the situation here. President Grant does new energy; Miss Jacobs specializes in energy storage research. Logically, cooperation should be mutually beneficial. Why can’t you be friends?"

Evan Grant chuckled mockingly, tossing the hand towel onto the table.

"For reconciliation, you need a conciliatory attitude. The wine today is good," he looked at Stella Windsor, "you drink a few glasses for me."

Stella Windsor smiled shyly, "Ok, Brother."

Wayne Paxton understood, addressing Juliana Jacobs, "You should pour the wine."

Juliana Jacobs did not move, and Wayne Paxton whispered, "I came with sincerity to mediate for you; you wouldn’t want me to handle this officially, right?"

Juliana Jacobs pursed her lips and stood up.

Throughout the meal, she played the role of a server.

After the third round of drinks, Stella Windsor’s face was slightly flushed, seeming somewhat enticing.

Wayne Paxton found it enough, "President Grant, you see..."

Evan Grant knew what he was about to say, interrupting, "Director Paxton, you just arrived in Kenton, focus on your duties. It’s best to give up on things that aren’t worthwhile; don’t waste time on meaningless matters."

Wayne Paxton understood the hint and was instead pleased.

"With President Grant’s word, I feel reassured."

Juliana Jacobs put down the wine and towel, "Sorry, I need to take a call."

After saying that, she didn’t care about people’s expressions and walked straight out of the private room.

"Brother, I want to buy some hangover medicine," Stella Windsor whispered.

Evan Grant nodded.

In the corridor.

Juliana Jacobs just texted Summer Shaw asking her to come pick her up. She turned and saw Stella Windsor standing behind her.

Sensing her deliberate behavior, Juliana Jacobs asked coldly, "Miss Windsor, what are you trying to play this time?"

Stella Windsor dropped her timid and frail demeanor, tilted her head slightly, her eyes showing a ’what-do-you-care-if-you-know’ arrogance.

"You’re clever, but not clever enough, so you can’t beat me. If Brother won’t agree to the divorce, it’s best you find a way to leave him, if you can’t, just die, stop occupying the Mrs. Grant position and embarrassing yourself."

So, all of this was her plan.

Everyone was within her script, and she was removed from the situation.

Juliana Jacobs looked at her, the corners of her eyes carrying a trace of ridicule.

"So up until now, you crawl at his feet, not even as good as a dog, what have you won?"

Stella Windsor didn’t show much anger, instead she leaned closer to Juliana Jacobs and whispered, "Old Man Linton’s hospitalization was just a warning. If you stubbornly refuse, I’ll make you and those you care about worse than dead."

Juliana Jacobs was about to get angry, but Stella Windsor suddenly pretended to be pushed and staggered, colliding with a passing server.

Juliana Jacobs realized the self-directed act, but stopping her was already too late.

Most of the hot soup from the server’s tray spilled onto Stella Windsor’s dress, a small portion splashed on Juliana Jacobs’ trousers.

The commotion alarmed the two men in the private room.

"Brother... It hurts so much," Stella Windsor curled up amid the mess and sobbed, her thigh scalded red, "I begged Sister-in-law not to sue my mom, as a result, accidentally..."

She seemed to try hard to clear Juliana Jacobs, but strived without any excuse.

The nearby waiter was afraid of being blamed and hurriedly pointed at Juliana Jacobs saying, "This lady deliberately pushed her, I saw it."

Even with a thousand mouths, Juliana Jacobs couldn’t explain it clearly.

Evan Grant’s eyes turned chillingly cold.

"Your current behavior is nothing short of lunacy!"

After saying that, he lifted Stella Windsor horizontally, following the restaurant owner’s guidance to a resting room to treat the scald.

An absurd feeling surged in Juliana Jacobs’ heart.

Who exactly is crazy?

Who’s truly blind?

"Miss Jacobs, your pants are also stained, how about I just..."

As he spoke, Wayne Paxton’s hand grasped her neck.

Juliana Jacobs was about to push him away when she felt a sting on her neck, followed by her body losing strength.

Wayne Paxton took the opportunity to pick her up.

"...carry you to change your clothes, my sweet egg."