Soon, the scandal spread across the internet. News of Khloe’s public humiliation of Sloane at the Watson family banquet, along with revelations of Sloane’s attempts to seduce Eric, ignited a firestorm.
Sloane’s carefully crafted plan to ruin Khloe’s reputation was effortlessly dismantled, while her own image as a dignified lady crumbled.
Online, she was now branded as the home-wrecker. The controversy surrounding the casting changes in Peaks of Eternity was no longer focused on Khloe alone.
Upon seeing the trending headlines, Sloane fainted from fury, while the Watson family hastily called an end to the banquet.
Later, in the Watson family study, Eric stood before his father, the slap still vivid on his face. His usual confidence was gone, replaced by a sullen, defeated demeanor.
“Father, why did you defend Khloe today? Do you realize how many important guests were at the banquet? You’ve put me in an awkward position!”
Harold’s response was sharp. “Awkward? You couldn’t even handle a woman! She made a fool of us, and you’re still complaining?”
He fixed Eric with a cold, cutting stare, his eyes narrowing with a dangerous glint.
“I defended Khloe for one reason only-she’s the new investment advisor at Evergreen Capital. She’s now liaising directly with their CEO.”
Eric froze. “What?”
“I can’t believe this! Evergreen Capital handles trillions in investments, shaping the entire financial world. And Khloe was in prison! How in the world did she end up as the CEO’s top investment advisor?” Eric’s disbelief was palpable.
Harold’s expression darkened, his eyes narrowing as they shot Eric an icy glare. “If Evergreen Capital were any ordinary company, it wouldn’t have reached this scale. You’ve dated Khloe. Don’t you know what she’s capable of?”
“But she was accused of academic dishonesty! Those groundbreaking patents she boasted about-weren’t they stolen from Sadie Dayton?”
“Academic achievements can be fabricated, but her admission to that prestigious overseas university? That was no lie. She outranked everyone,” Harold retorted. “Back then, the presidential team wanted her in their think tank. She turned them down. You know who set that think tank’s selection standards. It was that man, and his requirements were far tougher than any foreign academic standards!”
“Uncle Henrik?” Eric’s voice faltered, suddenly wary. The name hit him like a bolt of lightning.
The Watson family knew better than anyone just how ruthless and brilliant Henrik truly was.
That man, cold and calculating, with a brilliance bordering on genius, had once set his sights on Khloe.
“No matter what, she’s now an advisor to the CEO of Evergreen Capital. She holds serious sway there. If we win her favor, it could be a game-changer for the Watson family!” Harold slammed the table forcefully. “You need to win her back and secure her absolute loyalty!”
Eric recoiled, shaken. “Father, she’s been to prison. Letting her into the family, especially as the future lady of the family…”
“Who said anything about making her the lady of the family? Use her. Once a woman falls in love, she’ll give everything.”
Harold’s sneer was cutting. “Just like she helped you before. You think I don’t know? Your first big investment for the heir position? It was Khloe who helped you pull it off.”
Eric’s heart skipped a beat. His father knew everything!
Years ago, when Eric was fighting for the heir position, the Watson family had tasked them with turning a million-dollar investment into ten million in just three months. Eric had lost most of his money and had to borrow from Khloe.
She hadn’t given him the money, but she’d turned his remaining two hundred thousand into thirty million, securing his victory and his claim to the title.
Eric thought he had kept it hidden, but his father had just turned a blind eye.
Eric had nothing left to say. Seeing Khloe at the banquet-vibrant, stunning, and completely unrecognizable from the past-stirred a swirl of conflicting emotions within him.
He remembered the warmth and affection she had once shown him, the connection they had shared. Clenching his jaw, he swore, “Father, don’t worry. I’ll win Khloe back.”
Harold nodded, his expression cold and calculating. “You’d better take this seriously. Your position as heir is far from secure. Your uncles’ sons are watching, especially Duncan. He’s charming, experienced, and if he finds out about Khloe’s ties to Evergreen Capital, he won’t hesitate to make a move. This is your final test. If you succeed, I’ll hand you the Watson family. Fail, and you lose your claim.”
The weight of those words hit Eric like a punch, and his resolve hardened.
Meanwhile, Khloe stepped out of the Watson family residence, the cool night air brushing against her skin. The wind sent a chill through her. She had come alone, and her driver wouldn’t be arriving for a while.
As she hugged herself to fend off the cold, a warm jacket was gently draped over her shoulders, followed by a pair of strong arms wrapping around her from behind.
Khloe spun around in shock, only to be greeted by Henrik’s undeniably handsome face. He was dressed to impress in a tailored silver suit that hugged his frame perfectly.
A silver tie pin at his collar shimmered under the soft glow of the moonlight.
For a brief moment, Khloe was stunned, unable to tear her eyes away from his flawless features.
Henrik noticed the way her gaze lingered. “Are you alright?” His voice was deep and soothing, laced with genuine concern and a subtle huskiness.
Khloe shook her head, then asked, “Henrik, weren’t you supposed to be at a business meeting? What are you doing here?”
Noticing her confusion, Henrik lifted Khloe’s chin and teased, “Didn’t you want me to be here? Or are you still thinking about someone else? You look stunning tonight.”
Khloe quickly responded, “No, I dressed like this to outshine them.”
Her expression turned serious. “I don’t feel anything for Eric anymore. I used to be kind to him, but I have too much self-respect to tolerate someone like him. I can barely stand to look at him now.”
As she spoke, she took Henrik’s hand and placed it on her chin, offering him a radiant smile.
“And with such a handsome fiance like you, why would I even give Eric a second glance? I’m not blind.”
Khloe’s praise was clearly over the top, yet her intentional flattery somehow soothed the simmering frustration within Henrik. He found her words unexpectedly gratifying.
“Don’t think for a second that your sweet words will work on me,” Henrik said in an icy tone. “There are times when I wonder if I should’ve just wiped out the entire Evans family, along with Eric.”
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.
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