Could it be that the brain hemorrhage had cleared the congestion in his brain, granting him a moment of clarity? Joey found it puzzling and thus dismissed it from his thoughts.
Holly spoke up, trying to ease the tension in the room.
“Let’s not allow a trivial matter to disrupt the harmony of your family.”
Her voice was laden with grievance.
To the uninformed observer, it might seem as though Sandra had heartlessly come between lovers, driving a wedge between them.
“Although Wesley has not prepared a gift for me, I have brought one for him.”
Hailey’s face broke into a smile upon hearing this.
“Wesley, you have no idea how much effort Holly has gone to on your behalf.”
Holly shook her head modestly.
“Please don’t say that, Madam. My love for Wesley is unrequited.”
Hailey was pleased.
“Holly, you are a treasure. Any family would be fortunate to have your company.”
Holly blushed with modesty.
Angela asked, “Holly, what gift have you prepared for Wesley?”
Hailey replied, “Wesley hasn’t even asked, what’s your hurry?”
Angela stuck out her tongue playfully.
She wasn’t eager to press the matter, but Wesley and Sandra showed no interest in pursuing it.
If she didn’t ask, Holly would be embarrassed.
Sandra stood in silence on the side.
As she observed, she began to understand.
The Campbell family was still rising, and the Coopers didn’t want to lose such a valuable partnership. The only option was a marital alliance.
The purpose of today’s summoning to the Cooper Mansion was to warn Sandra.
As a village girl, she couldn’t continue as Wesley’s wife. It would be better to graciously step aside now than to face a humiliating exit later.
Then, Sandra saw the normally snobbish and haughty Hailey take Holly’s hand personally.
“Holly, tell Wesley what the gift is.”
Holly smiled slightly.
“I’ve just returned to the country, but I’ve heard the Cooper Group is facing difficulties due to a star.”
“Coincidentally, this star, Mason Serrano, is my cousin. With but a word from me, he would certainly not oppose the Cooper.”
“As for Jessica Smith, I have some leverage over her.”
Hailey was overjoyed.
“Holly, you are the best gift to our family. We’re all troubled over this, and you show up like an angel!”
Angela chimed in.
Debra turned to Sandra.
“Sandra, you should also thank Holly.”
Sandra’s smile didn’t reach her eyes as she inquired,
“Is the matter resolved now?”
“Only when it’s settled will I express my gratitude.”
Angela huffed.
“Holly, call Mason now. Let him know your capabilities!”
Holly looked toward Wesley.
“Wesley, what do you think?”
Wesley, growing impatient, glanced at his wristwatch.
“If there’s nothing else, I shall take my leave with my wife.”
With those words, he was ready to depart, showing no interest in Holly’s offer of help.
Holly’s pride was bruised, and she struggled to maintain composure.
“Wesley, please stay.”
Pulling out her phone, she asserted,
“I’ll put him on speakerphone now to ensure satisfaction for everyone here.”
Almost as soon as she finished speaking, Mason’s voice came through, weary.
“Holly?”
“Mason,” Holly’s demeanor became grave, her tone hinting at reproach.
“Why did you target the Cooper Group? You’d best come to the Cooper Mansion immediately and apologize to Hailey!”
Holly’s words made Hailey instantly happier.
The other members of the Cooper family also seemed to exhale in relief.
Some of them had even begun to contemplate how to humiliate Mason, to teach him a lesson for offending the Coopers.
Sandra glanced at Holly.
Why is she commending her cousin to do as she wishes? If Mason was the type to submit meekly, he wouldn’t even qualify as an understudy.
Acting is like life itself.
The script she and Lisa had labored over did not require a coward for an actor.
Her gaze shifted to Wesley.
Wesley still maintained an expression as impassive as an ancient glacier.
He seemed indifferent to the entire affair.
The other family members were nearly aflame with rage as they eyed Holly’s mobile phone, waiting for Mason to beg for forgiveness.
Soon, from the phone came Mason’s weary voice.
“Are you joking?”
In an instant, the entire courtyard fell into silence.
Mason hadn’t admitted his fault?
Nor had he come groveling?
He even seemed to disdain Holly’s words?
Holly’s face was a mix of embarrassment and anger, and her tone became harsher.
“Didn’t you understand what I just said? The Coopers are close to me. Your actions put them in a difficult position!”
Mason sounded much more serious than before.
“So, using sham products to deceive consumers is acceptable?”
“If I sent their items to my fans, it would be the end of me!”
Her face twisted in discomfort. “I told you to give up being a celebrity long ago. With the Campbell supporting you, you wouldn’t starve.”
Mason showed no intention of compromising.
“This matter requires a stance from the Cooper.”
“As long as they provide a quality assurance contract, I will be silent.”
Having said this, he hung up the phone.
Sandra’s eyes twinkled.
Mason was shrewd.
He wasn’t after money, but a quality contract.
He was responsible for his career and his fans.
Then, she heard the Coopers murmuring.
“Mason doesn’t respect the Campbell?”
“Miss Campbell bragged so much just now, I thought she could actually do something.”
“Hailey had invited her, and yet, this was the outcome.”
“Just look at Hailey’s face; it’s dark again.”
“Let’s drop the subject, it wouldn’t be good if she overheard us.”
Even though these murmurs were soft, they still reached Holly’s ears. She was seething with indignation, almost biting her lip until it bled.
It was Debra who stepped forward to mediate.
“Thank goodness Holly helped us connect with Mason and start negotiations.”
“It’s merely a matter of a quality contract, I will take care of it.”
“This time, we must ensure accountability. Any issues must have someone ready to take responsibility.”
“Mom, what do you think?” She said, smiling at Hailey.
Her words seemed to comfort Holly, and also allowed Hailey to save face.
A hint of a smile finally appeared on Hailey’s face.
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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