Chapter 433:
Eileen had been a beacon of hope in his life, a guiding light amidst the darkness of his existence. If he could persevere and succeed in his studies, he might finally free himself from Zolaâs grip. If he failed, however, he risked tumbling back into the same abyss from which he had once struggled to escape.
The choices before him left him silent, lost in thought, over and over again.
Eileenâs methods in dealing with Zola were not just about retaliation for the attempts Zola had made to ruin her reputationâthey were a calculated strategy to expose Zolaâs true nature.
After a brief period of recovery, Apex Group had recently secured several new projects. However, within the week, Eileen had made bold moves to intercept these deals, shaking up the agreements Apex Group was close to finalizing.
Freguson Group was not lacking in opportunities, and by pulling projects away from Apex Group, Eileen strengthened their own position. If outright acquisition wasnât possible, she was ready to stir things up.
Sitting together, Jacob and Josue shared a candid assessment of her tactics.
âBryan, Eileen was never this aggressive before. It seems sheâs learned a few tricks from you,â Jacob commented.
Josue, caught off guard, pressed further. âWhat was Eileen like in the past? By the time I met her, she was already a forceâjuggling her duties expertly even while pregnant.â
Jacob lounged on the sofa, a toothpick dangling from his lips, lost in thought. He struggled to recall the earlier days. Now, his memories were dominated by Eileenâs formidable presence as a business titan.
In the spacious room, Gabrielaâs babble filled the air as she reached for the pacifier in Bryanâs hand. The pretext for this meeting had been to use Jacob as a casual reunion bait, but Josueâs real motive was to see Gabriela. Since Gabrielaâs arrival, Bryan had been inseparable from her, constantly cradling her. Josue, relegated to the role of observer, found it preferable to watch her than miss her presence entirely.
âBryan, sheâs tough, but donât forget sheâs also a woman. You staying home to care for the child while not working isnât fitting for a man,â Josue remarked, suggesting Bryan should return to his professional life.
As Gabriela grew restless, Bryan soothingly returned the pacifier to her, casting a knowing glance at Josue. âWerenât you once quite content living off a woman?â he retorted.
The color drained from Josueâs face at the reminder.
Jacob weighed in, âHis situation was different. He was with a wealthy heiress and embraced the role of consort by choice.â
And what about Bryanâs circumstances? Before winning Eileenâs heart, he had been her steadfast protector. Afterward, it seemed he had let go of those burdens.
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