63 The Ex–Husband’s Calculated Generosity
braced myself as Wethua stormed into my office without knocking. The dark circles under his eyes and his disheveled appearance told me everything I needed to know before he even opened his mouth.
“How’s your aunt?” I asked, keeping my voice heutral
“Don’t pretend you care, be snapped, dropping into the chair across from my desk. “You haven’t even visited her at the hospital
I bit back a sharp retort. I’ve been busy trying to figure out how to help.
Weihua laughed bitterly. “Help? You mean like your friend Vera’s doing? My father says her promised investment has suddenly disappeared.”
“That’s not what happened-”
“Save it.” He leaned forward, eyes narrowed. “I need fifty million. By the end of the
week”
The number hit me like a physical blow. “Fifty million dollars? Are you insane?”
“Our family business is about to collapse. Dad’s investors are threatening lawsuits. We need that money to stay afloat.
I stared at him in disbelief. “And you think I have fifty million just lying around?”
“Don’t play dumb with me, Hazel. His voice dripped with contempt. “Everyone knows your ex–husband practically handed you this company. And now you’ve got the mighty Sebastian Sinclair backing you.”
My hands clenched into fists under my desk. “That’s not true, I worked for everything I have. And I’m still paying back my loan to the Sinclairs
Right. His tone made it clear he didn’t believe me. “Whatever story helps you sleep at night
want to help Aunt Mel, but I don’t have that kind of money?
Then get it” He stamined his hand on my desk. “Borrow it from your bathonaire boyfriend sell some shares I don’t care how you do
Itook a deep breath. “I can help, but i need time
We don’t have time! The vein in his forehead pulsed dangerously “Dad’s talking about filing for bankruptcy by next week
Shouting at me won’t make money appear magically. I said, struggling to keep my
voice even. “I can maybe raise a million or two quickly, but fifty?”
“A million?” He laughed scornfully. “That’s like throwing a bucket of water on a forest
fire:
“It’s all I can offer right now.”
Weihua stood up, his chair scraping loudly against the floor. “This is exactly why Mom always said you were selfish. Your aunt took care of you after your mother died, and
now you can’t even help when she needs you?”
The unfairness of his accusation stung. “That’s not true. 1-
“Save your excuses.” He leaned across my desk, towering over me. “Fifty million by
Friday, or don’t bother showing your face at family gatherings ever again.”
Something inside me snapped. I stood up, meeting his gaze directly.
“Let me be very clear,” I said, my voice dangerously quiet. “I will help Aunt Mel because I love her, not because you’re threatening me. But if you ever speak to me like this again, you can consider our family ties permanently severed.
The sudden steel in my voice caught him off guard. He blinked, taking a small step
back
You wouldn’t-
Try me. I didn t raise my voice, but my tone left no room for doubt. Trecut ties with
worse people than you
The silence between us crackled with tension
A knock at my door broke the standoff. My assistant poked her head in: “Ms. Shaw, Mr.
Everett is here to see you
Perfect timing Just what I needed to make this disaster complete
Before I could respond Alistair waltzed in, immaculate m his designer suit. He assessed the situation with a quick glance his practiced smile never faltering.
Am I interrupting something?” he asked smoothly
“We were Rust finishing. I said firmly.
Weihua’s eyes darted between us, a calculating look crossing his face. “Actually, your timing is perfect. Mr Everett. Perhaps you could talk some sense into your ex–wife
Alistair raised an eyebrow. “Oh? About what?”
“Her aunt–my mother–needs financial help. Urgently. Fifty million dollars urgently
I watched Alistair’s expression change, that familiar look when he sensed an opportunity. It made my skin crawi.
That’s quite a substantial sum,” he said, his voice carefully measured. “May I ask what
it’s for?”
“Our family business is in crisis,” Weihua explained, suddenly respectful now that he was addressing someone he considered powerful. “We need to clear debts and avoid bankruptcy
Alistair nodded thoughtfully, then turned to me with a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “Hazel, if this is important to you, I’d be happy to help.”
No: I said immediately.
“I could arrange the loan,” he continued as if I hadn’t spoken. “Of course, it would be recorded under your name, since we’re no longer married.
And there it was. The trap. If Laccepted, I’d be indebted to him for years, exactly where he wanted me
Absolutely not I said firmly. “I appreciate the offer, Alistair, but this isn’t your
Concern
bria Caster Gehrmgiry
“Hazel Weźma looked outraged. “He’s offering to help!”
Ne he’s offering focreate another way to control me Hturned to Alistan. If you want to help my cousin directly, thats between you two. But I won’t be involved.
Alistair’s smile tightened. I’m only trying to help you, Hazel
“We both know that’s not true
Weihua looked between us, clearly confused by my refusal. “Are you seriously turning down fifty million dollars because of pride?”
“It’s not pride! I said, not taking my eyes off Alistair. “It’s self–preservation.”
Alistair shrugged, turning to Weihua, “I’d be happy to discuss terms with you directly, if you prefer
Weihua’s eyes lit up. “Really? That would be-
“But.” Alistair interrupted smoothly. “I’d need to see detailed financials first. Complete transparency. And I’d want controlling interest in your company as collateral.
The hope on Weihua’s face crumbled. “Controlling interest? But it’s a family business….
“Business is business,” Alistair said coldly. “Fifty million is a significant risk without proper safeguards.”
I almost laughed at how quickly Alistair’s generous facade dissolved when there wasn’t
a way to use me in the equation.
Weihua shot me a look of pure hatred, as if this too was somehow my fault. “Forget it,” he spat, heading for the door. “I’ll find another way”
The door slammed behind him, leaving me alone with Alistair
“That was quite a performance; I said, sinking back into my chair.
Alistair smiled, taking the seat Weihua had vacated. “I meant what I said. Tm happy to help you, Hazel”
Help me, or help yourself to more control over my life?
I be both Flis smile was infuriating
shook my head What do you want, Alistair? Why are you here?
I came to discuss the charity gala next month. But this seems more interesting” He leaned forward. How exactly are you planning to raise fifty million dollars?
The question made my stomach knot, I had no idea how I would help my aunt
That’s none of your business
“Are you going to sell your shares in the company?” he pressed, watching me closely
I kept my face neutral, but my silence betrayed me. It was exactly what I’d been considering.
Alistair’s eyes gleamed with triumph. “You are, aren’t you? You’re going to sell your precious company to help family members who’ve never appreciated you.
“I said it’s none of your business,” I repeated, hating how well he could still read me.
“Let me help you, Hazel. No strings attached. His voice softened to that persuasive tone I knew too well. “For old times‘ sake.”
“There’s always a string with you, Alistair.” I stood up, indicating our meeting was over. “Always a hidden cost. And I can’t afford it anymore.
He rose slowly, adjusting his perfect suit. “Well, when you change your mind–and you will–my offer stands. Fifty million dollars. Think about it.”
As the door closed behind him, I collapsed back into my chair, the weight of my impossible situation pressing down on me.
Fifty million dollars. The only asset I had worth that much was my stake in Evening Gala
My company. My dream. My independence
pulled out my phone, staring at Sebastian’s contact information. I could call hum, ask for help, but then I’d be trading one form of dependence for another
I closed my eyes, trying to find a solution that wouldn’t cost me everything Ed fought
The Ex–husband’s Calculated Generumaty
so hard to build.
