Chapter 6: Who Gave Him the Courage!

Eliana stood in front of Chase, "It was Mr. Zierman who harass me first, that's why I fought back. If I didn't retaliate and went along with him, Dad, you would be ridiculed by people in the circle as a hypocritical businessman who sells his daughter for fame." Randall's face instantly turned livid, his eyes widened in anger, but he couldn't find any words to respond to her. Camille helped Randall sit down and patted his back, "Your dad's not in good health, don't be mad at him. We are still family." Looking at Camille's caring demeanor and pleasant appearance, Eliana pitied her own mother, who was proud and cold, incapable of groveling, thus losing to such a cunning woman. Although Eliana had been seen for many years, every time they met, she still felt Camille was extremely hypocritical. Suddenly, a deep male voice came from beside her, "Mrs. Griffith, if you really mean it, shouldn't you sincerely support Lena in building her career? She got married today and went to work right after taking off her wedding dress. Can't you see her dedication?" With his words, the three people on the sofa were dumbfounded. This newlywed son-in-law, just married into the family, dared to point fingers at them? Who gave him the courage? Eliana was quite satisfied with Chase's performance. He really listened to her - no holding back. Vanessa sneered, "Lena just took office and already stirred up trouble. How are people supposed to trust her?" "In business, one must not be too hasty. Stability comes step by step. Lena, you're still too impatient," Camille lectured with the airs of an elder. It became clear to Eliana that today they were targeting her, even trying to force her to relinquish real power. Escaping today was futile; in her father's eyes, she would still bear the label of irresponsibility, making it easier for Camille and Vanessa to find fault with her. A servant came to relay a message that a Mr. Zierman was waiting at the door. Vanessa quickly seized the opportunity, "Dad, Mr. Zierman is here. He must be here for compensation." Camille, always eager for drama, said, "Let him in first." Then she turned to Eliana, "Lena, don't worry. Whatever happens, we'll handle it for you." Soon, the servant wheeled in Mr. Zierman, who was wrapped in bandages while sitting in a wheelchair. Seeing him, Camille saw the chance to bring Eliana down a notch and quickly stepped forward, "Mr. Zierman, how did you get so badly injured? It's Lena's fault. I know it. She acted impulsively towards you. If you can forgive her, I'm willing to do anything." Who was she, as a stepmother, to take the blame for her? Everything was explained just now; it wasn't Eliana's fault. Was Camille trying to apologize for something she didn't do? Randall sneered, glaring at Eliana, "What are you still standing there for? Apologize to Mr. Zierman." "Hitting someone so badly, sis, you really went all out. I bet it wasn't you who did it, but your husband," Vanessa taunted, but when she looked at Chase, his glance silenced her. Though he hadn't said a word, she felt cold sweat breaking out on her back. Mr. Zierman hurriedly waved his hand, with a humble expression, "Mr. Griffith, I came specifically to apologize to Ms. Griffith. What happened at noon today was my fault. After Ms. Griffith's lessons, I dare not do it again. Our cooperation will proceed as originally agreed." Although his speech was unclear, his words were clear. Not to mention the stunned expressions of the three members of the Griffith family on the sofa, even Eliana was shocked. Did she hear correctly? He came to apologize? Camille realized what was happening and couldn't hold back her expression, "Lena, look what you've done, he was beaten into a moron!" "Mr. Zierman, are you being threatened? It's okay, you can tell us, the Griffith family will help you," Vanessa asked with concern, stepping forward. Mr. Zierman looked at the two people in front of him and snorted in his heart. What good is the Griffith family? If you could make decisions, I wouldn't be sitting here begging for forgiveness. The other party is the richest man in New York. He shook a leg in LA, you'll be crushed. Zierman pushed away the two people in front of him impatiently, "I already said, I came to ask for Ms. Griffith's forgiveness and to sign the contract. Are you deaf? Right now, I just want to know Ms. Griffith's opinion." Eliana didn't respond, not sure what he was up to. "Are you really here to make amends? You're not going to hold what I did against you?" "I am sincere. After being educated by you, I have seen the error of my ways. I will never do such beastly things again." If it weren't for both of his legs and hands being in casts, Mr. Zierman would definitely kneel down to apologize to her. "Given your sincerity, the cooperation will continue," Eliana said, taking out her car keys and handing them to Chase. "Go fetch the contract for me." Chase took the keys and left quickly. Soon, he returned with the documents and handed them to Mr. Zierman. When Mr. Zierman took them and made eye contact with him, he trembled all over, feeling his pants getting a little wet. He quickly signed the papers, "It's signed. Glad to work with the Griffith Enterprise, Ms. Griffith. I'll go back now." With that, he quickly left the Griffith residence with his assistant. Seeing everything going so smoothly, Vanessa felt resentful. The opportunity to add insult to injury slipped away. "Dad, everything's been settled. We have no other business here. I will go home with Chase," Eliana said, taking Chase's hand, ready to leave. Randall stopped them, sitting on the sofa with an arrogant posture. "I haven't figured out what's going on between you and Jeremy, why you suddenly switched husbands at the wedding." Bringing up this matter caused Eliana a sharp pain in her heart. "Dad, it's more appropriate to ask Vanessa about this. I also don't understand how she ended up with my ex-boyfriend." Vanessa's expression froze, and the next second, she collapsed onto Camille's shoulder, sobbing. "Jimmy said he liked me. He was tired of Lena's arrogance and aloofness, feeling that I was more suitable for him. We only got together after they broke up, there was definitely no cheating involved." "Lena, your personality should've changed long ago, but you insist on being just like your mother, lacking the feminine," Randall sighed, a mix of blame and disdain in his tone. For him, it didn't matter which daughter was with Jeremy; they were both daughters of Griffith family anyway. Eliana laughed mockingly, "We parted ways this morning, and you're already together in the afternoon, pregnant no less. What kind of specie matures in just one day?" Vanessa's face turned white as a sheet, her expression twisted. She couldn't find the words, just tears streaming down her face as she leaned into Camille's shoulder. "Mom, it's all my fault. But Jimmy had feelings for me, I didn't ask for it. We just... fell for each other. I've brought shame to the family. I wish I could disappear..."