Chapter 76
Elara’s adoptive father had leveraged a so–called past favor to pressure Harvey into marrying that woman. Hut now, that undeserving country girl had finally been kicked out by Harvey once and for all!
Ethel’s expression softened into a warm smile, as if she was basking in the glow of spring sunshine.
“You all should help me keep an eye out–find a few well–matched, respectable young ladies from Capitol.
“It’s time to start arranging marriage meetings for Harvey. My precious grandson can’t grow up without a mother’s love.”
The socialite wives immediately became animated, eagerly inquiring about the kind of daughter–in–law Ethel preferred.
Just then, someone suddenly gasped, “Oh! Elara was interviewed by Gingham TV! She’s making waves–she actually placed first in the ALI Math Competition preliminaries!”
The moment Elara’s name was mentioned, Ethel’s smile instantly dropped.
Meanwhile, the other elite wives were buzzing with excitement.
“The ALI Math Competition carries an enormous weight! Anyone who makes it to the top 20 in the finals is immediately sought after by major corporations, government agencies, and prestigious universities!”
“But I remember Elara only has a bachelor’s degree. How on earth could she win first place in a math competition?
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“Could it be that the organizing committee knew she was Mrs. Fisher and gave her first place as a favor to the Fisher family?”
“That seems unlikely. The ALI Math Competition is run by academic purists from top universities. Plus, Elara explicitly stated in the interview that she’s divorced–she’s not benefiting from the Fisher name anymore.”
Ethel, who was lost in thought for a moment, suddenly had a realization.
“ALI Group collaborates with Fisher Corp. Gosh. I’ll have Harvey reach out to their executives and make sure they stop giving that woman any special treatment just because of Fisher Corp.”
She then let out a satisfied laugh.
“The organizing committee probably put her in first place because of Fisher Corp, and she had the audacity to accept a Gingham TV interview as if she truly earned it. Does she have no self–awareness of her actual abilities?
“It’s actually good that she’s so eager to distance herself from the Fisher family in front of the media. Once the final results come out, she’ll be utterly humiliated! The bigger the stage Gingham TV gives her, the harder she’ll fall!”
Hearing Ethel’s words, the other wealthy socialites all nodded in agreement.
Just then, Ethel’s phone rang. She glanced at the screen–it was her assistant calling. She picked up without hesitation.
“Madam Foster, they went in!”
Her assistant’s voice was urgent and frantic.
“What?” Ethel frowned, irritated by the vague report. “Who went in? What are you talking about-”
“Madam Ethel Foster.” A deep male voice interrupted her.
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+25 BONUS
Chapter 76.
It had been a long time since someone called her by her full name. The unfamiliar weight of it made her momentarily disoriented.
Ethel looked up and saw more than a dozen uniformed officers standing before her. The lead investigator stepped forward and presented his badge.
“You are under investigation for your involvement in Mr. Janes Osborne’s bribery and embezzlement case. Please come with us.”
The assembled socialites, who had just been engaged in lively conversation, fell into stunned silence. They watched, wide–eyed and apprehensive, as Ethel was escorted away. Some exchanged uneasy glances, while others dared not even react.
At Fisher Corp’s CEO’s Office, Harvey leaned back in his executive chair. He had his eyes closed as if he was resting. The cold daylight spilled through the floor–to–ceiling windows, casting a glow over his sharply defined features. NGT Group had originally planned to invest further in Fisher Corp’s technology department, but the deal was abruptly withdrawn after his divorce from Elara.
The board members were clearly displeased. They had intended to leverage Elara’s high–profile interview with Gingham TV to impress the NGT Group CEO, only for the situation to backfire, humiliating them on an international stage.
Harvey furrowed his brow, pressing his fingers to his temple.
If Elara managed to perform well in the finals as well… Then perhaps, just perhaps, he could lower himself to ask her to come back.
