Chapter 812 Helping Out
Over dinner, Terrence grew increasingly satisfied with Tiffany after he received Oscar’s promise. As they headed out, Oscar said, “Mr. Terrence, I shall leave my friend in your hands. Please take good care of her in the Hisson residence. The Clintons are willing to collaborate with your family as long as she is doing fine.”
Terrence nodded and flashed a pleasant smile. “Tiffany is my granddaughter-in-law. There’s no way I’ll treat her harshly.” Oscar shot him a nod. “Mr. Terrence, if that’s it, Amelia and I shall take our leave. Our kids are still at home.”
Terrence chuckled. “Sure. We shall meet another day when you’re free. You’re a sensible man, so we can go fishing together,” he suggested.
“No problem. I’ve always wanted to learn how to fish from you, Mr. Terrence. Why don’t we do that this weekend? If you’re free, of course.”
Hearing that, Terrence let out a hearty chuckle.
“That sounds like a great idea! It’s decided, then.”
Oscar exchanged a few pleasantries with him before he got into the car with Amelia.
Terrence stood in his spot as his smile slipped. Glancing at Kate, he said coldly, “Let’s go.”
Back in the Hisson residence, Terrence told Derrick to bring Tiffany to their room before he led Kate to his study.
“Dad, is there anything you need from me?” Kate asked, feigning ignorance.
Terrence cast a look at her. “When will Crystal leave?”
Kate’s lips curved up into a smile. “Dad, I’m bored at home, so I want her to stay for a few days to keep me company. You won’t object to it, right?”
“Kate, you’re a smart woman. I believe you realized that I asked for your help to invite Oscar and Amelia here to provide them assurance. I need Oscar’s help since Clinton Corporations has been developing at a fast rate these few years. It’s doing so much better than the other companies that were established at the same time. If we want our company to do better, we must collaborate with Clinton Corporations. I hope you won’t create any trouble for me,” Terrence said sternly.
Instantly, Kate’s expression turned dark. A myriad of thoughts flashed across her mind before she said, “Dad, you acquiesced to Crystal’s presence previously. Why did you suddenly change your mind after a few days?”
Hearing that, Terrence let out a sigh.
Glancing at Kate, he reminded her, “You’ve led a lavish and easy life for too long, so you assume our family is still as prominent as ever. You have no idea that most of the businesses in Tayhaven have been acquired by the Clinton family. Their influence is beyond your imagination. A few days ago, Oscar came to me and claimed he wanted to work with our family. Actually, he was exerting pressure on us. It looks like Tiffany is pretty important to him. He wasn’t joking around when he said he took her to be his god-sister. Don’t destroy the Hisson family just for your greed.”
Kate hung her head low as reluctance flashed across her gorgeous face. After all, she went to great lengths in order to kick Tiffany out. As such, she was unwilling to give up and let her plan fall short.
“Kate, there’s no doubt that you’re clever. Previously, you looked down on Tiffany because of her background. But now that the Clinton family is backing her up, you should stop scheming against her,” Terrence added.
Despite her reluctance, Kate had to listen to Terrence’s words. I’ll have to hold back my plans, then.
“Dad, I got it. I won’t interfere in their relationship anymore. However, it won’t be my fault if they don’t end up together.”
Terrence bobbed his head to acknowledge her words.
“Dad, I shall take my leave now. Good night.”
“Go, then.”
After that, Kate padded back to her own room. Finnick took one look at her dark expression and knew that she had suffered a setback before his father.
He asked, “Why? Did Dad reprimand you?”
After she heard his question, Kate’s expression turned a shade darker.
“Stop fretting. If you don’t like her, we can just kick her out. I think we can deal with a young lady like her easily,” Finnick declared.
Kate sighed. “Dad values her as the Clintons are backing her up. He even warned me to stop making things difficult for her.”
Finnick lowered his gaze and gave it some thought.
“Dad’s gone senile. Clinton Corporations is the leading company in Tayhaven, and Oscar is well-known for his ambition. Is he using Tiffany to target our company? Did he strike up a friendship with Dad to get our company for himself?”
Kate’s brows furrowed up as she asked, “Darling, what do you mean?”
Finnick let out a snort. “I’m not good at running a business, but it’s pretty obvious even to me that Oscar isn’t a pushover. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have brought Clinton Corporations to such a height in just three years. Acquiring other companies is a good way for him to expand his company. I think he’s planning on acquiring our company.”
Kate was alarmed. At first, she merely didn’t want Oscar to back Tiffany up but had never thought about this. This is highly possible. If that’s the case, I can’t let Tiffany stay. She might bring misfortune to our family.
That night, everyone fell asleep in the Hisson residence harboring different thoughts.
The following morning, Crystal asked Kate out.
“Mrs. Hisson, are you not going to help me?” she asked directly.
Chuckling, Kate responded, “Silly girl. What are you talking about? Our plan shall go on as usual. Don’t worry, for I’ve already made the arrangements.”
Crystal’s lips curled into a smug grin, but it quickly disappeared.
“Mrs. Hisson, Mr. Terrence has already given you a warning. If we proceed with our plan and give ourselves away, will you have a hard time in the Hisson family?” she inquired innocently.
Hearing that, Kate became increasingly pleased with her.
“There’s no need to worry about that. We’re the only ones who know about the plan. No one will expect me to involve my son in the scheme!” Kate declared viciously with her eyes narrowed.
Tamping down the smugness in her eyes, Crystal replied, “I’ll follow your arrangements, then.”
Kate gave her a reassuring pat on the hand.
They then finished their coffee in the café and went shopping together.
As Kate and Crystal were having a great time, they didn’t realize someone was keeping an eye on them when they were scheming against others. Their every move was reported to a particular someone.
“Boss, Mrs. Hisson has been spending a lot of time with Crystal recently as though they are mother and daughter. I think Mrs. Hisson thinks of Crystal as her own daughter,” a bodyguard reported solemnly as he handed a stack of photos to Oscar.
Oscar studied the photos carefully and asked, “Did they do anything out of the ordinary?”
The bodyguard pondered the matter and responded, “Boss, they didn’t do anything strange. They would just eat and drink together before going shopping for clothes.”
Oscar fell into deep thought before he gave a dismissive wave and ordered, “You may leave now.”
“Yes, Boss.”
The bodyguard left the study and bumped into Amelia, who came upstairs with some food. He immediately greeted her, “Hello, Mrs. Clinton.”
“Are you leaving already? I prepared some snacks. Why don’t you have some before leaving?” Amelia asked.
“Thanks for the kind gesture, but I have to leave for work. You can bring the snacks to Boss.” As a subordinate, he dared not eat the food Amelia prepared.
The bodyguard gave Amelia a curt nod and left.
Amelia entered the study with the food. Hearing the noise, Oscar lifted his head and placed the photos down.
After placing the food on the desk, Amelia spotted the photos left aside.
She picked them up and realized someone had snapped photos of Kate and Crystal.
“Oscar, did you investigate them on behalf of me?” asked Amelia.
Getting to his feet, Oscar walked past his desk and pulled her into his arms. “I don’t want you to worry whether Tiffany is living well with the Hissons, so it’s better for me to investigate them thoroughly. If you wish, I can destroy Mrs. Hisson’s reputation so she won’t be able to stay in the Hissson family.”
Amelia turned around and bit his chin gently. “No need. If we do that, we’re no different from Mrs. Hisson.”
“Up to you,” came Oscar’s indulgent answer.
“Did you find anything strange from the investigation?”
Oscar shook his head.
“Perhaps Mrs. Hisson simply adores Crystal. Mr. Terrence is around, so she won’t be able to create any trouble.”
Amelia cupped Oscar’s cheeks and asked, “Oscar, tell me. Tiff is such a great girl, but why doesn’t Mrs. Hisson like her?”
“They just don’t click with each other, I guess. Stop thinking about this. I’ve already exerted pressure on Mr. Terrence. Kate should know what to do if she isn’t a fool,” Oscar assured her.
Amelia bobbed her head.
As she flipped through the photos, she had to admit that they looked amazing. Kate was a gorgeous woman. Her skin was supple and fair even though she was already in her sixties. Moreover, the photos were taken at a great angle, so one might even believe it if she claimed to be Crystal’s elder sister.
Pretty women like her were supposedly kind, but on the contrary, she was a wicked witch.
“Oscar, can I borrow two men from you to protect Tiff? She’s alone in the Hisson residence, and Mrs. Hisson is a threat. I’m worried about her,” Amelia said.
“Sure, I’ll make the arrangements right away. However, my men can only keep watch outside. They can’t interfere with the matters inside the house,” Oscar told her.
“That’s good enough.”
After feeding Oscar, Amelia brewed a cup of coffee for him. After Oscar’s belly was filled, he pinned her to the desk and shoved his documents aside.
His rough palm brushed across her cheek gently. “Honey, it’s the weekend. Why are you all worried about Tiffany? I’m jealous. It seems like you care about her more than me. You must make it up to me.”
Amelia met his gaze and giggled softly. She then flung her arms around his neck.
Instantly, Oscar’s gaze grew dark.
He cradled her head with his hand and deepened their kiss.
An uneventful night passed. Amelia personally picked two bodyguards to protect Tiffany in secret, but she didn’t let the latter know about it.
As such, Tiffany had no idea that she was protected. As usual, she stayed up late to finish her manuscript and would only go to bed when the others woke up. Because of that, she missed several opportunities to have breakfast with the Hissons in the morning.
Kate was displeased with that. In the morning, she took a sip of oatmeal and said, “Derrick, I need you to remind Tiffany that our family is an influential household, not a hotel where she can sleep whenever she likes. This is ridiculous. Sometimes, I don’t even see her in the afternoon. One would think you married a night owl instead of a wife.”
Furrowing his brows, Derrick did his best to stay calm. “Mom, I gave her a novel to adapt into a script recently. I’m planning to be a producer again. She’s serious with her work and strives for perfection. That’s why she often works till midnight.”
Kate’s anger coiled in her stomach. She was about to speak when Terrence coughed twice on purpose. “Young people should work hard. Stop being harsh on her. Tiffany and Derrick are in the same industry, so she can help him in his work.”
Hearing that, Kate had no choice but to tamp down her fury.
“Dad—”
“That’s enough. It’s rare for Derrick to have a day off and rest at home, so please stop nagging him.”
“Okay.” Kate caved in.
Turning to Derrick, Terrence said, “Derrick, you’re peers with Oscar. Come, let’s go fishing together. Young men like you should fish to develop your patience.”
Derrick grabbed a clean napkin to wipe his lips. “Granddad, when do you want to go fishing?”
“I thought of going fishing next weekend, but today’s weather is great. Let’s go fishing today.”
After giving it some thought, Derrick eventually agreed to it.
After breakfast, Derrick gave Oscar a call to inform the latter about Terrence’s request. Oscar agreed to the invitation readily.
They agreed to meet at six in the evening.
At the stipulated time, they arrived at a natural park and went to a scenic manmade lake.
Terrence was clearly in a good mood. Chuckling heartily, he said, “It’s been ages since I last came fishing. I think I’m not as skillful as before. You’ll have to spare my dignity. I’m old and don’t want to embarrass myself.”
Oscar’s lips curled into a smile. “Mr. Terrence, you’re still strong and healthy despite your age. I’m afraid Derrick and I aren’t your match. After all, the older, the wiser. We’re still young and inexperienced.”
His words managed to please Terrence immensely.
Terrence knew Oscar was a lion that was a light sleeper. There was no telling how powerful he would be when he woke up. Thus, Terrence dared not look down on him. Oscar might still be young, but his merciless actions were feared by many.
The three of them sat down and hooked the baits to their fishing rods. Then, they tossed the end of their rods into the lake.
Terrence gazed at the surface of the lake calmly. “Oscar, I heard that Clinton Corporations is interested in starting a collaboration with Hawk Networks from Erihal. I was planning on collaborating with this company too, but you jumped in before I could do so. Indeed, you’re outshining the older generation. I’m old, so I’m no longer your match.”
Oscar let out a light chuckle, but he didn’t expose Terrence right away. It wouldn’t harm to do Terrence a favor so Tiffany could feel more comfortable in the Hisson residence.
“Hawk Networks is planning on collaborating with three companies in Tayhaven. In their company, both quality and quantity are high on the agenda. Mr. Terrence, if you wish, I can make the introductions. I know one of the people in charge since our university days, so he’ll do me a favor,” Oscar explained.
Terrence’s eyes lit up.
“Thank you, Oscar. Our company wants to innovate. Previously, Hawk Networks told us that our development is stagnant. If we get to collaborate with a company this large-scale, we’ll get to gain traction in Erihal.”
To him, an entrepreneur who wanted to generate profit in the corporate world had to be flexible or cease to make progress.
Oscar nudged his fishing rod and said calmly, “You’re welcome, Mr. Terrence. I mentioned earlier that my wife and I will feel better knowing that Tiffany is doing well in the Hisson residence. Naturally, we won’t mistreat the Hisson family.”
Terrence chuckled without saying anything.
Right then, Oscar’s rod sank, so he increased his force and lifted the rod.
With that swift motion, a crucian carp around one kilogram emerged from the lake.
Oscar reeled in his rod and removed the bait from the crucian carp’s mouth. He then placed it in his pail.
Glancing at the fish he got, Terrence grinned and commented, “It looks like young people like you are capable indeed. An old man like me is no match for you as I’m not as skillful as before.”
Feeling pleased, Oscar replied, “I got lucky, that’s all. I need to thank you for allowing me to win.”
Returning his attention to his rod, Terrence shook his head. “I’m old and can no longer muster the energy. It’s time for the younger generation to shine.”
Oscar said nothing in response.
Derrick chimed in, “Granddad, you never give up. Why are you saying that you’re old? You’re not your usual self.”
Terrence gave him a pointed look. “If you agree to take over the company so I can retire, I won’t be saying that.”
“Granddad, you’re still strong and capable. I don’t have to inherit the company yet. You’ll live till a ripe, old age!”
Terrence stared at his fishing rod quietly. Suddenly, something occurred to him, and he burst out laughing. “Forget it. I’m old and can’t call the shots anymore. I need to remind you about one thing, though. You can establish other companies and fool around, but when the time comes, you’ll have to return and take over our family business.”
Derrick was tongue-tied.
Seeing his reaction, Terrence cleared his throat on purpose. “Derrick, don’t forget your promise.”
Derrick’s expression turned dark as he seemed to have recalled something. “Got it, Granddad,” he responded.
After their fishing session ended, Terrence chatted with them briefly before getting into his car. Holding his fishing rod, Derrick said sincerely, “I owe you one, Mr. Clinton. Thanks to you, things will be easier for Tiff in the Hisson residence.”
“I did that for Amelia.”
Derrick chuckled. “I’m glad that Tiff has such a great friend like Amelia.”
Oscar gave him a look and mocked, “I think a man should be capable of protecting their own woman. You don’t want to be a loser, do you?”
Derrick looked grim. “I know.” Of all the words available, those were the only ones he could manage.
Oscar gave a curt nod and strode over to his car.
