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Chapter 6 The Malicious Mother and the Sentimental Grandpa

In the evening, at the Blair household, James headed to the study after dinner, leaving just two people in the living room.

"Nova, you seemed a bit out of it during dinner. Is it because things aren't moving forward with Zachary?" her mom, Olivia Smith, asked.

Nova sighed and spilled everything that had gone down in the past few days.

"What? The high-priced foreign designer you hired is Alice?" Olivia's face twisted in shock.

That witch dared to come back after what happened five years ago? And now she's Stelln Jewel, the key person Zachary brought in from abroad to save the company.

The mess five years ago was all David's fault. If Alice found out the truth, Nova would be in deep trouble.

Not only could the company change hands, but she and her daughter might also get booted from the Blair family.

Thinking about it made Olivia panic a bit.

"Nova, what do you think Zachary's up to?" Olivia knew Zachary well enough to know that Alice wouldn't be in the company without his approval.

"Mom, Zachary really values her skills. I think..." Nova trailed off.

Olivia got it. Unless Alice did something to really tick Zachary off, getting rid of her would be tough.

But then, Olivia had a realization.

Some problems couldn't be solved just by pushing them away.

Even if they got rid of Alice this time, they couldn't stop her from coming back forever. As long as she was around, Nova and Olivia wouldn't have any peace.

But if they let her join JewelSparkle, it would be risky.

Of course, there was an upside.

At least with Alice nearby, they could keep tabs on her and intervene if needed.

Since Zachary hired Alice to save Jewel Sparkle, if the company didn't improve under her watch, Zachary would be furious without them lifting a finger.

Making millions a year with no results? She'd be in big trouble.

If Alice ticked off Zachary, and with Nova stirring the pot, Zachary would be mad. That way, Alice might never come back.

If Alice actually managed to save JewelSparkle, that would be fine too. They'd benefit from the company's success.

Then, it would just be a matter of finding a way to kick her out.

With this in mind, Olivia had a plan. "Nova, listen to me. Whether Alice stays or goes, it's good for us. If she stays, we can plant a spy to keep an eye on her. If she can save the company, we benefit. If she can't, with that high salary, do you think Zachary will let her off?"

Nova listened to Olivia's reasoning and hesitated for a moment.

After a bit, she shyly said, "Mom, I'm scared she'll steal Zachary."

Olivia couldn't help but laugh, "Silly girl, don't you get it?"

Nova looked confused.

"JewelSparkle is in a rut right now. If she wants to save the company, she'll need to make big changes and will have a lot of work and enemies. You can start some rumors about her. You don't need to drive her away; just make Zachary dislike her. Even if she's in the company, Zachary won't be interested in her, and your problems will be solved," Olivia explained.

The more Nova listened, the more it made sense, and her worries started to fade.

Nova jumped up and hugged Olivia, "Mom, you're amazing. I love you."

"You silly child." Olivia patted her head affectionately. "By the way, how are things going with Zachary?"

Nova looked downcast and shook her head, indicating no progress. "Mom, I need some advice."

"Silly girl, it's tough for a guy to chase a girl he likes, but it's way easier for a girl to go after a guy she likes, especially in bed. You need to make a move and sleep with him," Olivia said with a sly smile.

"But Zachary doesn't seem interested in me that way. He doesn't even touch me," Nova said, feeling helpless.

"If he doesn't touch you, then you touch him. He might resist at first, but if you get him going, he won't be able to resist," Olivia advised.

Nova blushed at her mom's bold words and hesitated. "But if Zachary finds out, won't it be bad?"

"So what if he finds out? You love him and want to be with him, right? Besides, five years ago, he slept with you when he was drunk. What's wrong with doing it again now?"

Nova nodded, already forming a plan in her mind.

At the Hall family mansion, Zachary stood silently outside his grandfather's room.

He knocked, and after hearing a steady response, he pushed the door open.

Inside, an elderly man with white hair stood straight in front of a photograph. The military uniform he wore had been tempered by time, fitting him perfectly. Though slightly faded, it still exuded a sense of resilience.

Hearing the noise, he slowly turned and looked at Zachary. His calm eyes carried a hint of sadness. The medals on his chest silently told stories of thrilling past events, each one a witness to history, bearing glory and sorrow.

Zachary greeted, "Grandpa Benjamin."

Benjamin said, "I heard that girl Alice is back in the country?"

Zachary nodded.

"Come here, look at the person in this photo," Benjamin waved.

Zachary knew the person in the photo was Alice's grandfather, William Blair, his grandfather Benjamin Hall's old comrade.

He straightened his appearance and stood beside Benjamin, looking at the photo.

His tall figure was a head taller than Benjamin, but the authority Benjamin exuded made him feel pressured.

"The Blair family has a clean background and a simple family style. I watched Alice grow up; I don't believe she would do such a thing," Benjamin said.

"But it already happened," Zachary replied calmly.

Five years ago, it was the two elders who strongly pushed for it. He was not interested in Alice, let alone after such a ridiculous incident.

"It happened? Did you see it with your own eyes?" Benjamin's voice was stern. "Don't speak so definitively without evidence; it's easy to be manipulated by others."

Benjamin spoke to Zachary in a seasoned tone, "Alice is a good girl. I picked her as your future wife when you were young. She's William's granddaughter; she can't be bad. I know William's character very well!"

"Grandpa, you can't assume Mr. Blair's granddaughter shares his good character," Zachary retorted. Normally, he would go along with Benjamin, but he sensed something different in his tone and quickly stopped him.

But it was too late.

To be precise, Benjamin didn't care what Zachary thought and continued, "Zachary, Alice is a good girl. I'll give you a month to win her back."

Zachary shook his head in refusal. It was impossible; he didn't like her. They had only met a few times, and she left a bad impression.

Let alone the scandalous rumors of her from back then; he had no interest in the reasons behind them.

Benjamin sighed, looking at the last photo with William, and patted Zachary's shoulder.

"I'm getting old. I want to see you get married and have children in my lifetime. If possible, I'd like to hold my great-grandchild."

"Grandpa, I..."

Zachary understood Benjamin's meaning. He wanted to argue, but seeing the sadness in Benjamin's eyes, he softened. "I can give her a chance..."

"Really?" Benjamin's eyes lit up.

"But let me be clear, only for a month. If we still don't feel anything, you can't force me."

"Okay, I believe Alice will win you over!" Benjamin smiled.

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