Chapter 70

Clearly, Shirley was really pissed off. "Shut up!"

Paula chuckled lightly. "Did I hit a nerve? No need to get all worked up. Sure, the money and the house are Elora's, but all the work falls on you. Shows Brandon still needs you."

Shirley glared at Paula. "Shut up! Just shut up!"

I was worried Paula might push too far. What if Shirley decided to hit her?

Paula seemed to read my mind and taunted, "You gonna hit me? Do you dare?"

Shirley, who had been holding a vase, put it down.

"What's so great about Elora? She just had a kid with Mr. Jordan, but I..."

Shirley stopped mid-sentence, and Paula got curious. "What?"

Shirley snapped back. "What's it to you?"

Paula sighed. "I'm just saying, you should have a kid like Elora. That way, you could be with Mr. Jordan forever."

I scoffed. Even I, who had three kids with him, got dumped. What chance does someone with no background have?

"If you have a kid, Mr. Jordan will buy you a big house like Elora's. Didn't you say this place is too small? Just do as I say."

Shirley rolled her eyes. She didn't want to admit it, but Paula had a point.

I sent Paula some photos I had taken earlier-evidence of Elora and another man entering a hotel.

Paula looked at the photos, paused for a moment, then excitedly spoke to Shirley.

"How about this, Shirley? I'll make you a deal.

"I'll give you some information, and you owe me a favor."

"What kind of favor?"

"I haven't decided yet, but these photos are pretty juicy."

Paula looked at Shirley. "Do you want to see them? They're about Elora."

After thinking it over, Shirley finally agreed and nodded.

Paula then handed over the photos I had taken, one by one.

Shirley was furious. "Elora is already spoiled by Brandon, and she's still doing this? Disgusting!"

Shirley's words echoed my own thoughts. I couldn't understand why Elora would do such a thing. Was she just seeking thrills?

This was definitely a way to attack Elora, and I wasn't going to let it go easily.

Paula didn't say anything, just put the photos away. "So, what do you think? Pretty good, right?"

Shirley nodded at the photos. "Where did you get these?"

"I have my ways. How about we work together? I'll give you the photos, and you can do whatever you want with them. But when you get money from Brandon, you give me half."

"I need to start thinking about my future too. If you don't agree, then forget it."

Shirley hesitated, but Paula's position in Brandon's company made it convenient for her to get insider information.

After a long pause, Shirley finally nodded.

"Send me the photos!"

Shirley stared at the photos for a long time. I knew she was fuming inside, but she didn't show it in front of Paula.

Knowing Shirley, she would definitely confront Elora and complain to Brandon. And it had nothing to do with me.

Paula hung up, and I mulled over what Shirley had said. Clearly, there were still secrets between her and Brandon. Otherwise, he wouldn't keep her around.

I texted Paula, "I think Shirley's hiding more. Keep an eye on her for me."

Paula quickly replied, "Got it."

I reminded her, "Delete our chat history and everything I sent you. No one can find out."

Paula sent back an OK emoji.

That night, Brandon called me, drunk, saying it was too late to come home.

I asked, "How did the negotiations go?"

Brandon's voice was slurred, "We'll talk when I get back. I need to sleep now."

The next morning, Earl brought Brandon home.

Probably because of the heavy drinking, Brandon slumped on the couch, complaining of a headache and asking me to rub his head.

I looked at him and asked, "Did it go well?"

Brandon nodded, his voice hoarse, "Yeah."

"Oscar is really pleased with me. I also connected with some overseas distributors. They all think our building materials are the best."

It seemed like it had gone well. Brandon wouldn't be this happy otherwise.

"Really? So we can start supplying overseas?"

Brandon nodded, "And two overseas investors want to partner with us!"

I acted very excited because this meant I could move on to the next step.

"Now we just have to wait for those foreigners to visit our company. If everything checks out, we can start our international business!"

I forced a smile, "Really? That soon?"

"Of course. They probably think other building materials are too expensive, so this is perfect for a partnership."

Brandon was so happy, he kept talking non-stop.

When he finally took a break, I said, "Honey, you must be exhausted. Get some sleep."

He nodded and went to bed.

The next morning, Brandon happily went back to the office to share the news with his team.

I returned to my usual routine, taking care of the kids and occasionally meeting up with Joanna and Kathy.

Until one day, I came home furious. Brandon was watching TV, and Holly was taking care of the kids.

Seeing Brandon, I held back my anger and told Holly, "Holly, take the kids to their room."

Holly understood immediately and took the kids away.

Brandon, still in high spirits from his big deal, looked confused, "Honey, what's wrong? Why are you so mad?"

I sneered at Brandon, "Did you know auditors came to the company today?"

Brandon froze for a moment, then tried to act normal, "So what? That's routine."

"Routine? You call it routine when the company doesn't have a single cent?"

Brandon's face changed, staring at me, "How do you know that?"

"How do I know? Those auditors were sent by Joanna to see if you have the capability to partner with overseas companies. And guess what? You don't!"

"What kind of company doesn't have a single cent?"