Chapter 431 A Promise to Protect
The next morning, Shawn arrived at the house to pick up Kelly and take her to the company,
The media was in an uproar, speculating about their secret relationship.
Kelly didn’t shy away from the rumors. Although she never confirmed anything directly, her meetings with Shawn became more frequent and increasingly open.
“Kelly, Mr. Zion’s has just passed away, and you’re already planning to be with Shawn? Do you even have a conscience? Mr. Zion just died, and you’re already thinking of remarrying?”
The moment she stepped into the company, an old employee confronted her, outraged on behalf of Zev.
Most of these employees were long–time confidants who had served under Wade. “No wonder Mr. Wade never approved of you and refused to let Mr. Zion marry you. You’re nothing but a heartless woman!
“And to think you’re carrying Mr. Zion’s child! I wouldn’t be surprised if that child isn’t even his!”
Doubts began to spread. Was the child in Kelly’s womb truly–Zev’s?
This was exactly the outcome Patrick had hoped for. He had undoubtedly been fueling the fire within the company, spreading rumors and stirring up resentment.
Kelly looked at the old employees. At this moment, she couldn’t take drastic action against them. All she could do was offer reassurance. “The child I’m carrying is Zev’s. I will give birth to this child. As for Shawn, don’t believe everything you see online. Ask yourselves. Suppose I didn’t maintain a close relationship with Shawn. Would Lockhart Group’s projects and departments still be able to operate smoothly?”
The employees hesitated. They feared Shawn and the Wagner Group. Seeing Kelly and Shawn interacting closely, even the business partners sensed the power shift. They didn’t dare to offend the Lockhart Group.
Moreover, the company’s actual performance and revenue had already surpassed previous years under Kelly’s management.
The employees were momentarily silenced.
“Even so, you can’t just sacrifice your reputation. The rumors outside are spreading like wildfire! They’re saying you plan to sell off Lockhart Group, remarry, and hand the company over to someone else.” An old employee sighed, clearly feeling that the company was being wronged.
“Mr. Carter, please come with me,” Kelly called out to one of them, an executive named George Carter.
Wade had personally promoted him and had worked under Sylvester for a while, and he was trustworthy.
He was a straightforward man who often clashed with others in the company. But precisely because of this, he was someone Kelly could rely on.
“George, when Grandpa was still alive, he mentioned you to me and Zev. He said that after he was gone, we could doubt anyone, but we must trust you.” Kelly led him into a private meeting room. She needed a key figure to help stabilize the company’s internal turmoil.
George sighed. “Mr. Wade’s passing was such a pity. If he were still here, Mr. Zion wouldn’t ha
Kelly didn’t let him finish. She looked him in the eye and said in a low voice, “Mr. Carter, you are a man of integrity. I hope you can trust me. No matter what happens, no matter what news you hear. Please do not
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Chapter 431 A Promise to Protect
believe it. Zev is not dead
Kelly was probably right: Zev had been locked up by Patrick’s people.
If he could get out, he would’ve already found a way to contact her.
George froze, staring at her in shock. “Is this true?”
Kelly nodded. “There’s too much I can’t explain all at once, but Mr. Warle must have told you about the conspiracy behind Sylvester’s kidnapping and murder.”
George’s expression darkened. A flicker of fear flashed in his eyes. “He did. I spent years investigating on Mr. Wade’s behalf but found nothing. Even now, I still have no leads.”
He sighed again.
Given Lockhart Group’s influence and connections, the fact that the case was omitted from the records was deeply unsettling.
“That’s why, no matter what happens, no matter what the media reports, I beg you to trust me. For Zev, for the Lockharts, please help me stabilize Lockhart Group’s internal affairs.”
George was silent for a long time before he finally nodded. “For Lockhart Group. For the Lockharts. For Mr. Wade.”
Kelly let out a breath of relief and nodded. “I promise you, no matter what the media says, I will not remarry, and I will never hand over Lockhart Group to anyone.”
George frowned slightly, but after a moment, he nodded.
With George holding things down internally, they had bought some time.
But if no one rescued Zev soon …
“Charles, any news?” The only person Kelly could trust and rely on was Charles.
Charles had connections in that region. Kelly couldn’t afford to act rashly, so she had to let Charles conduct a quiet search.
“No news at all.” Charles was silent for a moment before he spoke again. “Kelly, I’m going in myself.”
Kelly froze, her fingers trembling as she gripped the phone. “No, it’s not necessary.”
There was no need for him to risk his life.
If he went in personally, the odds of survival were slim. If he didn’t come back…
“It’s my duty. It’s what I have to do. Zev isn’t just Caden’s friend. He’s a hero who served in peacekeeping missions. The organization has assigned me to this.” Charles couldn’t disclose too much.
But since this was how the organization had arranged it, the higher–ups had stepped in, and the military was now involved.
Kelly felt a bit of relief, but tears welled up uncontrollably. “Thank you. Thank you all.”
“Until we return, do not trust anyone,” Charles warned her.
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Kelly nodded heavily.
She didn’t even dare trust Gary.
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After hanging up, she stood by the window, praying over and over again for Zev’s safety and Charles’s safe
return.
At Caden’s house.
Charles bought fish and shrimp and prepared dinner himself.
With one kid in his arms and another clinging to his leg, his face was covered in marker doodles as he walked out of the study, looking aggrieved. “Charles, from now on, you’re in charge of taking care of the kids.”
Charles chuckled helplessly at Caden. “Don’t I already take care of three kids every day?”
Caden didn’t react at first. When he finally understood, he lunged forward and bit Charles’s neck. “Who are you calling a kid?”
Charles looked at him with exasperation. Caden was so carefree and naïve. If Charles didn’t return, what would happen to him?
Sighing, Charles realized he was overthinking. Caden had the Hardisons and Sidney to protect him. He would never be left to fend for himself.
“What kind of shrimp are we eating tonight?” Caden hugged Charles from behind and asked.
“Baked shrimp?” Charles responded absentmindedly.
Caden hummed in agreement.
Caden could tell that Charles had something on his mind but didn’t know how to bring it up.
Caden had been in relationships before, but they were all with women. This was his first time being with a man, and he had no clue what to do.
Charles wasn’t saying anything, so they stayed in this awkward silence.
After dinner, once the kids were asleep, Caden sprawled on the couch playing games while Charles washed fruit in the kitchen.
“Caden, I need to tell you something,” Charles finally sat beside him and spoke. “We’re not really in a relationship, are we?”
Caden narrowed his eyes. “Are you asking for an official title? You’re a grown man.”
Charles hesitated before replying. “No, I mean, if we’re not dating, then we won’t need to say goodbye if I leave.”
Caden froze for a moment, sitting up warily. “Charles, what do you mean by that?”
Charles lowered his head, hesitated for a long time, and finally spoke. “I’m sorry, but this organization wants me to return to my old hometown as a criminal detective. My mom, s well, and she wants a grandson. I want to return, settle down, work properly, and prepare for marriage.”
it’s real. The not doing
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Caden sat there, frozen, for what felt like an eternity before nervously speaking up. “Then why don’t you just take Shane back with you? Just say he’s yours. Isn’t that casier?”
Caden didn’t even realize it himself, but he was scared. Scared of being left behind.
Scared that Charles might not want him anymore.
He felt like Charles had spoiled him, always keeping him close and never letting his feet touch the ground. And now, suddenly, Charles was leaving. What would he do?
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Chapter 432 Fighting Fate
