Chapter 337 First Time for Both
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Finished
Stuart was clearly irritated. “Zion, remember I’m your elder, the one who stood by your grandfather and helped build the Lockhart Group from the ground up. Without me, there wouldn’t be a Lockhart Group as you know it today. My words carry weight.”.
Stuart was resorting to threats, given that Zev wasn’t behaving as he wanted.
Using Kelly as a shield was beyond the pale.
Zev didn’t indulge Stuart. Instead, he carried on with his act of being an incompetent figurehead.
“In our home, my wife truly calls the shots,” Zev said timidly, glancing cautiously at Kelly.
“Sorry, but up until now, I’ve only heard Mr. Wade mention Ken. He instructed us to consult Ken whenever problems arise. As for you, aren’t you just another employee?” Kelly said innocently, though it was a calculated provocation. “Ken also told us not to interfere with Lockhart Group, saying he’s the one in charge.”
Kelly’s attempt to sow discord was blatant and unrefined.
But someone like Stuart would only get angrier at such provocations.
Sure enough, Stuart’s face darkened as he spoke. “Zion, no matter what, the company’s reputation must not be compromised. This stops here. Everyone needs to return to their posts immediately.”
With that, Stuart ordered the legal and PR teams to head back.
“This time, we won’t give an inch,” Kelly said firmly to Clarissa.
Clarissa’s composure was clearly fraying, already under pressure by the club scandal.
If this situation didn’t get resolved quickly, it might implicate her directly.
“Zion!” Stuart shouted, exasperation clear in his voice.
Zev pretended not to hear.
Without a directive from Zev, the PR and legal teams dared not leave. The legal department fell under Wade’s direct control, essentially acting as the Lockharts‘ personal legal team, while the PR department was managed by Ken.
Frustrated, Stuart pointed angrily at Kelly and Zev, then stormed off.
Kelly raised an eyebrow at Zev, both knowing that Stuart was undoubtedly on his way to Wade.
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Chapter 337 First Time for Both
Nevertheless, Stuart was a shrewd businessman. He recognized that despite Zev’s apparent incompetence, he was still the heir apparent and Wade’s chosen successor. Stuart might not speak ill of Zev but would likely criticize Ken harshly.
From their understanding of Wade, both Kelly and Zev knew Wade’s unwavering trust and support for Ken, even though the reasons remained unclear. Protecting Ken was bound to make Stuart view Ken as an obstacle.
If Stuart and Ken clashed, leading to mutual destruction, Kelly and Zev would stand to benefit.
Clarissa’s face darkened. She huffed and began pushing Beau out of the station.
She needed to find a way to speak with Wade. Only Wade could rein Zev in.
If Kelly and Zev continued to attack relentlessly, it could indeed affect her.
She could not allow such a thing to happen.
Nothing and no one could be allowed to tarnish her image. She could not let anyone hold anything over her.
She needed to be first in everything: in her career and in her marriage.
If she couldn’t marry into the Lockhart family, she intended to marry Shawn. He was far smarter and more capable than Zev, whose family was equally prestigious.
Once everyone had left, Zev looked pitiable as he turned to Kelly. “Honey, are you really going to leave me here for 24 hours?”
“Yes, to give you time to reflect on your impulsive behavior.” Kelly replied with a smile, making no move to bail him out.
Zev looked on the verge of tears. “I can’t sleep without you.”
“Thinking of sleeping here?” a police officer, who happened to be Oscar’s classmate, teased. “You broke the law by assaulting someone! Learn from this!”
Zev fell silent.
Kelly’s decision not to bail him out was strategic, aimed at restoring his reputation and making the public sympathize with him.
It was a classic strategy to garner pity.
It also served to remind Wade that this was part of Zev’s determined character, unwill let things go.
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Chapter 337 First Time for Both
At Zev’s residence.
Kelly had just returned home when the butler from Lockhart Mansion approached her.
“Mrs. Kelly, Mr. Wade wants to see you,” the butler said apologetically, aware of the tension between Kelly and Wade.
“Zev is in police custody for assault, and the house is empty. I have 2 children waiting for me. I don’t have time to come over,” Kelly responded firmly.
The butler looked conflicted.
Kelly softened a bit. “Tell Mr. Wade that Zev will be back tomorrow, and we’ll come together.
She wasn’t about to go alone and endure Wade’s anger. She suspected Clarissa had gone to him. If she went alone, there was a risk of Wade getting too upset.
The butler nodded, realizing he had no other choice.
After the butler left, Jasper and Shane ran into the living room.
Kelly hugged Shane first. It was her first time being a mother and a stepmother. She didn’t know how to gradually build Shane’s confidence in this home, but she knew she had to give him more love first, then share it equally with Jasper.
Jasper was easygoing, as long as he received the same love as Shane. He did not mind waiting his turn. But Shane was sensitive; if he felt loved first, he would grow more confident in this home.
Children sense love most keenly.
Kids who grow up in loving environments and those who don’t have vastly different personalities.
Hugging Kelly, Shane’s voice trembled with tears. “Mommy, I wasn’t born of you. Will you abandon me someday?”
This child was too fragile on the inside.
Kelly felt a surge of anger. “Shane, who told you such a thing?”
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