Chapter 36

Losing her place in the dance troupe added another blow to Elissa's already bruised pride.

The root of all these troubles seemed to trace right back to Arabella's unexpected return.

With clenched fists, Elissa entered the living room, finding Bennie mid-discussion with Meagan about the company's troubles.

Frustration weighed heavy in Bennie's voice."Managing this company gets tougher every day," he muttered, sighing in exasperation.

A ripple of anxiety ran through Elissa at his words.

The thought of returning to a life without luxury filled her with dread.

Turning to her father, she asked, "Dad, is there

any hope for fresh investment?"

Bennie shook his head, exhaling smoke."Things get worse with every passing day. If nothing changes soon, we'll be bankrupt before long."

Not ready to give up, Elissa continued, "What about the project I mentioned last time? Have you spoken to anyone about it?"

He nodded wearily. "I did reach out, but hardly anyone believes in it. Banks have turned us down, and even family can't help-your uncles and aunts just don't have the funds."

Panic crept into Meagan's voice. "We can't just let the business go under!"

Elissa cut straight to the point. "Exactly how much cash do we have left to work with?"

Calculating quickly, Bennie answered, "We can scrape together $50 million, at best."

A thoughtful look came over Elissa. "Since the project isn't exactly in demand,competition will

be thin. Vanguard Group isn't expected to bid high either, and their estimate hovered around $80 million. If we can pool just a bit more than that, the contract could be ours."

Turning to her father, she suggested, "Dad, why don't we sell the remaining properties and push our relatives to chip in more? Surely, they're interested in a solid return. This is it-our last shot. Projects that catch Vanguard Group's eye usually multiply their investors' money five or six times over. Are we seriously going to let everything slip away without a fight?"

Bennie found himself leaning toward her plan."You're right. We can't miss this window. I'll start making calls immediately."

Meagan chimed in, eager to help, "I'll see what can get from my circle as well."

Elissa planned to help as well.

Living in this penthouse was only a temporary fix.

With one successful project, their family could move right back into a luxury villa in the city's heart.

Their status would be restored among the elite.

As for Arabella, she would be left behind,saddled with her ailing sister. Once the proceeds from the villa sale dried up, she would have no choice but to get a job-maybe even beg them for work.

That delicious thought brought a satisfied smile to Elissa's face.

Suddenly, something else occurred to her."Dad, do you know what became of Arabella's father's company?"

Curiosity stirred-Elissa tried to recall details about the business Arabella's father had run before his death, wondering how things had turned out for the company he left behind.

Pausing to recall, Bennie finally answered, "After his death, the company just couldn't keep

going. I'm sure it's out of business by now."

A dismissive snort came from Meagan. "Of course it is. If you ask me, he was too tight-fisted with his assets. If he'd handed the company over to us sooner, maybe things would have been different. Family's supposed to help each other, not hoard everything."

Arriving at the villa in Gracebourne, Arabella picked up the sounds of conversation before she even stepped inside.

The sight that greeted her was Dominick and Asher occupying the living room.

A polite greeting came from Dominick. "Good evening,Miss Stanley."

Asher's gaze met hers, but his expression revealed nothing.

Curiosity flickered across Arabella's face. "What brings you here?"

Asher's reply was as cool as ever. "You invited me to crash with you yesterday."

Memory flickered-she did recall saying that,though she hadn't expected him to take her up on it.

Dominick's eyes landed on what she held in her arms. "May I ask what you've brought with you?"

Arabella handed the bundle to a waiting servant."Just some things that belonged to my parents and Daisy."

With a small smile, she suggested, "I was about to start cooking. Since you're both here, why not stay for dinner?"

Dominick didn't hesitate to refuse. "Appreciate the offer, but something urgent just came up at work. I have to run."

He made his exit in a rush, not sparing a backward glance.

Asher's attention drifted from his departing assistant to Arabella. "You know we have a professional chef here," he remarked.

Arabella responded calmly, "What I make is nothing like what the chef prepares-mine is a lot healthier."

Truthfully, she wouldn't have stepped into the kitchen at all if Asher hadn't shown up.

After letting the silence linger, Asher finally gave a nod.

She moved around the kitchen with practiced speed. While they ate, Arabella couldn't help but notice Asher's every gesture-his manners and quiet elegance marked him as someone born into privilege.

A question broke the stillness. "How are you holding up these days?" Asher asked, his gaze steady and unreadable.

The true meaning behind his words was clear to Arabella-he was talking about all the criticism

and rumors. She met his eyes and shook her head. "None of that matters to me."

As dinner ended, Arabella made her way to Daisy's room, where she lifted the lid on a small box and pulled out a photo album.

Despite everything she had endured, Daisy had always kept these albums safe.

Page after page showed a happy family of four.

Softly, Arabella ran her fingers across the smiling faces of her parents. "I'm so sorry,Mom, Dad. I couldn't protect Daisy."

Tears clouded her vision until she could barely see the photographs.

Restless and sorrowful, she wandered back downstairs, grabbed a few bottles of wine, and sat alone with her memories and pictures.

A sudden buzz from her phone interrupted her solitude.