Chapter 5 Something Happened!

She went through her Facebook again, but apart from the reflection of a wristwatch in the wine glass, she found nothing.

Moreover, that watch alone could not prove that it belonged to Albert. This was not enough evidence of infidelity.

...

Meanwhile, Albert had just finished his work at noon when he received a photo from across the ocean.

A woman sat on a leather sofa, her long, jet-black hair cascading down her side. She wore a white lace dress and flat shoes, with her slender, fair hands gently cradling her slightly swollen belly. Her smile was radiant, and despite not wearing any makeup, she looked pure and lovely.

[Brother, the baby and I are both doing well, but we miss you every day.]

[Don't get too caught up in socializing and neglect your health. Make sure to eat on time. Otherwise, the baby and I will be heartbroken.]

Seeing Grace's message, Albert felt a little irritated. After thinking for a moment, he responded perfunctorily:

[Take care of yourself and the baby. Once work calms down, I'll fly to the France to see you.]

[That would be wonderful! The baby and I will be waiting for you.]

Albert didn't reply further. Instead, he turned to call Alice, flirted with her for a while, and arranged for dinner.

That evening, just as he was about to head out, he received a call from Cindy, forcing him to change course and head to the Garden Villa.

Upon entering the living room, he saw Cindy sitting on the sofa.

The moment she saw him, her elegant and refined face darkened as she scolded, "Do you have any idea how many eyes are on you right now? Forget everything else-Ronan alone is enough trouble. I still haven't figured out how to handle Grace, and now you dare to mess around with another woman? Truly, like father, like son. You can't go a moment without women!"

Albert remained unfazed, a slight smirk tugging at his lips. "Mom, don't worry. I know what I'm doing. Nothing will happen."

Cindy grew even angrier at his attitude and snapped, "You'd better get rid of that woman immediately! If you push Anna too far and she runs to complain to your grandfather, all our efforts over the years will be wasted!"

Albert loosened his tie lazily and slumped onto the sofa. He replied dismissively, "She wouldn't dare."

A cold glint flashed in Cindy's eyes. "You know exactly how you've treated Anna all these years. Even if she was devoted to you before, there will come a day when she gives up. I know women better than you do. They need to be coaxed."

Albert's expression showed disdain. "Coax her? The scandal from five years ago was known to everyone in our circle. I, the dignified president of the Smith Group, would never lower myself to coax a woman who's been ruined by another man."

...

After a brief silence, Cindy stepped forward and patted his shoulder lightly.

"The old man's health is deteriorating day by day. He won't last more than two years. Right now, he still controls the Smith family's most important assets. How they are distributed in the future will be entirely up to him. If you want to achieve great things, you can't afford to be picky about minor inconveniences. If you can keep Anna in line, we've already won half the battle. For now, just endure it."

Albert frowned, irritation flashing in his eyes. "I really don't understand what Grandfather is thinking. He was once a formidable figure in the business world, but now that he's old, he's lost his judgment. The Jones family has been nothing but a bunch of has-beens in Miami, and yet he insisted that I marry her. Just because of some ridiculous verbal promise?"

Anna was Adam's granddaughter. Adam and Alan had been sworn brothers, and when their children were born, they had arranged their marriage. Though Adam had long passed away, Alan had kept his promise, offering a generous dowry to ensure Albert married Anna.

"You've already married her, so there's no point in complaining now. If you want to secure your position in the Smith family, just remember what I said."

Having spent decades carefully plotting her moves, Cindy would not allow anyone to ruin things at this crucial moment.

Her sharp eyes locked onto Albert as she questioned, "And what about Grace? What's your plan for her?"

Albert's gaze darkened. "I was drunk when I slept with her. That was my mistake. I want her to stay in the France to give birth. Once I solidify my position at the Smith Group, I'll bring her and the child back."

"Back then, Carl died taking a few knife wounds for your father during that factory riot. That's the only reason I took Grace in, raised her, gave her an elite education, and let her live like a rich heiress."

Cindy shot him a meaningful glance before reminding him, "If you want to keep her as your mistress, that's your business. But don't even think about anything more. You're almost thirty-you should know better."

Albert checked his watch, his expression indifferent. "I understand. Don't worry, given her background, I never intended for her to be anything more than that."

"The day after tomorrow, bring Anna to the family estate for dinner. Your grandfather has something to discuss."

"What now?" Albert's brows furrowed impatiently.

"Lady William is returning to visit her hometown, and accompanying her is William's heir. In a few days, William will be hosting a private banquet in Miami. Naturally, our family is on the guest list."

Albert paused. "Mom, are you talking about the Lady William? The matriarch of New York City's wealthiest family? And their heir, Charles?"

"Yes. Your grandfather wants you and Anna at the estate to discuss the matter."

Albert had long wanted to connect with the legendary heir of the William family. However, Charles was notoriously elusive and rarely attended social events. Now that an opportunity had finally arisen, Albert agreed without hesitation.

After Cindy finished explaining, Albert stood up and strode out of the villa.

Back in his car, he rubbed his temples, feeling exhausted, then dialed a number.

"Find out what Eric has been up to lately. Send some people to cause him trouble. You know what to do."

After hanging up, his icy gaze darkened.

Returning to the family estate? He wasn't about to beg Anna. He knew exactly what her weakness was-the Jones family.

Every time that troublemaker Eric got into a mess, Anna would come crawling back to him, lowering herself to beg for his help. This time would be no different. He would wait for her to come to him voluntarily.

Then, he could negotiate terms-she would accompany him to the family estate, and they would act like a loving couple at William's banquet.

A cold smirk tugged at Albert's lips. Anna was like a kite, and he was the one holding the string. No matter how high or far she flew, he only needed to tug slightly, and she would come right back.

...

At 2 a.m., Anna was sound asleep when she was startled awake by the relentless ringing of her phone.

The number was unfamiliar. Rubbing her sleepy eyes, she answered groggily.

"Hello?"

A tense voice came through the line.

"Are you Eric's sister? Something happened to him. You need to get to Capital Hospital immediately."