"Haven't you always wanted to get into the Research Institute? Use this opportunity to show everyone that Nelson hasn't been defeated."
"It's just a few rumors. They wouldn't dare say it to your face, so what are you afraid of?"
"Mom, can you stop pushing me? If it weren't for you, things wouldn't have turned out like this." He truly regretted it now. Perhaps he had never truly forgotten Janelle from the start. It was just that he had never dared to fight for himself.
"Nelson!" Mrs. Hill was completely taken aback that he would place all the blame on her.
"Everything I've done, every single thing, was for your sake! How can you say that to me? Do you have any conscience?"
"You're just like your father! Both bewitched by Madalyn and her daughter!" Mrs. Hill had always been most fixated on this.
Nelson felt utterly exhausted. "Mom, enough. Maybe the reason Dad left was because he couldn't stand your personality. Your need for control is just too strong." Who could tolerate having every aspect of their life dictated?
Lillie stared at Nelson in disbelief. How could he say these things? Wasn't he just driving a knife straight into his mother's heart?
"Hah." Mrs. Hill let out a bitter laugh. This was indeed the fine son she had raised. He knew her too well; every word struck true to the heart.
Seeing his mother like this, Nelson finally capitulated. "Alright, I understand. I'll go change clothes now. I'll go with you. Is that acceptable?" What else could he do? Regardless, she was still his mother.
Lillie didn't go upstairs with Nelson. She stayed downstairs with Mrs. Hill.
"Auntie, Nelson is just in a bad mood. Don't take it to heart. Once this period passes, he'll go back to his old self."
"He'll be fine once Janelle leaves Graham City."
"That damn Janelle!" Yes, everything was Janelle's fault. They couldn't wait any longer; they had to get rid of that scourge sooner rather than later.
Nelson changed and came downstairs. Lillie actively took his hand. "Nelson, don't pay attention to what those people think. No matter what, I'll always be by your side." What did it matter if those people laughed at him? The Hills were still the wealthiest family in Graham City.
"Hmm." Nelson no longer felt like talking. He truly felt like a puppet now. Nothing he did was what he truly wanted; even the person he was engaged to wasn't someone he truly liked.
The Aleens' banquet was once again held at the Grand Court Hotel. Long before eight o'clock, the banquet hall was already filled with the clinking of glasses and lively conversation.
When Mrs. Hill arrived with Nelson and Lillie, they immediately attracted many gazes.
"Haven't seen Nelson for a couple of days. I thought he'd never show his face again!"
"What were you thinking? No matter how humiliated he is, he's still the Hills heir! And the Research Institute assessment is coming up. He's bound to get in."
"Yeah! The Research Institute! That's the goal for so many! Sadly, I lack the talent."
"Do you think Janelle will come today? If she shows up, there'll be quite a show!"
"Not sure. I heard the young Mr. Aleen seems quite fond of Janelle."
"Really? Then wouldn't the bidding be a sure thing for Janelle?"
"Hard to say. After all, Mr. Aleen values this project highly. He definitely wouldn't let young Mr. Aleen mess around."
Just then, Mrs. Hill summoned a waiter and took a glass of champagne. Nelson and Lillie also took one each. Mrs. Hill led Nelson and Lillie to meet Mr. Aleen. The Hills were also participating in this bidding. Mrs. Hill was confident they would win; this project was theirs for the taking.
"Mr. Aleen, long time no see." Mrs. Hill initiated the toast.
The Hills were indeed the top family in Graham City, but compared to Imperial Capital's elite, they still fell short. The Aleens Group hailed from Imperial Capital, so she naturally hoped to build good relations, ideally securing a piece of the pie.
"Mr. Hill, long time no see." Mr. Aleen exchanged pleasantries with Mrs. Hill.
After a brief conversation, Mrs. Hill steered the topic towards the project. "Mr. Aleen, please believe in the Hills' capability. I'm certain we will have a very pleasant partnership for this project." Mrs. Hill didn't even consider the other contenders worthy opponents.
"Tomorrow's bidding session will announce the result on the spot. The Aleens Group always operates with fairness and justice." He understood Mrs. Hill's implication. But since he had chosen the bidding route, they would have to wait until tomorrow.
Mrs. Hill was savvy enough to know he wouldn't commit now. Nevertheless, she remained supremely confident. She introduced Nelson and Lillie to Mr. Aleen. Hearing that both Nelson and Lillie were taking the Research Institute assessment and were Level One candidates, Mr. Aleen's attitude noticeably warmed.
"Getting into the Research Institute is truly impressive. Prepare well."
"Mr. Aleen, I'm very confident about the assessment," Nelson finally spoke up, mentioning the Institute.
Lillie chimed in supportively.
Just then, Bruce Aleen arrived, impeccably dressed in a tailored suit. He'd heard "Miss Rovella" had arrived and rushed over, thinking it was Janelle. Instead, he saw Lillie. His interest instantly evaporated. Why wasn't Janelle here yet? Wasn't she coming? He was sure the invitation had been sent, and since she wanted to work with the Aleens Group, she must come today!
Seeing Bruce Aleen about to leave, Mr. Aleen called him back. "Bruce Aleen, come here."
Bruce Aleen sighed and complied. "This is Nelson and Lillie. They're taking the Research Institute assessment next month. Stop playing around all day; learn from them, understand?"
"..." Bruce Aleen was utterly exasperated. "Dad, not everyone wants to get into that damn Research Institute!"
"Bruce Aleen! What nonsense are you spouting?" Mr. Aleen was aghast. If others heard him disparage the Institute, it would be disastrous!
Bruce Aleen didn't feel like arguing. He kept looking around eagerly, hoping Janelle would arrive soon.
Seeing Bruce Aleen refuse to even glance at him, Nelson also felt no desire to engage. The fact that Bruce Aleen liked Janelle left Nelson feeling distinctly uncomfortable.
And then, Janelle arrived. Dramatically eye-catching. Erik on her left, Jiang Chao on her right. Erik possessed a face of devastating allure, while Jiang Chao had the aura of a stern, mature, "forbidden fruit" type. The trio's entrance elicited gasps and murmurs.
"Janelle! She really came!"
"Oh my god! The two men with her are incredible! Both are totally my type! Why are all the handsome guys around her?"
Janelle wore a stunning black backless gown that showcased her perfect figure. Her coldly stunning face was breathtaking. Beside her, both men wore black suits. The difference was Erik wore a black shirt, while Jiang Chao, as always, favored a white one.