The Sleeper's Wrath and His Wife's Strike novel Chapter 177

Bertha looked frustrated, letting out a weary sigh. “I had no choice,” she said quietly.

Alexia’s tone was cool and distant. “We were both in difficult positions back then. I don’t blame you, but I’d rather keep my distance.”

“I’m sorry. I know I owe you. Things were chaotic at the time, and I made my decision because I didn’t see any other way out,” Bertha pleaded, trying to explain herself. But Alexia wasn’t having it.

“We’ve said all there is to say. Please leave—I have a lot to take care of.” Once again, Alexia made it clear Bertha was no longer welcome.

After being dismissed several times, Bertha couldn’t bring herself to linger any longer. She asked Alexia to look after herself, then quietly left.

…

The next day, at AQ Group headquarters

Lester stood at the company entrance, wearing a broad, triumphant smile and surveying the crowd with the air of a victor.

Today was the grand opening of his new company, and he’d made sure every major media outlet in the city knew about it.

It didn’t take long before the front steps of AQ Group were packed with reporters, flashes popping from every direction.

Everyone was eager for a headline, and Lester had been waiting for this moment for years.

Zachary stood beside him. As his uncle, he shared in Lester’s happiness, and had even come bearing an extravagant gift.

“Lester, I wish your company booming success and profits beyond your wildest dreams,” Zachary said warmly.

“Thank you, Uncle Zachary. If it weren’t for your help, I wouldn’t be here today.” Lester’s gratitude was sincere.

The questions kept coming. “Will there be any chance for collaboration between your company and the Quigley Group? And why isn’t anyone from the Quigley family here on such an important day?”

“They’re all busy with their own work, so I didn’t want to disturb them. My father is taking care of my mother, so he couldn’t make it either,” Lester replied smoothly.

But the reporters weren’t letting up. They were clearly hoping for a scoop. “There are rumors of a falling out between you and Mr. Quigley. Is it true that since Mr. Quigley returned, you were forced out of the Quigley Group?”

No one in the city knew that Yves had spent months in a coma. Mr. Quigley Sr. had always told the public that Yves was abroad, which explained why Lester took over as acting president.

Lester’s expression darkened, his eyes sharp as he stared down the reporter. His tone turned icy. “Which media outlet are you with? Spreading rumors like that is dangerous. My relationship with everyone in the Quigley family is perfectly fine. I was never forced out of the Quigley Group. In fact, I decided it was time to start my own company. And for your information, I currently hold the largest share of the Quigley Group.”

As the words left his mouth, the crowd erupted, as if a drop of water had hit hot oil.

Stunned, everyone stared at him in disbelief. After all, everyone in the city knew the elderly Quigley doted on their youngest son, and Mrs. Quigley had transferred all her shares to Yves.