Shawn''s father''s eyes flickered. "The culprit? Are you saying, Mr. Williams, that Ste is responsible for Shawn''s disappearance, and now his whereabouts are unknown?"
Israel replied, "Shawn vanished right after Ste''s ident. Who do you think looks more suspicious?"
Israel knew full well that without evidence, Ste couldn''t be charged. But that didn''t matter. As long as he could drive a wedge between Ste and the Pearce family and sabotage their contract signing, he''d consider it mission aplished.
He wanted Ste to understand that, without the Williams family''s approval, she''d never get anything done-no matter how many founding shares she held.
Let her clutch those shares all she wants; they could rot away in her coffin for all he cared.
Shawn''s father spoke calmly. "ording to my investigation, Ste was in the hospital that entire day, fighting for her life and unconscious. Even if she had the motive, she wouldn''t have had the strength or the time. By the time she woke up, Shawn was already missing. I''ll admit, I did suspect her at first. But now, hearing you use your own sister so righteously, Mr. Williams, I''m starting to believe she''s innocent. After all, if she really were the culprit, it would do far more harm than good to the Williams family. The way you''re throwing around these usations so recklessly-clearly banking on the fact that you have no proof- just tells me you''re trying to stir up distrust and derail today''s contract."
He looked at Israel with a meaningful gaze. "You''re still too young, Mr. Williams." There was wisdom in age, after all.
Shawn''s father was every bit as shrewd as Skyler-no way would he fall for such a simple trick.
Israel''s face stiffened.
Skyler quickly stepped forward with a diplomatic smile. "Pearce, don''t take it personally. Israel was just joking around-youthful nonsense."
Shawn''s father chuckled. "Of course. As the elder, I wouldn''t stoop to the younger generation''s level. But for those who don''t know Israel well, hearing her run down her own sister like that-imagine what stories they''ll spin. Skyler, you need to keep an eye on her. If nasty rumors start to spread, it won''t be good for Israel or the Williams family."
Skyler kept smiling, but a cold glint shed in his eyes.
The time for the signing arrived.
Ste appeared before everyone''s eyes, dressed in a crisp, tailored suit. Her long hair was meticulously
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No matter what else could be said, the fact that Ste had managed to pull together the funds in just three days was impressive.
The Williams family-father and sons-sat in the front row, watching as Ste calmly shook hands with Shawn''s father. The two exchanged contracts and began reviewing the terms. s
Israel kept a close eye on Ste''s expression, searching for any sign of panic, but found none.
He couldn''t hold back any longer. "Father, Jonathan, what do you think-did Ste really manage to raise the money?"
Jonathan''s face was grim. "So far, it seems she did."
Coleman frowned. "But she didn''t sell her founding shares to any of the shareholders. How did she get the funds?"
Israel scoffed. "Maybe she borrowed it from Haynes or Neville? If you ask me, it''s time to move to the next phase of the n."
Jonathan said, "But Haynes and Neville haven''t had anyrge withdrawals from their ounts. The money likely didn''te from them."
Israel replied, "Maybe someone transferred it to Ste quietly, without alerting anyone."
After all, if word got out about something like this, it would be incredibly risky for thepany.<fn415a> Follow current nov?ls on FιndNovel</fn415a>