<h4>Chapter 326: The Scheming Old Lady</h4>


    "What media outlet are you from?" Eric asked with a light chuckle, showing not the slightest hint of anger.


    The two reporters were momentarily stunned, finding it hard to believe. Their n had been to provoke Eric into a confrontation, hoping to escte the situation, but he remainedpletely unfazed.


    "We’re from *Today’s Big News*!"


    "Very well, then. You can expect a subpoena from me soon. I hope your publication will stand by you as you face charges of malicious nder and defamation against Nelson Group," Eric said coldly.


    The two reporters’ eyes widened in shock. "Mr. Nelson! What do you mean by this? Are we not even allowed to specte?"


    "No, you’re not. This concerns the reputation of Nelson Group. If you disagree, feel free to get a goodwyer and fight it out in court," Eric replied with a faint smile, putting an arm around E and casually walking away.


    The two reporters stood there trembling with anger, exchanging a look of bewildered fear. While the money they had been promised was tempting, if Eric really sued them, they might lose their jobs, and no one would hire them again. More importantly, since their n had failed to have the intended impact, the rest of the payment wouldn’te through either.


    Ruining their reputations for a few thousand dors was definitely not worth it.


    Back at home, E volunteered to give Eric a back rub, ying the perfect role of a caring wife.


    "Tomorrow, I’m meeting with the mayor of S City and a few other top officials for dinner. Do you want toe along?" Eric askedzily.


    E knew that after what happened at Nelson Group, Eric would need to smooth things over with the authorities.


    "No, I’m not good at that sort of thing," she replied, not enjoying socializing with those circles.


    "Alright then. Just let me know if you have any ns, and I’ll work around them," Eric said with a softugh, stretching out his arms to enjoy E’s attention.


    As she thought back to the two reporters and their baseless usations, she remarked, "Their emotional intelligence is really low. They were trying to provoke you and make things worse, weren’t they?"


    "You’re so smart, my love. But don’t worry, I’ll make sure they surrender obediently," Eric said with a cold smile, his eyes shing with sharp intensity.


    E pursed her lips, knowing this was typical of Eric. No matter what tricks his opponents tried, he would always find a way to counter them.


    While she was lost in thought, a sudden force pulled her down, and she fell onto Eric’s chest. "Mmm, these lips... so sweet!" Eric teased as he stole a yful kiss.


    E blushed, feeling the heat rise in her cheeks. "Eric, can’t you be serious for once?"


    "How could I be serious in front of you?" Eric replied with a mischievous grin.


    E was left speechless. Before she could gather her thoughts, Eric had already taken control, his presence overwhelming her senses. His kiss was soft at first, filling her with a growing anticipation. But soon, his tenderness turned into fiery passion, and E found herselfpletely consumed by it...


    ...


    At 6 PM the next evening, E arrived at her appointment.


    It was Lauren’s birthday, and she had invited some ssmates to dinner at the hotel. E couldn’t miss it, and coincidentally, Eric was also at Nelson Group’s hotel for his business.


    Since she had nothing better to do, she figured she could wait for Eric after the meal and head home together.


    Just as she stepped into the entrance of Nelson Group Hotel, she heard someone call out, "Miss Davis?"


    E pretended not to hear, maintaining her confident stride.


    "Miss Davis!" The voice called louder, forcing E to stop and turn around calmly.


    It was Leah, arm-in-arm with Julia, walking toward her, followed by Mason and Be.


    So, they were here for dinner too? Were they here to celebrate Nelson Group’s crisis?


    E narrowed her eyes. Today, Nelson Group’s stock had indeed taken a hit, dropping by five percent. Several headlines had featured the scandal of thepany using fake materials.


    For Carter Group and Mason, this was definitely something worth celebrating.


    "Oh, Miss Davis, I remember a well-mannereddy once said that those who ignore others are the ones mostcking in manners. But surely, Miss Davis just didn’t hear, right?" Be said with a sarcastic smile, her tone dripping with mockery. Mason’s face darkened, clearly displeased.


    Even though Be was the mayor’s daughter, she seemed tock refinement. Her words were clearly a veiled insult, implying that E had poor manners.


    E simply smiled calmly. "Miss Rodriguez, every word of yours hides a barb—quite an elegant form of manners."


    Be’s lips twitched as she was about to respond, but Mason cut her off with a cold snap, "That’s enough. If you don’t want to eat, you can stay right here."


    Be had no choice but to close her mouth and red at E resentfully.


    Mason, however, smiled at E. "Miss Davis, what a coincidence. We meet again."


    "Mr. Scott, you’re too kind. You meet thousands of women every day, I’m sure you’re quite fated with many of them." E’sposed reply put a stop to any further attempt at flirtation.


    "Well, we’ll be on our way," Mason said, giving E a long, thoughtful look. "I suppose Mr. Nelson must be hiding away, frightened by all the scandals, with no time to join you for dinner."


    E scoffed softly, unwilling to disclose anything about Eric’s whereabouts.


    Getting no useful response, Mason had no choice but to leave with Be in tow.


    Julia, who had patiently waited for E to finish with Mason and Be, watched the interaction with quiet grace. Her calm demeanor earned her the silent admiration of the staff around them.


    "Is there something Mrs. Carter would like to discuss?" E asked coolly, her gaze devoid of any resentment.


    Julia smiled lightly. "Miss Davis, I do have a few things I’d like to say to you. Where can we meet after dinner?"


    Julia still hadn’t given up.


    E pondered for a moment. "The balcony on the 18th floor. It has a lovely view."


    "Alright, I’ll meet you there after dinner," Julia said without furtherment, Leah standing beside her with a smug, confident grin.


    "E, Nelson Group’s in deep trouble this time. Aren’t you going to do something to help your husband?" Leah said, her toneced with faux concern.


    "Miss Carter, surely you’re joking. My husband is smart and capable—there’s no need for me to step in. Only those who are outwardly arrogant butck real ability would need someone else’s advice, wouldn’t you say? Mr. Scott must have quite the mind on him," E replied, raising her eyebrows.


    Her words were sharp, and Leah’s expression quickly shifted.


    Indeed, it was Mason who hade up with the idea to swap out the cement at the construction site. Now that the scandal had been exposed and Nelson Group was taking a hit, Leah was convinced Carter Group had won, and Nelson Group’s chances of recovery were slim.


    With Mason involved, Leah thought that a yboy like Eric was no match for him.


    But E’sment implied she had figured it all out.


    "Enough. This isn’t the ce for such talk. Let’s go eat, and we can have a proper conversation with Miss Davister," Julia said with a lightugh, taking Leah by the arm and leaving.


    E pressed her lips together, her thoughts swirling. What was this old woman scheming now?