?Chapter 71:


    While talking, Lise pulled out her phone and started scrolling through old news reports about Vincent and Katelyn’s rtionship.


    Delmor and Tricia exchanged a nce, their eyes reflecting a hint of disappointment.


    Tricia’s brow furrowed; she had expected Lise to present something more solid, something they could really use. Instead, it was just the usual gossip from the media.


    Those stories had been buried a long time, and all Lise could show were outdated screenshots, remnants of a once-hot topic.


    She locked eyes with Lise for a hint of defiance in her gaze. “You really think I’m that easy to trick?”


    Lise’s jaw tightened, her fists clenched tightly in her sleeves.


    When did Tricia suddenly be so sharp? She wasn’t so easily controlled anymore.


    For a split second, Lise’s face twisted with spite, but she quickly masked it with a calm fa?ade.


    Her voice turned firm. “This is the clearest evidence we’ve got. Katelyn and Vincent have been close for ages. If things sour between our families, the Adams Group will swoop in and snatch up bothpanies for a steal.”


    She paused, her gaze locking onto Delmor’s, her expression tense. “If we keep battling like this, we’ll both lose more than we gain.”


    Gritting her teeth, Lise lifted her chin, her eyes narrowing. “Mr. Guerrero, you know exactly what I mean.”


    Tricia might be naive, but if Delmor was just as clueless, they’d have no shot at winning.


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    Delmor shifted his gaze from the scene, his eyesnding on Lise, whose nervousness was almost palpable. A scornful smile curled his lips.


    “Cut the act. You’ve tried to hurt my daughter more than once, and I remember every attempt. Now you’re suddenly concerned about the Guerrero Group? Where was your concern when you were plotting against her?”


    Even though he was a businessman, his role as a father always came first.


    Tricia’s gaze grew dark, and her fingers balled into tight fists beneath the nket.


    She had worried that Delmor might put business concerns before her well-being,


    But it was clear now that her fears were misced.


    Lise’s frustration was mounting.


    She nced at Tricia, clearly exasperated. “Do you keep arguing with me like this? Do you want to see the Guerrero family go under? And don’t forget, your family is on the brink too!”


    Delmar stepped closer, his tone unyielding. “Even if the Guerrero family falls, I’ll make sure the Bailey family goes down with us. Everyone will see what your family is really like.”


    Lise’s voice caught in her throat, her eyes zing with a mix of anger and frustration.


    Why had she picked someone as inept as Tricia?


    And it wasn’t just Tricia—everyone in her family seemed equally clueless.


    Delmar’s frustration erupted as he pointed at the door. “Lise, don’t think I’m oblivious to your schemes. You’re pulling my daughter into your chaos just to get back at Katelyn? No way! Leave now, or you’ll regret it!”


    Lise’s hands tightened into fists, her nails digging into her palms as she struggled to control her anger.


    She inhaled deeply and turned to Tricia as she approached the door, her voice carrying a note of warning. “Think this through,” she said, her words sharp and deliberate. “This argument is pointless for both of us. I don’t want that conniving Katelyn toe out ahead, but I also don’t want Vincent to gain from our struggle. If you don’t believe me, just watch how our families’ businesses fall apart and see who ends up buying them.”


    Lise was halfway out the door when Tricia’s voice pierced the silence.


    A spark of hope ignited in Lise’s eyes, and a smile tugged at her lips.


    So, Tricia wasn’t entirely beyond help after all.


    Delmar’s gaze shifted to Tricia, his expression a mix of astonishment and skepticism. Could it be that Tricia was actually contemting Lise’s proposal and momentarily willing to let go of her resentment?


    But even if Tricia had wanted to give in, Delmar wouldn’t have it.


    Lise was going to pay for what she’d done to Tricia.


    With effort, Tricia pushed herself out of bed, her movements slow and painful. Delmar quickly moved to her side, his face etched with concern as he held her steady. “The doctor said you need to rest.”


    Tricia shook her head, determined, and began walking toward Lise, one slow step at a time.


    Lise let out a deep breath, her voice rising as she began to speak.


    But before she could finish, Tricia’s hand shot up. With a swift motion, she pped Lise across the face. The sting hit before Lise even had time to blink.


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