?Chapter 174:


    Cecily mped her mouth shut at his sharp tone. She had never been business-savvy. In fact, after the Reedpany went public, she had settled into the role of a housewife, more concerned with social prestige than financial dealings.


    Sylvia was also startled by the scolding. More calcting than her mother, she knew better than to depend solely on Benjamin. Her priority wasn’t saving the family business—it was securing her future with Darren. The Griffiths family was the wealthiest in Foiclens, leagues beyond the Reeds. If she married into their ranks, she would still live a life of privilege, regardless of what happened with the Reeds.


    Hiding her true thoughts, Sylvia feigned concern. “Dad, we’re in this together. Thepany’s struggles affect all of us. You don’t have to shoulder everything alone.”


    Under normal circumstances, her words might have beenforting. But now, amid the chaos, Benjamin had no patience for hollow reassurances. “Sylvia, this isn’t just bad luck. Everyone knows the Griffiths family has crossed both the Johnsons and the Spencers. These partners saw the writing on the wall and cut ties. Darren can’t just sit idly by and do nothing to help us.”


    Sylvia’s eyes flickered with unease as she bit her lip. She inwardly cursed Benjamin’s selfishness—dragging her into this mess when all she wanted was to escape unscathed. The Reed family was sinking, and Benjamin wasn’t about to let her float away so easily.


    Darren’s phone call came just in time, offering Sylvia the perfect excuse to leave the Reed residence.


    After the call, Sylvia hastily left the Reed family home and rushed to Darren’s side.


    The moment they met, their bodies intertwined in a fervent embrace that endured until midnight.


    Clothesy scattered across the floor—a pink bra draped carelessly over the sofa. The room’s atmosphere was heavy with intimate hints: disheveled sheets and damp marks on the bed silently narrating their passionate encounter.


    Naked and entwined, they rested. Darren’s face bore an expression ofplete satisfaction, while Sylvia nestled against him, her eyes reflecting a shy, tender vulnerability.


    Remembering Benjamin’s words, Sylvia cautiously broached a delicate subject. “Darren, all of my father’s business partners are withdrawing their support. Without suppliers, my father’spany’s projects will grind to a halt. He’s been extraordinarily worried tonight. Do you have any way to help? Could you…”


    “Sylvia,” Darren interrupted, withdrawing his hand and turning to face her, “Now’s not the time to worry about such less pressing matters.” He deliberately trailed off.


    More to discover gα?ησνe?s?c?m


    Though displeased by Darren’s dismissal of her family’s critical troubles, Sylvia suppressed her frustration. “What is it?” she asked.


    Darren reached out, caressing her with deep affection. “Sylvia, only you can help me now. I broke off my engagement with Elena to marry you, but I didn’t expect her to climb into Malcolm’s bed, which prompted him to take action against my family. Honey, I want you to live a good life with me. If my family faces problems, how can I ever provide wealth andfort for you? So, will you help me?”


    Sylvia’s motivations were calcted. She had seduced Darren solely because of the Griffiths family’s unrivaled status in Foiclens. If the Griffiths family were to lose their wealth, she certainly wouldn’t marry Darren.


    With her own family’s current predicaments, she recognized a stark reality: Darren represented her most promising path to security. Weighing her options with cold precision, Sylvia made her decision. “Darren, your problems are my problems.”


    .


    .


    .