Chapter 686
Chapter 686:
Herman saw Gabriela as no threat, and his real caution was reserved for Matthew.
Rather than confronting Gabriela head-on, he turned to Beverley, his tone measured and his face solemn as he laid out the risks.
“The Howard family is at its peak right now. With Matthew as the majority shareholder, every move he makes sends ripples through the stock market. Lauren is his wife—if she ends up convicted, the fallout could shake the entire Howard family p>
Beverley grasped the weight of his words.
Inside, she seethed at Lauren’s malice and stupidity for dragging the Howard family into this mess. Yet her disapproval didn’t spare Gabriela either.
Gabriela, though tied by blood to the Howard family, chose to ignore their collective interests and turned the evidence over to the police—a move driven purely by her own will.
“Herman, leave this to me—I’ll settle it cleanly. But Lauren’s actions disgrace the Howard family p>
𝖣𝘪𝘀𝖼𝘰v𝗲𝘳 𝗇е𝘸 sto𝗋𝘪𝗲𝘴 𝗈𝘯.с𝘰𝘮
Beverley’s expression remained composed, yet her voice carried a sharp edge. “Even if I pull her through this, I expect you to finally set her straight p>
Lauren’s fault was undeniable. Herman’s jaw tightened, but he forced himself to nod, swallowing the bitterness.
He promised, “Once this matter is behind us, Lauren will bear the punishment she deserves p>
Beverley gave a frosty nod before motioning for Alberto to show Herman out.
Once Herman was gone, she quietly told Alberto to gather a few things and accompany her on a visit to Gabriela.
That afternoon, Gabriela had chosen to stay home with her baby instead of returning to the office, having already filed her report at the police station.
When Beverley arrived with Alberto, she showed no surprise. She passed Truett gently into Farley’s arms. “Farley, take Truett upstairs for me p>
With his small hand clasped in Farley’s, Truett trudged toward the staircase, dragging his feet in an adorably unwilling march.
Catching sight of her great-grandson, Beverley felt an unexpected tug at her heart, an urge to scoop him close—or at the very least brush her fingers across his tiny hand.
She had come with weighty business in mind, and she knew that if she so much as cradled Truett, her resolve to speak sternly might waver.
The moment Truett vanished at the stairwell, Beverley fixed her attention on Gabriela. “Gabriela, I trust you already understand why I’m here today p>
“I do,” Gabriela answered evenly, her voice steady and cold. “I can also imagine the angle you’ll take in this conversation. Save yourself the trouble—whatever terms you bring, I won’t agree to them p>
In spite of herself, Beverley felt a flicker of respect for Gabriela.
Having been raised in hardship, she not only endured but also demonstrated her sharpness and formidable nature, skillfully running the company. She met each obstacle with calm resolve and unshaken courage.
That was the very spirit a Howard ought to embody.
For a fleeting moment, Beverley even toyed with the notion—Matthew had no son, which was why the company was entrusted to Jasper.
Rebecca might have been gifted, but she lacked the instincts for management.
If Gabriela ever chose to return to the Howard family…
Beverley shook off the thought and let her gaze drift toward Alberto.
Alberto swiftly laid a document on the table—a neatly prepared share transfer agreement.
He slid it across to Gabriela while Beverley’s cold voice cut in. “One percent of Howard Group’s shares p>
Gabriela’s gaze stayed steady. “Why don’t you get to the point p>
Beverley leaned forward. “Drop the charges against Lauren, and this one percent is yours p>