Template placeholder with Chapter 414
Chapter 414:
“We’re just two women out shopping, so you two don’t need to tag along,” Carlee said.
Wyatt’s commanding presence always drew eyes, and Carlee, uneasy under such scrutiny, firmly declined his and Sanford’s company.
Wyatt had been reluctant to let Amelia go alone, but with Carlee by her side, he didn’t press the issue.
As Wyatt and Sanford settled into a cozy café booth, Amelia and Carlee ventured upstairs to the mall.
J𝗈𝘪𝘯 𝘵h𝖾 с𝘰𝘮𝗆𝗎n𝗶𝘵у 𝗮𝘁
In the baby products section, Carlee dove into a shopping frenzy.
Soon, Barrie was juggling an armful of shopping bags.
Seeing Barrie struggling and looking pained, Amelia hurriedly grabbed Carlee’s arm. “Stop buying more! We’ve got more than enough already p>
“Enough? I’m just getting started p>
Carlee’s words were cut off as a poised woman stepped into their path.
The woman before them was impeccably polished, her clothing radiating refined elegance.
Most notably, her features closely mirrored Sanford’s.
Carlee softened her tone. “Who might you be, ma’am p>
“Hello, I’m Sanford’s mother. Miss Larson, could I have a brief moment to speak with you p>
Paulina Chapman’s voice was soft, her lips curved in a subtle smile, but her tone carried an unmistakable firmness.
Sensing Paulina’s resolve, Amelia let out a light laugh as she looped her arm through Carlee’s. “Mrs. Chapman, would it be alright if I tagged along p>
Paulina’s expression shifted subtly before her warm smile returned. “Not at all p>
The mall featured an exclusive VIP lounge, a quiet haven for private discussions.
As soon as Carlee and Amelia sank into the plush sofa, Paulina wasted no time. “Miss Larson, I’m aware you’re in a relationship with Sanford. However, I have a different vision for our family’s future, and I would like you to consider ending things with him. To show my sincerity, I’m prepared to offer your family a business contract worth three hundred million dollars p>
Paulina’s calm, courteous manner didn’t waver, but her words sparked fury in Carlee.
If anyone else had spoken like this to her, Carlee might have flung a drink in their face. But knowing Paulina was Sanford’s mother, she bit back her anger and responded, “Mrs. Chapman, you should talk to Sanford about this, not me. Or is it that you don’t want to upset your son and hope I’ll be the villain p>
“Please, Miss Larson, don’t get upset,” Paulina said gently, pouring coffee for both Carlee and Amelia.
Amelia, observing the gesture, felt a tinge of resignation.
A single glance was enough to confirm Paulina’s formidable presence. A woman who commanded the Chapman empire wasn’t to be underestimated. The Chapman family had two sons — Marc, who chose a path in medicine, and Sanford, devoted to his culinary passion. This left Paulina steering the Chapman Group’s vast operations.
Paulina continued, “Miss Larson, my intention isn’t to offend you. My visit today isn’t driven by personal motives; I am here on behalf of the Chapman family p>
Amelia could no longer stay silent. “Mrs. Chapman, it was Wyatt and I who encouraged the connection between Carlee and Sanford. I didn’t realize you would disapprove of them being together, and I take responsibility for that oversight p>
Amelia’s words were deliberate, signaling that Carlee hadn’t pursued Sanford on her own.
“You’ve got it wrong, Mrs. Stewart. If Sanford had Wyatt’s business acumen, I would embrace Miss Larson as warmly as your mother-in-law welcomed you p>
Shifting gears, Paulina continued, “I hear you’ve already taken the reins at the Davis Group p>
Amelia, uncertain of Paulina’s angle, nodded politely. “Yes, I’m now in charge of the Davis Group p>
“Then, as a business leader, you surely understand the weight of securing a family’s legacy through capable heirs. Frankly, without Wyatt, the Stewart family wouldn’t enjoy its prominence in Kretol today p>
Amelia frowned. “Mrs. Chapman, I’m not sure how this ties to Carlee p>
Her gaze locking onto Carlee, Paulina said, “Neither Marc nor Sanford is suited to run the company, so I need a daughter-in-law who can uphold the Chapman legacy. Miss Larson, unfortunately…” She trailed off, but the meaning in her words was clear.
Carlee didn’t meet her requirements.
Though Paulina left her sentence unfinished, both Carlee and Amelia understood what she meant.
Paulina added, “Miss Larson, beyond being a mother, I’m an employer accountable for my employees’ livelihoods. I hope you understand my position p>
Just then, the lounge door burst open, and Sanford strode in, his eyes immediately finding Carlee.
Carlee’s initial anger gave way to a wave of grievance at the sight of him, tears brimming in her eyes.
Noticing her distress, Sanford shot a reproachful look at his mother. “Mom, I’m the one who pursued Carlee, and I asked Amelia to make the introduction. If you have an issue with my relationship with Carlee, take it up with me, not her p>
Paulina studied her son. “Judging by your attitude, I can tell you’re determined to be with Carlee, aren’t you p>
Hearing Paulina’s question, Carlee and Amelia both turned to Sanford, waiting for his response.
Without hesitation, Sanford answered, “Yes p>