“When?” Ricky gaped. “Is he abandoning his son too?”
“He doesn’t know that Tommy is his,” Abigail explained. “You have to keep it a secret too.”
Ricky appeared taken aback. “What, did you think I’d break my promise and tell Diarmuid about Tommy?”
“Ricky, we share a father, even if he’s gone now and we had different mothers. That makes you my brother, and that will never change. I hope you deserve my full trust.”
Abigail had been doing her best to bridge the relationship between herself and Ricky for a while now, and hoped that he would not disappoint her.
Ricky pursed his lips and lowered his gaze, as she continued, “I’ll come up with something. Don’t worry.”
“Okay,” Ricky replied.
Ireen sat behind her desk, knowing then that Diarmuid was up to no good.
Did he want her to suffer? Or perhaps he wanted her to go to him, crying for forgiveness?
She would do neither, let alone try to cajole him.
Resting her chin on her hands, she wondered what she should do about the returned goods. It basically meant losing capital!
She then checked the time. Since it was not at all late, she called Harvey.
Harvey was actually surprised that she called. “I didn’t think you’d call me first–I was just about to do it myself. It seems that we’re really meant for each other.”
Abigail was not in the mood. “Did you tell Diarmuid we’re getting married?”
“I personally sent the invitation too. What, is he harassing you? Where are you now? I’ll come.
“You don’t have to, and he’s not harassing me. He just gave me a little issue at work… Wait, he’s not harassing you?”
Given Diarmuid’s temper, both of them should be suffering right about now.
Harvey chuckled. “He got me twice before, but I’m fully prepared this time. There’s no way he can mess with me aside from causing minor annoyances.”
“Hold on, is that concern I’m hearing?” he suddenly asked.
“I’m not in the mood for that. It’s just a question.”
“Well, is he bothering you? Do you need help?”
“No,” Abigail replied, and hung up.
She had already come up with a solution, and dialed Ricky’s number.
“Ricky, can you approach internet celebrities? Let’s ask them to help retail the returned goods ourselves instead of selling it wholesale.”
Ricky had been gloomy over the issue, and became spirited immediately. “Right! Wholesale prices are low anyway, but we’ll earn more on retail even after paying the celebrities commission! That said, it’s a lot of goods… when could we sell everything off?”
Abigail had made up her mind. “It won’t take that long. Livestream promotions are all the rage these days, and that’s why we’re going the route of viral marketing.”
“Alright, I’ll make the call,” Ricky replied.
“Good.”
Abigail hung up but did not leave immediately. Instead, she asked several trustworthy employees to move the returned goods out of the warehouses.
Since Diarmuid wanted to bully her, he had the money and influence to make it an issue as well if he were to find out that she was using viral marketing for retail.
That was why she must do things quietly.
It was daybreak when everything was done, but just as she returned to Bernstein Mansion to rest, Harvey’s makeup artist had arrived. She pressed Abigail on a chair, and started to do her bridal makeup.
Her eyelids weighed a ton–she could fall asleep right then.
Ricky poured her a coffee and pulled out a chair to sit beside her. “Abigail…”
“Don’t ask. You have more important things to do,” she said as she turned toward him. “You have free rein on this issue, and sign the agreement if the revenue distribution is right. But remember to keep everything a secret–if anyone in the company asks, I’m still thinking.” “Why are we keeping it from our own people?” Ricky was actually confused by the need for secrecy.
“To prevent others from messing up our plans,” Abigail replied.
Ricky understood right then. “You’re worried that they would find out and sabotage us again.”
“Well, now you know. Get it done.”
“Abigail…” Ricky appeared hesitant, but eventually mustered her courage and asked, “Is there really no other way to save Tommy? You don’t like Harvey Gooding–you won’t be happy marrying him.”
Abigail stared at her reflection in the mirror, spacing out for an instant.
Still, she smiled, “Happiness doesn’t matter. I want Tommy safe, and I’m not interested in relationships anyway even if I didn’t marry him. Right now, I just want everything to go well at Bernstein Holdings, so don’t worry about me. Now hurry off and do what you have to–that cannot wait.”
“Okay,” Ricky got up and left, while Abigail asked someone to bring her a pillow, allowing her to slouch.
Diarmuid was sitting on a chair before a curtain wall, the curtains nearby half closed and allowing some light to spill in, illuminating his face as he stared at Abigail’s portrait.
After sabotaging Abigail’s company, he was waiting for her to come to him, begging.
And yet, it was already half–past seven on Saturday, but she was not coming.
Was she really marrying Harvey Gooding?!
He had never felt this annoyed!
Suddenly, he sprang to his feet, seemingly abandoning dignity as he went looking for her.
Arriving at Bernstein Mansion, he found that she had already put on her wedding dress, with several assistants adjusting the train.
The wedding dress was a perfect fit to her figure, hugging it and presenting the stunning curves of her body!
He certainly had to admit that she was beautiful in that dress.
Standing at the front door, he demanded, “Your company is in trouble, but you’re ignoring it to get married?!”
Abigail turned toward the voice, and was surprised to see him there.
Still, she smiled brightly and dazzlingly. “Harvey’s rich. He can support me even if Bernstein Holdings falls.”
Diarmuid’s expression turned icy, and the air around him seemed to cool as well.
“Abigail Bernstein! Did you really think Harvey Gooding loves you? Don’t forget that you were married to me, and consummated-
“Diarmuid Althoff!” Abigail snapped, cutting him short.
“What, can’t take it already?” Diarmuid mocked, holding out a hand to her. “You can still walk away with me now.”
Abigail was laughing despite her indignation. “You were the one who demanded a divorce, and it has been finalized. Also, aren’t you with Kathy York? Are you sure she won’t get jealous that you’re here? Oh, and I also heard that you gave her your most prized possession–I guess you really love her, congratulations!”
“I’m just returning that thing to its owner,” Diarmuid replied without thinking.
Abigail raised her brow. “So it’s hers. I guess you two really go a long way back.”
Diarmuid pursed his lips but could not deny it, since she was the one who saved him as a child, or he would not have rehired her–even if his grandfather had asked.
“My husband will be coming to get me soon. Please leave.” Abigail was exhausted, but was somehow pleased that Diarmuid came.
Diarmuid held out a hand again, his tone commanding now. “Come with me.”
Abigail slapped his hand away unceremoniously. “I’m getting married to Harvey. Go to Kathy, so that we won’t be a part of each other’s lives again.”
“But I want to,” Diarmuid said and walked up, putting one arm around Abigail’s waist and pulling her firmly into his embrace. Even as he restrained her, he greedily admired her beautiful visage and growled, “Are you so bent on marrying?”
“Yes, I am!”
With that, she turned, her curled lashes brushing lightly against his cheeks. “If you’re here to give me your blessing, I gratefully accept it–if you’re just here to insult me, please leave.”
“Mr. Althoff!”
Harvey was suddenly striding in through the front door, grinning ear–to–ear. “Thanks for coming, but the way you’re touching my wife is impolite. Surely a man with a reputation to uphold like you wouldn’t want people to talk?”
Diarmuid’s hand, however, was tightening around Abigail’s waist. He leaned in then and whispered beside her ear, “Are you really marrying him?”
“Yes!” Abigail exclaimed as she pushed him firmly away.
Diarmuid stumbled backward raggedly, appearing calm, but he was restraining his rage. “Are you sure you won’t regret this?”
Abigail reared her chin. “N–No.”
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.
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