C19 The Taboo Name

In a flash, Sheila settled down, though she still harbored some resentment. Nonetheless, she obediently returned to her seat on the couch.

Hilda couldn't help but chuckle, yet she felt a warmth in her heart. The world might harbor malice towards her, but there were still those who treated her with kindness.

"Didn't have anything to eat, did you? Want me to whip up something?"

"Hilda, I just adore you."

"Cut it out. You're quick to profess your love to anyone who feeds you."

"That's not true."

"Oh, isn't it? What about how you used to be with Roxie..."

At the mention of Roxie's name, they both fell silent, their faces turning sour.

After a pause, Sheila steered the conversation elsewhere. "You can't let the James family keep walking all over you!"

"What choice do I have? I'm just one person; how can I possibly stand up to them? Ken is the deputy mayor of Criarbridge, wielding immense power, and he's the largest shareholder of the James Group. And Aimee, now allied with the Simmons family through marriage, has Eddie backing her. I'd have to think twice before crossing her."

Sheila scoffed, "With her overly done plastic surgery, I can't fathom what Eddie sees in her. By the way, Hilda, have you ever considered taking over the James Group?"

"Take over the James Group?" Hilda raised an eyebrow, prompting Sheila to elaborate.

"Your mom has shares in the James Group, doesn't she? Back when they were on the brink of bankruptcy, it was your mom who helped the James Group weather the storm. There's bound to be someone who remembers the favor. Why not talk to those shareholders and figure out a way to take over?"

"To stop being at the mercy of others, you need to build your own strength. Once you have wealth and power, I'd like to see if they'd dare to bully you then!"

Sheila felt a rush of satisfaction just from saying it.

Hilda pondered for a moment but then shook her head. "Ken won't let me anywhere near the James Group. I can't even make contact with the shareholders. He's always been wary of me, afraid I might do just that."

Who knew that her words would be met with applause? "Fear is good! It means that taking action is effective. The more they fear us, the more we need to press on!"

"But what exactly do we need to do?"

"Hmm, let me think," Sheila mused, stroking her chin. Suddenly, as if struck by an idea, she whipped out her phone and dialed a number.

The line beeped with a busy tone, and Sheila tapped her foot impatiently. "Why isn't he answering?"

No sooner had she spoken than the call connected, and a cool voice answered, "What's up?"

"I wanted to ask if there's a new product launch at the James Group tomorrow. You're not planning to go, are you? Can you pass me your invite?"

"Is Hilda going?"

At that, Sheila's eyes widened. "How did you guess?"

"I just have the IQ and deductive skills of an average person. Fine, come by the office to pick it up."

Sheila chuckled. "That's too much effort; I don't feel like moving. Make sure you bring it to me."

She didn't wait for Edmond to respond and hung up the phone, clearly delighted.

"Isn't your brother going to be mad about this?"

Sheila nodded earnestly. "Sure, he'll be mad. But it doesn't matter. He's been mad every day since I secretly joined the entertainment industry after college."

Hilda shook her head with a touch of resignation, yet she couldn't help feeling a bit envious of such a close sibling bond.

"Hilda."

"Yes?"

"The James Group's launch event tomorrow is a big deal. I even saw a report on it in the airplane magazine, so all the shareholders will be there. Take the chance to mingle and have some meaningful conversations."

"Alright, Sheila. Thanks for the tip."