The Billionaire Stands Up for Me-Chapter 181: Selling the Company

Daniel Carter left, and I couldn’t sleep all night.

The next day I woke up very late.

After the doctor’s rounds, I inquired about my condition and learned that it wasn’t too serious. I just needed a few days of rest in bed, and I immediately applied for discharge.

I didn’t dare stay any longer, fearing further entanglements with Daniel Carter.

Returning to the newly rented house, it’s more spacious and bright than before, even the parrot loves it.

Seeing me come back, the parrot excitedly ran towards me, chirping.

But I can no longer take it downstairs for a walk like I used to.

"Ms. Lily, you have a rest first, I’ll take the parrot downstairs for a walk." Cherry took care of me meticulously, and even managed to get the dog leash ready and went out.

I sat back against the sofa, my hand unconsciously resting on my abdomen.

Although I’ve come home, I still feel uneasy inside.

This morning, I asked the doctor about the medication I had used for pneumonia recently, not knowing I was pregnant and without any prohibitions; I wondered if it would affect the fetus.

The doctor asked me in detail about the medications I’d used. After comprehensive consideration, he couldn’t give a definite answer.

He just said there is indeed a risk.

Originally yesterday, I was completely sure that I wanted to keep this child.

I even thought of selling my company and moving abroad to live incognito for a lifetime to avoid causing a stir.

But now, hearing what the doctor said, I’m hesitant again.

There’s no doubt, I love this child.

But I can’t, out of selfish love, ignore the potential consequences.

If the medication affects the fetus, leading to any disability, it would be a disaster for him.

I’ve reflected repeatedly, unable to make a decision.

At noon, Wennie Lane called.

"Why haven’t you been in touch these days? Is your health okay?" Wennie Lane asked with concern.

I didn’t tell Wennie Lane about fainting and being hospitalized yesterday, so when she asked, I felt guilty.

"Well... my body is okay, just had a small issue yesterday, but it’s nothing major now."

I understated it, but Wennie Lane still sensed something, "Small issue? What do you mean? Are you sick again?"

"No..."

"Then what is it?"

I didn’t intend to hide it from my best friend, and tomorrow Grace Chandler will come over. We will be living together, and she definitely will know, so eventually, Wennie will too.

"I... I’m pregnant. My body hasn’t adapted yet, I accidentally fainted yesterday—"

"What?" Wennie Lane was shocked, "You... you are pregnant?! Whose child is it? Daniel Carter’s?"

"..." I couldn’t help but twitch my mouth, "Take a guess, who else could it be?"

"Such a big deal, you didn’t mention a word to me. Lily Miller, do you even regard me as your best friend? I’m very angry!"

I laughed and quickly apologized, "I didn’t think it through. I was dumbfounded yesterday when I got the news and didn’t think about it. See, now I’m immediately telling you, but you must keep the secret, I haven’t decided about this child’s future yet."

"What?" Wennie Lane was surprised again, "You’re thinking of aborting the child? How could you do something so cruel?"

"It’s not that I want to, but reality forces me to. Remember a few days ago I was hospitalized with pneumonia, the medication may affect the fetus."

Wennie Lane fell silent for a moment.

After a pause, she asked, "Are you still at the hospital?"

"I just came home from discharge."

"Are you alone?"

"Cherry accompanied me back, she’s downstairs walking the dog now."

"Alright, I got it, I’ll come to see you. Is there anything you want to eat? I’ll bring it over."

I was worried, but when Wennie Lane asked what to eat for lunch, I realized I was indeed hungry and really wanted to eat dishes from Holburne.

"Just those usual favorites, if it’s convenient... hehe, bring them for me."

"Alright, I’ll let the chef prepare them."

I immediately smiled and said coyly, "Thank you, Wennie, it’s great having you."

"Hmph! Don’t think a few compliments will prevent me from scolding you later!" Wennie Lane saw through my intent and left a stern warning while hanging up.

Cherry returned from walking the dog, asking what I wanted for lunch so she could order.

"No need, Wennie is coming over, bringing a feast."

"Is Ms. Wennie coming? Should I head back to the company then?"

"No rush, let’s have lunch first."

Wennie Lane arrived just past eleven, bringing carefully crafted gourmet dishes from the Holburne chef.

"Do you have any pregnancy reactions yet?" Seeing me rushing for the food, Wennie Lane curiously asked.

"No, it’s early pregnancy, nothing’s happening. I also want to take advantage of the lack of reactions and eat some good food to stock up on nutrition."

Upon realizing this subconscious thought, I understood I still want to keep this child.

"Wennie, I’m thinking of selling the company. I carefully calculated last night; given the current situation, selling it for around 300 million is feasible, and then I can repay the money I owe Daniel Carter."

After all, I will continue working in the future.

Even keeping a few million would be enough for expenses for two or three years.

Wennie Lane frowned, "So you’ve decided, still planning to have the child?"

"Yes. I consulted the doctor; throughout the pregnancy, there will be three or four examinations for abnormalities. If a problem is detected, measures can still be taken without urgency."

Indecision isn’t my style.

I’ve genuinely decided, I’ll have it!

Cherry frowned, timidly said, "But a late-term abortion is very damaging to health..."

"There’s no choice; I’ll just take it one step at a time."

These hardships should be mine to bear, there’s no escape.

Wennie Lane nodded, supporting my decision, but she remembered something else, looking at me with concern: "Are you really planning to keep it from Mr. Carter forever? With the Carter Family’s power, it’d be difficult to keep it hidden."

"That’s why I’m thinking of selling the company and moving abroad."

"Who do you plan to sell the company to? Do you have any candidates?" Wennie Lane proactively asked this.

I looked at her and suddenly realized something, "It happened suddenly, I haven’t thought it through. Do you have any ideas?"

Wennie Lane frowned, pondering for a moment, then shared her thoughts—

"Isn’t your roommate Grace Chandler coming over? I’m thinking... is it possible for her to enter your company as an executive? I’ll bring this up with my dad and brother. If it’s feasible, it equates to our Trenton Family holding control, and you can retain a small portion of shares, ensuring you continue receiving profits. Our family isn’t familiar with the fashion sector, but with Grace Chandler in charge, there shouldn’t be any issues."

I looked at my best friend in surprise, and suddenly everything became clear in my mind!

I racked my brain last night, couldn’t think of such a way, always wondering about where to find capital.

Unexpectedly, the capital was right in front of me.

"Grace Chandler has a new job already, but this can be negotiated—at worst, pay the penalty." The more I thought about it, the more this idea appealed to me.

Handing the company to someone I trust the most would leave me with no worries.

————

The next day, Wennie Lane drove me to the airport to pick up Grace Chandler.

Seeing me, Grace Chandler exclaimed with delight, "Didn’t you say you were too busy to come? Why did you still show up?"

"I miss you."

The three of us women got into the car and headed straight to Wennie Lane’s restaurant.

Grace Chandler and I had dined at Holburne before, where we ran into Jessica Sawyer showing off and paid for our meal.

Once the three of us were seated, I raised my tea in place of wine to thank my old friends for coming, and then waited for the food to be served, cutting straight to the point with my thoughts.

Grace Chandler was stunned.

She looked at us and said, "Today isn’t April Fool’s Day, is it?"

"No," I emphasized with a smile, "Grace, I’m not joking. I do plan to sell the company, and I genuinely want to hire you as the company’s vice president. Of course, if you agree to such an arrangement, then it won’t be me hiring you, it will be Wennie."

Calvin Yance’s contract hasn’t expired yet, and for the past few years, he has been the company’s general manager.

The position of vice president has always been vacant, and I’ve been handling many matters myself.

If I leave, Grace Chandler is the perfect fit to fill that position.

Grace Chandler looked puzzled and after a pause, she seriously asked, "You’re doing well, why do you suddenly want to sell the company? Are you really short on money?"

"No, I..." I wanted to speak directly but was worried about eavesdropping, so I leaned towards Grace Chandler’s ear and whispered softly.

Indeed, Grace Chandler’s eyes widened and her mouth gaped in disbelief as she stared at me before her gaze fell to my still flat abdomen.

"This... is... is this Mr. Carter’s?" After a while, she hesitantly asked.

I nodded.

"Oh my... this cliché domineering romance is perfectly unfolding between you two! Have you thought it through? Are you willing to give it all up?"

"You can’t have both the fish and the bear’s paw. I’ve thought it through. If I want to keep the child, I must abandon everything here. But when the child grows up, I’ll continue pursuing my career."

In recent years, I have also gained some influence in the international fashion scene.

Actually, work isn’t difficult for me, as long as I’m willing.

Grace Chandler pondered for a moment and looked at Wennie Lane: "Do you truly have that much faith in me?"

Wennie Lane smiled and raised her glass to her: "Trust those you use and don’t use those you doubt. I trust you and trust Lily Miller’s judgment."

Grace Chandler raised her wine glass, and the two clinked gently.

"Give me a day to consider, I’ll give you an answer tomorrow."

"Alright!"

After dinner, Grace Chandler and I returned to the newly rented apartment.

"It’s nice, the community environment is good, and the layout of this apartment is nice. The only downside is—I thought we could be roommates like in college, but it turns out you’re planning to escape!"

Grace Chandler circled the room, pouting unhappily.

I smiled apologetically: "It happened suddenly, I didn’t expect it."

Grace Chandler sat down on the sofa, silent for a while, "During dinner, your proposal seemed feasible. But I need to speak with the headhunters."

"Alright, whatever the breach penalty is, I’ll cover it."

"No need, this is my personal decision, I can take care of it myself—"

"Grace, you’ve helped me so much, don’t be so polite with me. I’ll cover the penalty, you can start working at [Lily · Banquet] anytime. I’m really happy handing the company over to you two, it’s the most gratifying outcome."

Seeing my sincere attitude, Grace Chandler nodded: "Okay, as you wish. If your health permits, I’ll go with you to the office tomorrow."

"Alright."

"When do you plan to leave?"

"At the earliest half a month from now. Changing the equity and legal representative procedures aren’t so quick."

"That’s good... at least we can still be roommates for half a month and have good chats."

The word "roommate" made me laugh, and we embraced each other cheesily, reminiscing about our student days.

Wennie Lane worked efficiently, using some means to persuade her family, and the Trenton Family agreed to purchase my company.

The news spread, and colleagues were a bit anxious, thinking something had happened to the company.

I immediately instructed HR to issue a notice, informing everyone not to panic and assured that there wouldn’t be any unwarranted layoffs, though I hoped everyone would keep quiet about the matter and not publicize it.

I was apprehensive about Daniel Carter, fearing he might still be watching me and detect something unusual.

The buyout process went smoothly, and I actively lowered the price as a way to repay my best friend’s kindness over the years.

Wennie Lane’s father was very straightforward; after signing the contract, he paid the acquisition funds on the same day.

Staring at the countless zeros on the card, my thoughts were still a bit hazy.

This company is the fruit of my labor for many years, as well as the testament to my first love and first marriage.

Now, Adrian Gordon is in prison, and I’ve sold the company.

And I myself will leave entirely.

Life is unpredictable, and everything can change in an instant.

I sat quietly for a while until my emotions calmed, then paid off all my debts to Daniel Carter.

It’s pretty good, better than I imagined.

The balance on my card is enough for me to start anew abroad.

As I drove home, my phone rang on the road.

I glanced at the car’s screen, and my hand gripped the steering wheel.

Daniel Carter.

He must have seen the transfer I made to him and called to inquire.

I dare not ignore it; if I do, he will surely use all means to find me immediately, which would complicate matters even more.

I adjusted my emotions and answered: "Hello?"

"Lily Miller, what do you mean by this?" His voice came through, somewhat cold and stern.

"Nothing, paying off debts, isn’t that only right and proper?"

Even when I was his girlfriend, I never thought of avoiding this debt, there’s no reason to become a defaulter now that we’ve broken up.

"You know that’s not what I meant. I want to know where you got so much money." His voice remained cold, and even over the sound waves, the sense of intimidation was palpable.

"I sold the company." Anyway, the procedures are complete; I answered openly.

"Sold the company? Why?"

"That company is related to Adrian Gordon. After thinking it over, I felt it’s better to make a clean break." I lied smoothly.

However, this indeed is a very plausible excuse.

Sure enough, Daniel Carter didn’t believe it: "Just because of that?"

"Isn’t that sufficient? Last time in Veyrona, Adrian Gordon thought I couldn’t even bear to change the company’s name, indicating lingering feelings for him. So I simply sold the company; isn’t this attitude clear enough?" My lies flowed more smoothly, even I found it reasonable.

"Has he been bothering you again lately?"

"No, the man is in prison, how could he? But as a co-conspirator, he won’t be sentenced for many years. In a few years, he’ll surely try to retaliate once released, so I’m severing ties early."

From what I know, Adrian Gordon will be sentenced to a maximum of five years. If he behaves well, he might be released in four.

Daniel Carter fell silent for a while.

I didn’t rush him.

After all, this might be our last phone call.

Once I disappear, he won’t be able to reach me.

I want to hear his breathing more, his voice.

Let the little sprout in my belly sense his father’s presence too.