Everyone Can Hear My Thoughts, and Now They're Panicking

A flicker of light crossed Jasper Sterling’s charming eyes as he turned his gaze to Una Holt. "And you?"

Una Holt took a step back, retorting stubbornly, "What’s it got to do with me?"

Willow Summers shot back, "How does it not have anything to do with you? You already signed the investment contract, acting like a big shot and pledging to invest a hundred million. The question is, can you even come up with that kind of money? You haven’t lost anything yet, so you can just walk away from the contract."

Caleb Lowell had already promised that all investment contracts would be voided and the funds returned in full.

In truth, Una Holt breathed a secret sigh of relief. She had been caught up in the heat of the moment when she signed the contract; if she actually had to produce the money, she definitely wouldn’t be able to.

Her family wasn’t so wealthy that they could casually give her a hundred million.

But Una Holt would never admit that. Otherwise, wouldn’t her carefully crafted persona as the doted-on heiress of a wealthy family collapse?

"Who says I can’t come up with it? It’s only a hundred million. That’s not a lot." Una Holt hadn’t forgotten that Willow Summers was also a minor influencer.

The other girl’s follower count was nothing compared to hers, but who knew if she would seize this opportunity to spread rumors online and try to leech off her fame?

"Just because you’re broke doesn’t mean everyone is like you, making a big deal out of a hundred million. I’m very optimistic about your uncle’s project. If you ask me, we should handle these things separately. The one who misused the poppy husks was that servant, not your uncle. Your uncle is the real victim here. Once things are cleared up, why can’t he continue with the project?"

After speaking, she even thought she was being clever, subtly showing her support for Clayton Lowell.

After all, Clayton Lowell had already signed new talent, hired professional screenwriters to polish the script, and paid for this investor appreciation reception. All of these were real, tangible investments.

If the project were to fall through just like that, all the initial investment would go down the drain.

’Caleb Lowell surely couldn’t bear to see Clayton Lowell lose his entire investment... If he steps in to take over the project, and I don’t withdraw my funding, won’t it look like we’re in this together through thick and thin?’

With this in mind, Una Holt looked at Caleb Lowell. "Caleb, I’ve already signed the contract, and I’m investing no matter what. I’m not like those other people who run at the first sign of trouble."

Willow Summers was utterly dumbfounded. ’What kind of weirdo is this?’

She had never seen someone so eager to jump into a pit.

Jane Lancaster’s voice was cool. "Willow, you should stop. Otherwise, she’ll blame us for stopping her from striking it rich."

’What a spoiled brat. If her parents knew about this, it’d be a miracle if they didn’t tan her hide.’

’But she’s so confident, she must not be worried about the money. Could it be that she already discussed this with her family before coming?’

’I don’t know about the others, but Old Mrs. Holt would probably be delighted to have her marry into the Lowell Family.’

Jasper Sterling lowered his gaze and chuckled softly. ’She really is smart, getting to the heart of the matter so quickly.’

The Holt Family had been making a lot of moves recently, so he had inevitably done some digging on them.

Una Holt’s parents were shrewd. Seeing top influencers earn hundreds of millions a year from live-stream shopping, they thought it was a great career for Una. The whole family actively cooperated in hyping up her "doted-on rich girl" persona.

After all, money given away for show could be taken back, and jewelry and handbags could be rented. It wasn’t much trouble.

As her online traffic grew, the family was just waiting to quickly monetize it. It was an easier way to make money than running a company to the point of exhaustion.

They likely saw Una Holt as their cash cow. When Una said she wanted to marry Caleb Lowell, her family surprisingly didn’t object.

They actively helped her scheme and plot. Una Holt’s grandmother even paid a visit to Old Mrs. Holt.

When Old Mrs. Holt found out, she was, of course, very supportive. She had previously thought Luna Morgan was a good match, but that was only in comparison to Jane Lancaster.

Ever since she learned that Luna Morgan had "seduced" her grandson, the Holt Family had caused no small amount of trouble to keep the two apart.

Old Mrs. Holt strongly approved of Una Holt marrying into the Lowell Family. It would strengthen their family ties, and both her son and the Holt Family would benefit.

Now, the entire Holt Family was playing their cards perfectly, dreaming of Una Holt marrying into the Lowell Family and their whole clan rising to prominence.

Jasper Sterling said, "If some people don’t know how to be grateful, then let’s just forget it. After all, we must allow for biodiversity."

Una Holt’s expression immediately turned ugly.

Jasper Sterling didn’t even bother to look at her, turning instead to Jane Lancaster with a smile playing on his lips. "However, the Sterling Family’s code is that we must repay kindness. So, would you allow me to host a simple meal for you two ladies?"

Lana Sterling paused for a second. "Ah, I should be the one treating you."

Willow Summers hadn’t expected to be included. "Me? I should probably sit this one out."

"How could you not go? You and Miss Lancaster came all this way specifically to help everyone," Uncle Lynn said quickly.

"If anyone should be treating, it ought to be me. After all the trouble that’s happened today, I should be the one apologizing to all of you," Caleb Lowell said, not to be outdone.

He looked at Jane Lancaster. ’It had been a long time since he’d last had a meal with her.’

After a moment, he retracted his gaze and said calmly, "President Sterling, my apologies, but please allow me to be the host today."

Uncle Lynn interjected, "I figured everyone must be starving after all this commotion, so the Young Master had me order the food in advance. The dishes will be served as soon as we arrive. We can always add more dishes while we eat. It’s less than a ten-minute drive."

A proper butler knows how to get things done and provide timely support for his young master.

’Could Caleb Lowell’s assistant possibly be as efficient as him?’

Caleb Lowell took a deep breath, his eyes on Jane Lancaster. "...But it seems the two ladies don’t particularly want to go."

’Jane Lancaster would never make him lose face in front of outsiders, especially not in front of Jasper Sterling.’

Lana Sterling urged, "Let’s go, let’s go! You’re not going to turn me down, are you?"

She glanced at Willow Summers, then fixed her gaze on Jane Lancaster, her eyes screaming, ’Hurry up and agree! I’m about to starve to death!’

Jane Lancaster didn’t hesitate at all. "Alright, then. Thank you so much."

"Jay!" Caleb Lowell couldn’t help but call out.

Jane Lancaster didn’t look back.

’Even an idiot would know which one to choose, right? I’m not some chump who’s going to wait around for you to slowly book a restaurant.’

’He had everything arranged in advance. You just came up with it on the spot. In terms of sincerity, Jasper Sterling is obviously the more sincere one.’

Caleb Lowell’s lips tightened into a thin line, his body stiff. He wanted to explain that he had been so overwhelmed just now that he hadn’t thought about those details.

A car pulled up, and Alvin Lancaster leaned out. "Jay, you must be starving. I’ll take you to get something to eat."

Caleb Lowell’s head snapped toward Alvin Lancaster, his mouth opening and closing without a word.

Uncle Lynn said, "Our Young Master was just about to thank Miss Lancaster and Miss Summers by inviting them to dinner."

Jasper Sterling added, "Second Young Master, if you’re free, why don’t you join us?"

Alvin Lancaster smiled, a little sheepishly. "Is that so? In that case, I’d be happy to accept."

He paused, a little puzzled. ’Why did Caleb Lowell look so gloomy?’ But then again, after what had happened, it was unlikely he’d be in a good mood.

"Caleb, don’t be too upset," Alvin Lancaster offered, a bit awkwardly.

"Pardon me, Second Young Master, may I ride with you?" After getting a nod of consent, Uncle Lynn opened the passenger door, smiling as he opened the navigation app on his phone.

Caleb Lowell withdrew his gaze and took two steps back.

He remained standing there until both cars had disappeared from sight.

"Caleb, I’m sticking with you, of course." Una Holt, who surprisingly hadn’t left yet, said, "It’s just a meal. What’s the big deal? I’ll keep you company, Caleb."