As Derek's most capable assistant, Eric was quick in action. Plus, solving problems for Derek was part of his job.
To support the Hopkinson Group, the Scott Group offered discounts during cooperation. Besides, it also helped the Hopkinson Group reach out to suppliers and partners.
Eric spent the whole day digging up all those projects. Then he called the partners one by one, and they all sided with the Scott Group.
Without Bennett, the Hopkinson Group was no match for the Scott Group.
So picking sides was quite easy.
"Eric, go contact the reporters. I want the public to know that I'll break off my engagement to Rose."
Eric thought, 'How I wish I had superpowers! Damn you, Rose! How dare you do so many evil deeds? I'm so tied up that I don't even have time to pee.'
Right now, Rose was shopping.
Lately, she had been unlucky, and nothing was going her way. Only shopping could cheer her up.
When her phone rang, she had just signed a check.
"Who is it? Why did you call me at this hour?"
She grumbled as she answered the phone.
"Rose, why didn't you come to work today? Where are you now?" Ash sounded displeased.
Rose rolled her eyes with discontent.
"I'm not feeling well. I'll be there in a minute."
She wanted to brush it off, but Ash wouldn't let her.
"Come to the company now."
He hung up the phone after he finished speaking, so Rose got no chance to argue.
She scowled at her phone and left without even taking the clothes the shop assistant handed her.
After she got to the company, she noticed that the employees were peeking at her as she passed. But when she turned around, they looked away.
Feeling vexed, she stomped her feet.
After she walked to the door of Ash's office, she went straight in. Only Ash was inside, and Laura wasn't there.
She complained, "Ash, everyone stares at me oddly."
She wondered, 'What's going on? Why did they look at me like that?
Did anything happen?'
"You didn't check the news today?"
Ash looked surprised. He wanted to ask her about the news as soon as he heard it. Yet she had no idea about it.
Rose was too busy shopping to check the news.
She took out her phone to see what had happened. In fact, she didn't need to search for it. The news had already made the headline of all websites.
"Derek wants to break off our engagement?" Her voice became sharp due to shock.
"What happened between you and Derek? You've had two kids! Do you know that every company associated with the Scott Group is suspending business with us? Do you have any idea how much damage it'll cause?"
Ash felt his head spinning whenever he thought about it.
Hearing Ash mention the kids, Rose felt a bit uneasy. No one knew she wasn't the kids' mother beside Laura and her. So Ash still believed that the kids could make Derek change his mind. She daren't tell the truth.
She was more afraid of Derek finding out about it, though. Ash seemed to be worried about her, but he'd definitely give up on her when he had to make a choice.
"Ash, is Rose here? Is it true what they said online?"
Laura opened the door and interrupted their conversation.
Right now, she was perturbed, looking no different from an ordinary woman.
"Sit down. I'm asking her." Ash helped Laura sit on the sofa. Then they both looked at Rose, waiting for her explanation.
Emily had no idea about the predicament Rose was facing. She noticed Derek standing beside her as soon as she woke up.
Recalling what had happened before she fainted, she got emotional and sat up right away. Derek immediately supported her.
"Be careful. You just woke up."
"My kids!" Emily grabbed his hand, unable to say any more words.
She knew Derek well. He wouldn't leave his kids in someone else's hands.
She was overjoyed to learn that her kids were still alive. However, she also worried that Derek would take Chris and Diane away from her.
"Are they really my kids?" She was dying to confirm it.
"100 percent. If you don't believe me, feel free to check it again yourself."
Emily gazed at him for a moment. Then she let go of his hand and believed him.
"We should have a serious talk about the kids' custody."
Emily interrupted him nervously, "You can tell them that you're their father. But I'll never let you take them away from me."
She stared at Derek like a dam that was trying to protect its cubs, her body tense.
"If Chris and Diane stay with me, they'll enjoy better education and life. They need their father in their growth. I'm sure they have asked you about it. You can't ignore their needs," Derek said seriously.
Emily knew that what he said was true, but she couldn't lose her kids. The maternal love she gave them was also something Derek couldn't offer.
Looking at her fierce eyes, Derek comforted her, "It's fine. If we can't reach an agreement now, let's leave it for the time being. We should tell the four kids who they are. They have the right to know that. They have gotten along well with each other, and Aaron and Ian are eager for maternal love. Although they didn't say it, they see you as their mother."
Derek finished speaking, his face burning. He thought, 'Actually, I think so, too.'
He could tell that Emily wanted the same thing as well. He'd make her agree with him little by little and finally win her heart.
"Neither of us wants to give up time with our kids, and they want to have a family. In that case, I have a perfect idea. You can move in with Chris and Diane."
"You mean we should move into the Scott's?"
"Yes. Let's leave the kids' custody aside. After you move in, our kids can live together, and they have both a mom and a dad."
Derek's suggestion stunned Emily. The idea never occurred to her. She tightened her grasp on the duvet, feeling excited.
How she wished she could fly to her children and take them in her arms. She wanted to tell them so badly how much she missed and loved them.
She wanted to make up for the lost time. And she knew Derek felt the same way.
She struggled out of her trance.
"What about Rose? She's your fiancée. People'll talk if I move into your villa with the kids. I won't let anyone hurt them."
Derek sighed with pity and thought, 'She's so awesome. She's able to keep her head even under such circumstances.
I was so close to getting what I wanted.'
"What do you suggest, then?" He looked at her with connivance.
"I wanted you to break off your engagement to her. She is the one who separated me from my kids and nearly killed Aaron and Ian. I won't let her take advantage of them again. No way she's gonna lay a finger on my kids."