Chapter 715
715 Chapter 714
Oliver glanced at Marisa and suddenly felt a chill run down his spine.
If Marisa could fake her behavior this well in front of Grandma, was it possible she was faking it around him, too?
But then, Oliver quickly dismissed the thought.
Sure, someone could pretend for a day, a month, maybe even a year—but no one could keep up an act for twenty-five years, could they?
Selena was twenty-three now, and Marisa had been with him for twenty-five years…
“What am I even thinking p>
Besides, he wasn’t going to end up with nothing.
Not only was he fine now, but even when Grandma eventually passed, her estate would be split evenly. Just one percent of Horton Group’s shares amounted to hundreds of millions—if not billions—of dollars.
With that thought, Oliver quietly left the room.
Meanwhile, Keira and Jake were discussing the future development of the company, and Jake, as if he were giving an official report, even pulled up a PowerPoint presentation for her.
He looked just like he did back in college, taking things so seriously…
Keira couldn’t help but smile.
From the corner of his eye, Lewis noticed this, and his gaze deepened.
Nearby, Marisa and Selena were busy peeling grapes for old Mrs. Horton, meticulously removing the skin and seeds before handing them to her.
Old Mrs. Horton was thoroughly enjoying being pampered.
Lewis, on the other hand, picked up a glass of water and walked over to Keira. “Have some water p>
He interrupted their conversation.
Keira took the glass, sipped the water, and handed it back to him.
Lewis then sat down right beside her, unusually close, and looked at the PowerPoint Jake had made.
Keira suddenly felt a tickle near her ear. She turned her head, and her cheek brushed against Lewis’s face. That’s when she realized just how close he was sitting.
Keira tried to shift away, but Lewis’s arm slid around her waist, pulling her even closer.
Keira shot him a look but stayed silent.
Jake caught sight of the interaction and, with a bitter smile flashing across his face, raised his head and said, “Aunt Keira, what do you think of this proposal p>
The title change clearly pleased Lewis.
Before Keira could answer, Lewis pointed at a few spots on the presentation. “Here, here, and here. These three areas p>
In just a few succinct words, Lewis pointed out the flaws in the presentation.
His straightforwardness gave Jake an epiphany.
Jake looked at Lewis in awe.
In the past, he used to feel resentful, thinking that his uncle only held his position as chairman of Horton Group because of old Mrs. Horton’s favor and his seniority.
After all, Lewis had never worked in an entry-level position and only handled the company’s big-picture decisions.
That big picture? Jake used to think he could handle it too…
But now, at this moment, he understood the vast difference between him and his uncle.
Even though there was only a three or four-year age gap between them, the difference in experience and vision was like night and day.
Jake’s respect for him deepened.
Even though Lewis didn’t say much, there were parts that Jake couldn’t fully grasp.
Noticing his confusion, Keira chimed in to explain whenever he seemed lost, helping him clarify his thoughts.
Watching the two of them work together like that, Jake suddenly felt like they were the moon and the sun—shining so brightly that everything else around them seemed dim in comparison.
He listened more intently, and his attitude became even more humble.
By the time the discussion wrapped up, Jake, who had come in with a vague understanding of things, now had a crystal-clear idea of what the company’s direction should be.
Standing up, he addressed Lewis and Keira. “Uncle Lewis, Aunt Keira, thank you. I know what I need to do now p>
There was a newfound respect in his voice.
Lewis was clearly pleased. “Good. If you have any more questions, don’t hesitate to ask me p>
Jake nodded gratefully.
Once Jake left, Lewis coughed lightly and muttered, “Jake’s talent is pretty average p>
Keira immediately laughed. “He’s already doing well for an ordinary person. Not everyone can be like you p>
Lewis reached over to ruffle her hair. “I think you and I are the same p>
Keira didn’t respond to that.
She had noticed for a while now that she wasn’t quite like most people. She seemed a little too smart. No matter what it was, she picked it up quickly, and she never forgot anything…
Physically, she was also stronger than most. The only downside was her occasional iron deficiency.
Thinking about it, she glanced over at Erin, who was sitting nearby, snacking on pistachios while watching cartoons. Were all the South members like this?
Probably not…
Shaking her head, Keira turned her attention back to old Mrs. Horton.
Marisa and Selena were still working hard to keep the old woman entertained, and old Mrs. Horton’s laughter filled the room. Keira couldn’t help but smile as well.
But then, just as she was lost in thought, old Mrs. Horton’s laughter froze on her face.
Suddenly, she collapsed onto the table!
Keira shot to her feet. “Grandma p>
Her sudden shout startled Lewis as well.