Chapter 27

Kayla wasted no time approaching Archie. "Mr. Newton, could I ask you something?"

With a warm grin, Archie replied, "Of course. What's on your mind?"

"Do you remember Cooper Group? You have it as collateral now."

"Cooper Group..." Archie thought for a second, then it clicked. "So that's your family's company.My deputy did mention it in an email. We had a contract with Perennia Group, but they failed to deliver, left us in the lurch financially. Unable to cover the losses, they pledged Cooper Group as security."

Kayla stayed silent, listening.

Archie continued, "You had no idea what your husband was up to, did you? Honestly, Cooper Group's assets couldn't even begin to cover what we lost. So Liam decided to charm my deputy's secretary and pull her into his schemes."

Archie's eyes gleamed with amusement."The secretary fell for it and slipped Liam our upcoming project plans. That info is what let Perennia Group crawl back from the brink. When I found out, she was fired immediately."

Every word landed like a punch. The truth left the small crowd in shock.

Humiliation flooded Kayla, her cheeks blazing. She had been played for a fool-Liam's tricks had even reached as far as Newton Group.

Off in the distance, Jeremy kept hitting golf balls, keeping himself out of the unfolding drama.

Laughter burst from Dewitt. "Jeremy, your nephew's really got a talent-turns out his face is his ticket to success. Kayla, talk about bad luck with a guy like that."

Kayla's expression soured, and Dewitt quickly softened his tone. "Hey, it's not all bad. You're dumping him anyway, so you're smart enough to spot a snake." None of it seemed to register. Kayla's mind was spinning. How could Liam have hidden so much from her for so long?

Her voice came out low, almost pleading, as she faced Archie again. "Mr. Newton, Cooper Group was my mom's legacy. Is there any way you could let me have it back?"

Archie glanced at Jeremy, his look loaded with meaning. "Newton Group suffered real losses thanks to your husband. Cooper Group is tied up as collateral in their contract with us. That's not something that can be undone by a simple request."

Still, Kayla didn't give up. "I realize it's asking a lot, but Cooper Group is important to me. I need to get it back."

A thoughtful look crossed Archie's face. "How about this? Join Newton Group. Show me what you can do. lf you impress me, I'll hand you the negotiations with Perennia Group to void the contract. The future of Cooper Group will then be in your hands."

Kayla paused,weighing the offer.

Landing a spot at Newton Group was no small feat-it was the most prestigious company in Trark. A career there would open countless doors.

Yet, staying put in Trark would upend her plan to leave.

Any delay risked exposing her pregnancy; the longer she lingered, the harder it would be to keep her secret.

"Are you alright, Mr. Graham?"

Edwin's anxious voice cut through the conversation as he hurried to Jeremy's side, worry etched across his face.

The group's attention shifted instantly.

Swinging a golf club had clearly put too much strain on Jeremy's still-mending arm.

"No need to fuss. I'm fine," he replied. A mischievous glint lit up Dewitt's eyes. "We set up this whole match, but you show up injured. How are you going to play? You may as well forfeit now!"

Jeremy simply waved off their concerns. "A little scratch like this won't keep me out of the game."

Just then, a bodyguard stepped forward and said, "Mr. Graham, Zoe Cooper has arrived."

Dewitt's eyes lit up at the announcement. "Well, what a surprise! Let's have her join us!"

Moments later, Zoe came, her arrival marked by a delicate cloud of fragrance.

Dressed in a sharp white tracksuit, hair pulled into a high ponytail, Zoe looked energetic and ready for anything.

Kayla fought the urge to roll her eyes. Did Zoe really have to show up everywhere she went?

Archie, seeing Zoe for the first time, turned with a puzzled look. "And who might this be?"

Dewitt's voice boomed, maybe with a hint of mischief. "That's Zoe Cooper, Kayla's older sister, and Jeremy's special someone."

Archie's brows shot up, his lips twitching in surprise. "So Jeremy's girl and his nephew's wife are sisters?"

The comment didn't escape Kayla's or Zoe's notice.

Zoe's smile grew even more self-assured, though she kept her tone polite. "If Kayla's made any waves today, I'll take responsibility for her."

Archie simply brushed it aside. "No trouble at all. It's a pleasure meeting you both."

"Appreciate it, Mr. Newton." Zoe shot Kayla a smug look before turning to Jeremy. "You shouldn't strain yourself,Jeremy.Let me help you inside."

Jeremy's face remained a mask, but he surrendered his club to an attendant and stepped away from the green.

Zoe looped her arm through his, wearing a satisfied smile as she escorted him. As everyone headed for the lounge, Dewitt threw out another suggestion. "Since Zoe's here, why not have her fill in for Jeremy on the course?"

Zoe froze for a heartbeat but kept her composure. "Golf isn't really my thing, so I'll have to pass."

With a laugh, Dewitt shrugged. "Jeremy, looks like you'll have to give up."