GIVE Up 74

Posted by ADMINMMADMIN, ? Views, Released on June 28, 2025

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71 Chapter 74

Chapter 74 The Price of Interference: Hazel’s Cunning Move

I sank into the plush sofa in my apartment, finally allowing myself a moment of relaxation after the confrontation with Eleanor. The memory of hot chocolate splashing across her designer coat brought a smile to my face, though I knew the satisfaction would be short–lived. Eleanor wasn’t one to give up easily.

My phone rang, interrupting my thoughts. I glanced at the screen, expecting it might be Damien checking in, but instead saw “Aunt Martha” flashing on the display. I hesitated, my finger hovering over the reject button. Aunt Martha was my father’s sister–not exactly someone I was eager to speak with these days.

With a sigh, I answered. “Hello, Aunt Martha.”

“Hazel, dear,” her voice came through, dripping with artificial warmth. “It’s been too long since we’ve spoken.”

“Three years, I believe,” I replied coolly. “Not since you told me I was being ‘difficult‘ for refusing to give Dad access to my trust fund.”

She laughed nervously. “Water under the bridge, dear. Family is family, after all.”

I rolled my eyes, grateful she couldn’t see me. “What can I do for you, Aunt Martha?”

“Well…” She paused dramatically. “I’ve been speaking with Eleanor.”

Of course she had. The timing was too perfect to be coincidental. Eleanor had wasted no time recruiting reinforcements after our café showdown.

“How nice for you both,” I said flatly..

“Hazel, I’m concerned,” she continued, ignoring my tone. “Eleanor tells me things are quite difficult for them now. Ethan’s education, their living situation… it’s all at risk.”

I pinched the bridge of my nose. “And?”

“And I was thinking, as family, we should support each other in times of need” Her voice took on that particular sanctimonious quality I remembered from child. d. “Perhaps you could help them financially? Or at least sign over some company shares to Eleanor for Ethan’s future?”

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The audacity was breathtaking. I hadn’t heard from this woman in years, and now she was calling to lecture me about family duty?

“Aunt Martha,” I said slowly, “do you remember when Mom was sick? When she needed specialized treatment that Dad refused to pay for because he was saving for that yacht?”

Silence greeted me.

“Do you remember how you told me, a twelve–year–old girl watching her mother waste away, that ‘sometimes we have to accept God’s plan‘? That was your idea of family support.”

“That was different

“No, it wasn’t,” I cut her off. “You’ve always taken Dad’s side. You stood by while he stole my mother’s family business. You said nothing when Eleanor and Ivy tormented me. And now you have the nerve to call me about family duty?”

I heard her inhale sharply. “I understand you’re upset, Hazel. But think of Ethan. He’s innocent in all this.”

A classic manipulation tactic–using children as emotional leverage. I almost laughed. “Ethan has two parents who should have thought about his future before committing fraud,” I replied. “Their problems are not my responsibility.”

“Hazel Ashworth!” Her voice rose with indignation. “I’m shocked at your hardheartedness! What would your mother think of you turning your back on family?” That was the final straw. Bringing my mother into this? I felt a surge of anger but then, unexpectedly, clarity. Fighting with Aunt Martha would accomplish nothing. However, I suddenly saw an opportunity–a way to redirect Eleanor’s demands away from me.

“You know what, Aunt Martha? You’re right.” I softened my tone deliberately.

“I am?” She sounded surprised at my sudden capitulation.

“Yes. I’ve been thinking about selling my shares in Ashworth anyway. The company has become… a burden. I paused for effect. “Perhaps you’d like to buy them?” role=

There was a long pause. “Me? Buy your shares?”

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“Absolutely. You’ve always believed in Dad’s vision for the company. With my forty percent stake, combined with the fifteen percent you already own, you’d be the majority shareholder. You could even take over as General Manager:

I could practically hear the wheels turning in her head. Aunt Martha had always resented that my father had given me shares instead of her, despite her business degree.

“Well, I… that’s an interesting proposition,” she stammered. “But I couldn’t possibly afford-”

“I’d give you a family discount,” I interrupted smoothly. “Say, sixty million? That’s about twenty percent below market value.”

Another long pause. “Sixty million?”

“It’s a steal, really,” I continued. “And just think–you could step in to save Eleanor and Ethan. You’d be the family hero.

“I… I would need to discuss this with Richard,” she said, referring to her husband.

“Of course,” I replied. “Take your time. Well, not too much time–I have other interested parties.”

“No!” The alarm in her voice was telling. “I’ll talk to Richard tonight. Can I call you tomorrow with our decision?”

“Perfect,” I said, feeling more relaxed than I had all day. “I’ll look forward to hearing from you.”

After ending the call, I leaned back into the couch, smiling with satisfaction. If Aunt Martha took the bait–and I was confident she would–she’d soon discover exactly what a hassle dealing with Eleanor could be. Let her bear the brunt of Eleanor’s constant demands.

Better yet, if the sale went through, I could use a large portion of those funds to pay down my debt to Damien. While he never pressured me about it, I knew he had essentially rescued the company from my father’s machinations with that massive investment. Reducing my financial obligation to him would help balance our relationship in my mind.

The doorbell rang, pulling me from my thoughts. I opened it to find Victoria and Chloe,

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both carrying paper bags filled with takeout containers

“We come bearing gifts of Thai food and gossip Victoria announced, sweeping past me

into the apartment.

Chloe followed, giving me a quick hug “Hope you don’t mind the ambush. Victoria insisted you needed cheering up after the hot chocolate incident, as she’s calling it.

I laughed, feeling genuinely lighter. “Actually, your timing is perfect, just got off the phone with my aunt, and I have something to celebrate.”

I

“Doh, do tell Victoria said, already unpacking containers on the coffee table.

As we settled in with our foot, I recounted the conversation with Aunt Martha and my impromptu plan.

Victoria let out a wicked laugh. “You’re positively evil, and I love it! Let her deal with Brator’s liess demand

“It’s not just getting of a problem,” explained. “That company… it’s the last real connection I have to my athes Every time I deal with Ashworth business matters, I’m reminded of erything he did to my mother, to me.”

in

Chloe nodded thoughtfully “Sometimes cutting ties is the healthiest choice. And sixty milton exactly a bad compotation prizer”

Changen,” Ladded,

“Most of which will go to learn, I attest, “but still, it feels good to have a plan.”

“To Hanel’s deus mm Victor sed her glass in a tout “May your aunt take the bail and your problems car aces”

berumur

We liked gasses as my power pinged with a test glanced down to see a message from Damen: “Thinking of you, Diandre NationTIN, Bagher

a

A warm feeling spread through my chest as I typed back is quick “Yes, please Despite everything with friends like there and Damen in my life, things were finally looking

“Se” Chior and forward conspiratonally, what are you gang to wear on your date tomorrow night? Because I happen to know my brother has made reservations somewhere very special”

“How do you know about that already Lasid, laughing at her sing expression.

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both carrying paper bags filled with takeout containers.

“We come bearing gifts of Thai food and gossip, Victoria announced, sweeping past me into the apartment.

Chloe followed, giving me a quick hug. “Hope you don’t mind the ambush. Victoria insisted you needed cheering up after the ‘hot chocolate incident, as she’s calling it

I laughed, feeling genuinely lighter. “Actually, your timing is perfect. I just got off the phone with my aunt, and I have something to celebrate”

“Ooh, do tell,” Victoria said, already unpacking containers on the coffee table.

As we settled in with our food, I recounted the conversation with Aunt Martha and my impromptu plan.

Victoria let out a wicked laugh. “You’re positively evil, and I love it! Let her deal with Eleanor’s endless demands.”

“It’s not just getting rid of a problem,” I explained. “That company… it’s the last real connection I have to my father. Every time I deal with Ashworth business matters, I’m reminded of everything he did to my mother, to me.”

Chloe nodded thoughtfully. “Sometimes cutting ties is the healthiest choice. And sixty million isn’t exactly a bad consolation prize.”

“Most of which will go to Damien,” I added. “But still, it feels good to have a plan.”

“To Hazel’s devious mind,” Victoria raised her glass in a toast. “May your aunt take the bait and your problems become hers!”

We clinked glasses as my phone pinged with a text. I glanced down to see a message from Damien: “Thinking of you. Dinner tomorrow night?”

A warm feeling spread through my chest as I typed back a quick “Yes, please.” Despite everything, with friends like these and Damien in my life, things were finally looking

up.

“So,” Chloe leaned forward conspiratorially, “what are you going to wear on your date tomorrow night? Because I happen to know my brother has made reservations somewhere very special.”

“How do you know about that already?” I asked, laughing at her smug expression.

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“I have my ways,” she winked.

As the conversation flowed casily between us, I felt content for the first time in days. If Aunt Martha called tomorrow with the answer I expected, another piece of my past would finally be put behind me. And with every such step, I was moving closer to the future I wanted–one where my father’s shadow no longer loomed over me.