Chapter 68: Irene's Popularity

Leaving the secretary to handle some issues, Percy departed. Kashi was among the crowd. He had been observing other companies' store operations and missed Percy's secretary's final summary. Seeing the others looking as if they had heard some incredible news, Kashi felt uneasy. Business had been increasingly difficult for the family recently. A renowned medium had predicted that if their biological daughter was found and the adopted daughter was expelled, the family would prosper. Kashi frowned slightly. He couldn't shake the feeling that recent business troubles were due to someone working against them. But who had they offended? Only Irene came to mind. No, it couldn't be her. It must be related to Decker. When Kashi approached, Percy's car was already gone, leaving only exhaust fumes. He saw Baker and several other prominent families conversing and went over to ask, "What was Percy's secretary saying?" The head of the Baker family glanced at him. Everyone stopped talking, some checked the time, others frowned at Kashi. The head of the Baker family finally said, "That's not something you need to know." The surrounding people snickered. "Don't ask what you shouldn't." "Our small enterprises can only follow the big shots and hope for some leftovers." Feeling pleased, the group invited Baker and others to dinner. Kashi watched as they eagerly escorted Baker and the others into their cars, feeling angry. What arrogance! It's just money, yet they wouldn't dare say anything in front of Percy! And to think they had an engagement with Irene before, turning their backs so quickly! Not to mention, your son likes my biological daughter Joanna, and you dare look down on us! Determined to report today's events to his daughter for revenge against Joyce, Kashi overheard parts of the conversation. Baker seemed to be discussing live streaming. "Live streaming detective work? Isn't that exposing clients' privacy on a big screen? This is bound to fail. We need to find that live stream." "Once we find it, we'll report it when it goes live! Bring them down!" "Right, we can't let such behavior that disrupts industry rules go unchecked." Kashi pondered. He decided to search for the live stream tonight and then drove off to pick up Helen. Meanwhile. Helen was laughing and chatting with some wealthy ladies over drinks. One sharp-eyed lady saw Kashi's car and teased, "Oh my, how sweet, your husband came to pick you up." Helen beamed, "It's nothing, really." The other ladies exchanged glances, their smiles contemptuous. Helen didn't catch the sarcasm. They had dedicated drivers and didn't need their husbands to pick them up. Even if their husbands did come, it would be a sign of failed business, making them available to hover around their wives. Their husbands weren't like Kashi, who had nothing better to do. Helen, still smiling, bid farewell and got into the car with Kashi. The wealthy ladies watched her leave, fanning themselves with mocking smiles. "Poor Helen, she doesn't know her adopted daughter is becoming famous and will earn a lot of money." "On her first day of live streaming, she made tens of thousands. That's impressive." "Such shallow people, raising her for so long, only to lose out when she makes it big." "Her adopted daughter isn't simple. She's setting herself up for failure." "The Kashi family lacks young talent. The one good one they had, they drove away. No wonder their business keeps failing." They whispered, smirking. In the car, after Kashi told Helen about the live stream, she immediately started searching on her phone. Helen was very invested in the family's business. She quickly found the live stream and watched the replay, her face changing as she did. The streamer's voice was familiar— it was Irene! Helen's face darkened. Kashi leaned over to look and saw it was indeed Irene! Having raised her for over a decade, they recognized her instantly, even without seeing her face. After a long, silent moment, Helen spoke through gritted teeth, "If it comes to it, I'll go back to my family for help." Kashi, not wanting to seem incompetent, said, "No need. I'll try to visit Percy myself." Helen was reluctant to contact her family. If she were truly favored, why marry someone like Kashi? And with her family in chaos, returning could mean facing her stepmother's wrath. Kashi sighed, "Let's not make things too difficult with your family. Irene catching the chairman's attention on her first day of streaming is no small feat." Helen slammed her fist on the seat, "But—" "No buts." Kashi, serious, continued, "Grandmother wants to keep Irene. Don't interfere too much. Once she becomes successful, we might leverage her to help our business. When the structure is set, we won't need her anymore." Helen, understanding his plan, agreed, "Fine, I won't meddle. Just don't let her live stream embarrass you." Kashi frowned. Though Irene's stream was noticed by the company, it was still criticized locally, reflecting poorly on him. He decided to visit the old house after work. It's been a while. By evening. The Kashi Mansion was very quiet, the wind rustling the trees soothingly. Madame Kashi, seeing both children home with no visitors, planned to lock up. At that moment, a sports car pulled up at the gate. Madame Kashi squinted. Wasn't that her son she hadn't seen in three or four years?