Free Web NovelChapter 287: Chapter 290: Mrs. Preston’s Counterattack
"Mom, Felix Preston’s lawyer called me several times today, and I didn’t dare to pick up a single one..."
"I don’t want to go to jail, I really don’t want to go to jail. You have to help me think of something!"
Cecilia Quincy grabbed Fiona Dalton’s arm, shaking it forcefully as she stomped her feet in anxiety.
"...Ouch!" Fiona Dalton’s arm ached from the shaking. She helplessly pulled her hand away. "Cecilia, just stop it. Mom is trying to think of something for you!"
"But you’ve been thinking for a whole day!" Cecilia Quincy frowned, her expression impatient. "You’ve been trying to think of this ’something’ since this morning. How have you not come up with anything yet?!"
"I want to think of something quickly too! But you have to give me some time, right?" Fiona Dalton was already frantic, and Cecilia Quincy’s prodding made her feel like her heart was about to burn up with anxiety.
"I’ve been a housewife for all the years I’ve been married to your father; I haven’t been out building many connections. The only people I know are the wives of other corporate leaders. I already called every single one of them this afternoon, but they’re all wary because of Shaw Technologies, and not one of them is willing to step up and help me! I’ve already done my best!"
"Your best... so what am I supposed to do?" Cecilia Quincy’s lip trembled, and fat tears rolled down her cheeks like they were worthless. "Mom, are you really just going to stand by and watch Felix Preston send me to prison?"
Fiona Dalton said, "I don’t want that either, but what do you expect me to do now? Everyone in Aethelburg is a fair-weather friend who plays favorites. Now that they see our Quincy Group is in decline, they’re all keeping their distance! Forget asking for help, I can’t even get all of them to pick up the phone!"
"Then... then if there’s no other way, let’s just go to Dad," Cecilia Quincy said, wiping away a tear. "Dad knows a lot of people, maybe he can help me..."
"...Give me a break." Fiona Dalton shot her a look, her head aching. "Your father’s hair has gone completely white from worrying about your older brother. Where is he going to find the energy to deal with you now!"
"If we’re talking about asking for help, there’s probably only one person in all of Aethelburg who can help you."
"Who?" Cecilia Quincy’s eyes lit up instantly.
Fiona Dalton looked at her. "Yasmine Preston. Felix Preston’s mom."
"Felix Preston’s mom..." Cecilia Quincy’s expression froze. "W-Will she help me?"
Fiona Dalton said, "If you make yourself sound pathetic enough, it’s very likely she will. She’s a teacher and a real softy. If you’re quick to admit you’re wrong and play up how miserable your situation is, her heart might soften and she might plead your case for you."
"Ah..." Cecilia Quincy licked her lips. After hesitating for less than five seconds, she held her hand out to Fiona Dalton.
"Mom, give me your phone. I’m going to call Yasmine Preston."
Hearing this, Fiona Dalton immediately grabbed her phone and handed it to Cecilia Quincy. "Go ahead and call. I have her number saved in my contacts."
Cecilia Quincy said, "Okay."
She unlocked Fiona Dalton’s phone, found Yasmine Preston’s number in the contacts, and after a moment’s hesitation, decisively made the call.
RING... RING...
The phone only rang twice before Yasmine Preston picked up.
"Hello?" Her voice was as gentle as ever.
"Hello? Is this Mrs. Yasmine Preston?" Cecilia Quincy intentionally softened her tone, making herself sound extremely friendly.
"I am."
A few faint baby gurgles could be heard from Yasmine Preston’s side. Instead of being noisy, it sounded rather heartwarming.
Cecilia Quincy said, "Hello, Mrs. Preston. This is... This is Cecilia Quincy."
Clearly feeling a little guilty, Cecilia Quincy’s voice grew much softer without her realizing it as she stated her name.
"Cecilia Quincy..."
Upon hearing the name, Yasmine Preston’s tone changed instantly.
"Oh, it’s you." Her voice held a hint of a smile, but it was decidedly unfriendly.
Listening in, Fiona Dalton’s heart sank to the pit of her stomach. Although the call had just begun, she could already foresee the outcome.
"Why the sudden call? Is there something you need?"
Cecilia Quincy swallowed nervously and stammered, "Mrs. Preston, it’s like this... are you aware that Felix Preston has sent me a lawyer’s letter?"
"Of course, I know," Yasmine Preston answered airily. "Felix is suing you. And that Ethan Lockwood is on the list of defendants, too."
"Yes..." The whole affair was so humiliating that even someone as shameless as Cecilia Quincy felt a little embarrassed. "Felix Preston is indeed suing me, and that’s why I’m calling you."
"Hm?" Yasmine Preston didn’t follow her meaning. "What does that have to do with me? I’m not the one suing you."
Cecilia Quincy said, "Mrs. Preston, it’s true you aren’t the one suing me, but you’re Felix Preston’s mother. Felix is furious with me right now and refuses to give me any chance to atone. I’m at my wit’s end, which is why I’ve come to you."
"You’re the kindest person I know. Could you please help me plead with Felix Preston?"
"...Plead?" Yasmine Preston’s voice suddenly changed key. "Plead for *you*?"
"Yes," Cecilia Quincy said shamelessly. "I-I’m still so young. If I really get sent to prison, my life will be completely ruined! Mrs. Preston, you have a daughter too, and she’s about my age. I’m begging you, please have pity on me. I really can’t go to jail!"
Fiona Dalton, standing to the side, heard this and immediately shot Cecilia Quincy a look, signaling for her to make her situation sound even more pitiful.
Cecilia Quincy took the hint and quickly added, "Mrs. Preston, my brother is currently mixed up in Charlotte Shaw’s disappearance case, and now I’m being sued by Felix Preston. If something happens to both of us, the Quincy Family will be finished!"
"My parents are so old; they really can’t handle such a huge blow! I’m begging you, please help me. Help me ask Felix Preston for a chance to make amends!"
"Hmph..."
Cecilia Quincy had said so much in a pitiful plea, but Yasmine Preston’s only response was an inscrutable, cold laugh.
Cecilia Quincy continued, "Mrs. Preston, I’m really, really begging you. If even you won’t help me, my life will be completely ruined! If I go to prison, no one will even hire me to wash dishes..."
"Oh..." Yasmine Preston drew out the word, seeming to take Cecilia Quincy’s words to heart.
"That’s how bad it is? No one will even hire you to wash dishes?"
"Yes!" Cecilia Quincy nodded repeatedly.
Yasmine Preston said, "If no one will hire you to wash dishes, then you can go wash glasses. Someone should hire you to wash glasses."
"...Huh?" Cecilia Quincy was completely bewildered by this response.
"Mrs. Preston, you..."
Yasmine Preston cut her off. "And if no one will even hire you to wash glasses, you can always go clean toilets. They don’t do background checks for that kind of work. You’re sure to get hired!"
