Chapter 418: Chapter 418

Susan Wilde walked over and placed the water cup in front of Shane Royale.

Shane Royale asked, "What is your name again?"

Susan Wilde swallowed nervously and carefully replied, "Susan Wilde."

Shane Royale nodded, "We haven’t met for the first time, right?"

Pausing slightly, not waiting for Susan Wilde to answer, the old man continued, "We first met at Shawn’s wedding, and then he’s brought you to the house a few times for meals."

Susan Wilde realized that the old man wasn’t bringing this up to reminisce, but rather to remind her about the marriage with Shawn.

Susan Wilde sat silently on the side, afraid to speak.

She had never thought that Old Master Rhodes would find her alone to talk.

Shane Royale looked around the room, clearly seeing traces of his grandson’s life here.

This further confirmed the authenticity of the rumors circulating online.

"Just a few days ago, I was urging him, planning to set up a matchmaking for him, and he said he has a girlfriend and would bring her back soon for me to meet. That would be you, right?"

Susan Wilde pressed her lips together in silence; Simon Rhodes never mentioned this to her.

She didn’t know whether it was Simon’s original plan or just a temporary measure to appease his grandfather.

"To be honest, I personally think you’re quite a good girl, and I also know your marriage with Shawn was due to some benefit between the two families."

"Young people’s matters, I don’t understand things like affection or love—only you two know what’s really going on between you."

"Of course, I know my grandson’s character. In terms of feelings, both brothers are the same; once they set their minds on someone, they won’t let go easily. He surely genuinely likes you to take such risks to be with you."

Susan Wilde didn’t know what the grandfather was really trying to say, or even whether he supported or opposed them being together.

"As for whatever potion you’re selling, I can’t figure it out."

These words made Susan Wilde slightly understand what the grandfather meant.

Still felt like she was being blamed for ruining his grandson.

After all, that’s what the public thinks.

Shane Royale: "But I still believe in my grandson’s taste. The woman he chooses shouldn’t be too bad. I’m willing to believe your love is genuine."

Before Susan Wilde could feel happy, Shane Royale continued, "But the situation has evolved into what it is now, which I believe neither of us wants to see."

"The news broke out at seven in the morning, and it’s not yet ten. In these three hours, do you know how much Sterling Group has lost?"

Shane Royale pointed outside the window, "Enough to build such a villa complex comfortably."

Susan Wilde widened her eyes in shock; she had considered that this matter would impact his company, but he always told her not to worry, that he would handle everything.

He never told her how much they would lose.

And it’s only been less than three hours.

"Withdrawals, image breaches, stock market crashes... not just affecting the Rhodes’ reputation, the damage exceeds far more than you can see."

Susan Wilde took a deep breath and then said, "What does the grandfather hope I should do?"

Shane Royale smiled, "I see you as a smart person. If it weren’t for these matters, I would be very happy for you to become my granddaughter-in-law. It would be a matter of great delight."

"But you have seen the current situation. Simon is now overwhelmed in the company, having no time to spare. If you insist on being together, all this is just the beginning."

Susan Wilde: "What do you mean, grandfather?"

Shane Royale: "Simon’s marriage has always been a concern of mine. Originally, it would satisfy my last major wish, but perhaps you and he are not destined."

Susan Wilde felt a bad premonition in her heart.

Shane Royale calmly continued, "Now, everything is not yet settled. The press conference will be held in the afternoon; if everything is denied now, there may still be room to salvage, return everything to normal, this is merely a drama fabricated by the media. You are a smart woman; you should know what to do."

Unexpectedly, Shane Royale did not rage; until he left, he calmly analyzed all the pros and cons for her.

Waiting to see what she would choose.

Whether to selfishly choose the so-called love or to consider the bigger picture and set everything back on track.

Before meeting Simon Rhodes, she never thought she would be torn for love.

After experiencing Owen Bellamy and Shawn, she thought she had become indifferent to love.

She never imagined she would long so much to be with someone forever.

Everything did not seem as simple as she had imagined.

Around eleven, Simon Rhodes called to check on her, apologizing for not being able to come back for lunch with her.

Susan Wilde didn’t ask about his situation, nor did she mention that grandfather had come to see her, only telling him she was fine and not to worry about her.

She didn’t know if the grandfather went to see him. How would he handle the press conference in the afternoon?

Shannon Quinn had called Susan Wilde several times, worried that something might happen to her.

Landon Sutton’s publicly revealed identity as Vincent Rhodes naturally meant that he would not stand idly by concerning The Rhodes Family’s affairs. Including some impact on Sutton.

He also feared that the reporters would find Shannon Quinn, so he advised her not to run around today.

A single piece of news caused city-wide excitement, with lots of speculation.

Despite all the conjectures, everyone was waiting for those involved to come forward and clarify the truth.

The afternoon press conference was hence under intense scrutiny.

Shane Royale made twofold preparations, not only seeking out Susan Wilde but also having met with Simon Rhodes beforehand.

Similar to how he treated Susan Wilde, he did not sternly oppose them being together but used emotional appeals.

He expressed his desire for their well-being but also analyzed for them the pros and cons involved.

With Susan Wilde, Shane Royale used the "if you love him, let him go" argument to persuade her.

With Simon Rhodes, he used the family’s reputation and the survival of Sterling Group to pressure him.

Shane Royale was confident that the matter would develop in the direction he wanted.

Based on his understanding of Simon Rhodes, he was much more obedient than Vincent Rhodes.

In front of major issues, he knew what he should do.

Therefore, there was no need to tear his relationship with his grandson apart, just hinting enough.

The press conference was held at 1:30 in the afternoon.

The place was packed, with representatives from both major television networks and small newspapers making an appearance.

There were numerous live broadcasts; almost every turned-on TV in the city was playing the conference.

The scene was even more significant than when Landon Sutton’s identity was made public.

At 1:30 sharp, Simon Rhodes walked into the press conference venue.

The audience immediately erupted, with everyone eager to start asking questions, microphones in hand.

The host made a few polite opening remarks and then started pointing out people to ask questions one by one.