Reborn, Reawakened, Rekindled novel Chapter 612

"Got a bit of a situation here, can't really dive into it at the moment," I murmured, glancing at Mom before quietly responding.

But Neil was seriously concerned, "Where are you? Let's meet up and talk this through. This project is crucial for the future of Lucas Enterprises."

I was well aware, but my only option was to minimize the damage. Falling into Karina's trap would spell disaster, far beyond financial loss.

Mom seemed to guess who was on the line, suddenly reaching out for me to hand her the phone, "Is that Neil? Let me have a word with him."

"Mom..." I hesitated but eventually passed her the phone.

With just the two of us left in the room, she didn't bother stepping away to talk. She began discussing the company's situation with Neil, which took me completely by surprise. She was essentially seeking Neil's assistance, a move totally out of character for her. When I had previously sought Neil's help for a family crisis, it had left her absolutely fuming.

I quietly listened to my mom and Neil talk for what felt like half an hour before she finally hung up, looking exhausted.

"Rena, I hope you're right this time," Mom sighed deeply.

"Mom..." My heart was pounding. I was convinced Jenny was trouble, but without solid evidence, both Mom and I could end up in hot water at the company.

Mom shook her head, silencing any further discussion. I had no choice but to hope I could find a way to gather the evidence needed to clear things up with the company's board.

---

Later that evening, Mom and I returned home.

Dad was expected to come home for recovery in a few days; his health wasn't a major concern anymore.

"Dinner's ready, ladies," the housekeeper said, taking our bags with a respectful nod.

Neither of us felt like eating, but considering our health, I decided to force down a little food. Mom, however, waved it off, "Rena, you go ahead. I'll take a shower and rest. Not hungry."

"Mom." Watching her retreat upstairs, I felt a pang of discomfort but knew there was little else I could do to solve our current dilemma. I sat down for a meal alone.

Serena and Brandon were now old enough for solids, and the housekeeper was busy feeding them vegetable and rice puree. My spirits lifted slightly as I played with them during dinner, their adorable faces easing some of my stress.

Then my phone blared with a call from Karina, stirring a wave of annoyance within me. Still, I answered.

"Irene, I heard your company had a new partnership opportunity that slipped through. Is that so?" Karina was keeping tabs on our company's movements.

"A new partnership? Are you talking about Jenny?" I asked coldly.

"Jenny? I don't know who you're speaking of. I'm just curious why you turned down that partnership. Is the company in trouble?" Karina's voice carried a hint of schadenfreude, "Sounds like there's a rift among your shareholders. What will you do?"

Had Karina felt emboldened because she had someone send my dad a bouquet tainted with chemicals, and I hadn't confronted her yet?

Recalling Neil's promise to sue Karina and fight for custody of Hiram, the key was proving Karina was unfit as a parent.