Chapter 180

Gifford intercepted Stacy as she hurried away, Lillian and Kevin trailing close behind. He held up his hands. "Don't be alarmed. I mean you no harm."

Lillian and Kevin peeked from behind their mother, eyes wide with curiosity. Michael and Pamela, witnessing the scene, froze. Michael's face hardened. Six months of simmering resentment over Theodore's betrayal still burned.

"I didn't expect to see you here," Gifford said, his voice cautious. "May I treat you and the children to a meal?"

Stacy’s lips tightened. "No need. We're not close." She started to leave.

"Ms. Carter!" Gifford called, falling into step beside them. "I know you won't remarry Theodore. You needn't worry."

Stacy stopped, turning sharply. "What do you want?"

Gifford met her gaze. "Theodore and Jenny are marrying. You don't know Jenny's true nature."

Stacy scoffed. "If they want to marry, let them. Jenny's character is none of my concern."

Gifford chuckled. "On the surface, perhaps. But once Jenny's pregnant with Theodore's child, do you think she'll let your children inherit peacefully? They're legally entitled to Theodore's assets!"

Stacy's breath hitched.

Gifford continued, "The Carter family's wealth ensures your children's inheritance. You might not care about the Edwards family fortune, but Jenny might."

"What harm could she do to Lily and Kev?" Stacy sneered.

"I've investigated Jenny and her family," Gifford said, "Information from abroad. Dinner? We can discuss it in detail."

Stacey hesitated, then said, "I need to take the children home first."

Gifford nodded. "Shall I escort you?"

Stacey declined silently, taking Lillian and Kevin home. After entrusting them to her mother and the nannies, she met Gifford at a restaurant.

"What's Jenny's problem?" Stacy asked directly.

Gifford slid a document across the table. Stacy read, her expression darkening. The document detailed Jenny's previous marriage to Jeffrey Thatcher, and the death of Sophie, Jeffrey's daughter from a previous relationship, in a car accident six months after Jenny and Jeffrey married. The accident, Gifford's investigation suggested, was no accident. Jeffrey suspected foul play, though he lacked concrete proof.

"Why tell me this?" Stacy asked, regaining her composure.

Gifford offered her a menu. She refused.

"No ulterior motive," Gifford said earnestly. "I simply want a good relationship. When I expand my company, I want the Carters to know I'm separate from Theodore." The Carter family’s actions had severely hampered the Edwards Group’s expansion.

"You started your own company?" Stacy was surprised.

Gifford’s smile was bitter. "Yes. Theodore took everything. But I won't give up."

"That's your business," Stacy said, rising. "I understand about Jenny. Thank you for the warning. I'll have someone watch her, and I'll tell my father."

Gifford beamed his gratitude. Stacey left, escorted by Debra's bodyguards.

Debra rushed to meet her. "How did it go?"

Stacey gave her mother the document. Debra’s face paled as she read. "More bodyguards immediately! Lily and Kev will have constant protection, and their vehicles will be thoroughly checked."

Stacey felt the weight of their situation. "Mom, we need to investigate Jenny and her ex-husband. If she's responsible for Sophie's death, we can have her jailed."