Unmasking Mrs. Newton's Secret Identities novel Chapter 1914

"Second, Destiny Corporation lacks this type of industry. We've assessed before that the Hunt family is a good fit for Destiny Corporation. Plus, since we've helped them before, Hugo won't refuse us if we ask," Lincoln explained eloquently, each point well-reasoned.

Chandler put down his knife and fork, crossed his arms, and fixed him with a sharp gaze. "Tell the truth."

Knowing he couldn't fool Chandler, Lincoln shrugged and admitted, "Their laboratory is fully equipped and can meet my pharmaceutical research needs."

Helen immediately caught on. "So you're trying to get us to buy you a laboratory for free?"

"It's a mutual benefit," Lincoln said calmly. "Once I develop new drugs, I can supply them to Dad's organization. By then, we won't have to worry about the Hollands or anyone else."

Helen, impressed by his argument, turned to Chandler. "What do you think, honey?"

"Good pitch, but you're a bit late," Chandler replied as he picked up his knife and fork again, methodically slicing a sausage. "Hugo has already accepted someone else's investment. I'm not interested in joining the fray."

"Who?" she asked, surprised.

Aiden had just been ousted, and Hugo should still be reorganizing his leadership team. How had a partnership already been secured without a word in the news?

"An old acquaintance," he said, deliberately pausing. He looked at her meaningfully before pronouncing each syllable slowly. "Colin."

"Who's Colin?" Sienna finally found an opening to chime in.

"Your grandpa once picked him as a husband for your mom," Chandler replied, his tone dripping with jealousy.

"I never agreed to that." Helen rolled her eyes, defending herself. "It was never even close to happening. And yet, you're still jealous after all these years."

Shifting the conversation, she asked, "But the Craig family's business has nothing to do with pharmaceuticals. Why would he suddenly invest in a drug company?"

"Is it strange? I don't think so," he said, unhurried, stirring his cereal with a spoon.

Lincoln, realizing his plans were derailed, glanced at his parents exchanging subtle looks. He couldn't hold back and said, "Daddy, Mommy, could you two just speak plainly? Either go all in or quit playing riddles—this is so unfair to us!"

Helen and Chandler exchanged a glance, then broke into a smile.

…

After lunch, Helen enjoyed afternoon tea in the garden when Abigail showed up unannounced.

"Why are you alone? Where's Lincoln and Sienna?" Abigail asked as she plopped her bag and casually poured herself a cup of coffee.

"They're napping," Helen said, sitting up from her lounge chair. "Aren't you supposed to be in the honeymoon phase, basking in the bliss? What brings you here?"

Before Abigail could answer, Helen's phone rang.