Back to the Past: Breaking the Love Spell



Hilda shook her head and declined the gifts. She then took the Smirnoff from Gordon and handed it to Hayley.

Owen wore a solemn expression.

"Gordon, Hilda, Carl is the reason I make money now. These are gifts of appreciation. You must accept them."

with that, he firmly placed the gift bag into Hilda's hands and turned to Hayley.

"Mom, give the booze back to Gordon."

Understanding Owen's intention, Hayley handed the Smirnoff back to Gordon.

"This is a token of his appreciation. Please accept it."

Gordon glanced at Hilda for her approval.

"Fine. We'll accept it this time, but don't make it a habit!"

Hilda sighed.

Gordon suddenly asked, "Didn't you get your mom a present?"

"I don't need any gifts!"

Hayley pouted.

Having her son home was more than enough. Gifts were the least of her worries.

"Of course. I got something for my mom, too. The rest of the gifts in the car are all for her," Owen said, opening the car door to reveal the backseat filled with gift bags and branded clothing.

It was his first time buying gifts for his mom, and he had spent almost half a year's salary. Hayley looked at the mountain of presents in disbelief.

"You... you bought all this?"

"Mom, I'm all grown up and financially independent now. You don't have to work so hard anymore."

Hayley's eyes filled with tears. She covered her mouth as she held back the tears.

Gordon checked the time.

"Sylvester will be home soon. It's too late to cook now. Let's eat out tonight."

"I'll just finish up with the customers first," Hilda agreed while nodding.

The city lights flickered on in Willow Grove in Riverland as night fell.

Carlisle worked on his computer. Sean had emailed him Alumni Network's latest user registration numbers. It also contained the news that they had signed an advertising contract with Fortbird.

According to the contract, Fortbird would pay a monthly fee to place ads on its site. The amount paid depended on the ads' click-through rates.

Carlisle replied to Sean's email, instructing him to accept more ads as long as they were limited to two ad spots on the entire site.

Around nine o'clock, Carlisle received a call from Wendell.

"Mr. Zahn, Brenton is returning to his hometown in three days. We're planning a delivery on the fourth. You can come with us. You might get a chance to see Wanda."

"Got it," Carlisle replied, excitement evident in his voice.Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.

Wendell continued, "We've been spending a lot of money on connections lately."

Carlisle had already given him a million dollars, which he spent on bribes. He had managed

to buy off almost all the hospital security staff. Wendell couldn't help but marvel at the power of money.

"I'll transfer another million tomorrow."

Carlisle didn't hold back.

After the call ended, there was a knock at the door. Francis' voice came through.

"Mr. Zahn, someone's here to see you"

Carlisle got up to answer the door. Out came Austin and two women dressed in professional attire.

Carlisle, who was about the same height as Austin, looked him in the eye and smiled.

"Mr. Gust, what brings you here so late at night?"

"Aren't you going to invite me in?"

Austin had a calm expression on his face,

After a moment's hesitation, Carlisle stepped aside and motioned for them to enter. Austin

and his two assistants headed straight to the sofa and sat.

Carlisle returned to the living room and sat across from them. Francis got some bottled water from the refrigerator and placed it on the table.

Undeterred by Carlisle's hospitality, Austin got right to the point.

"Alumni Network has great potential, but it's limited in your hands. Name your price. How much would you sell it for?"