Chapter 2

They looked displeased as soon as they heard what I said.

What I said was basically a public slap in their faces.

They had more or less looked into my background before. Although they couldn't find much beyond my graduation from a finance department at some overseas university, they knew I wasn't just making things up.

Parker's face turned from red to pale as he criticized me, saying, "What do you know? Just because you studied abroad, you think you're all that, Eleanor? Do you even know the domestic market trends? You're just talking nonsense, trying to mess things up."

Gianna stood by, playing the pitiful and weak card. "Eleanor, you don't understand the family business. Maybe you shouldn't say such things. Isn't business investment all about hoping for good fortune?"

I ignored their comments and turned to Colton and Layla. "Mom, Dad, I hope you can trust me. I'm not just making this up."

But they also looked grim. Colton rubbed his temples and looked at me coldly. "Are you trying to make me angry? How many years have you studied finance and economics? I've been in the business world for so many years. Do you think I don't know what I'm doing?"

Layla sighed softly, reaching out to hold my hand, "Eleanor, even if you have a point, it's just your guess. How about learning a bit more at the family company first?"

I gently pulled my hand away from Layla, went to my room, and brought out my tablet to show them a chart analyzing the cash flow and stock market trends of Parker's project.

I just took one look and mapped out the future path. "See here. It quickly raised funds at the very start. Right now, you're in the lending phase. This is a classic pyramid scheme, using small profits to lure big money. When you move more funds in, it'll just gobble it up like a greedy beast, taking in but never letting out."

Colton and Layla's expressions showed they were swayed by my words, but Parker just sneered, "Learned a few tricks and think you really know something? What do you know after wandering around all those years?"

Colton and Layla initially seemed curious about what I'd say next. But after hearing Parker's comment, they snapped back to disbelief.

I sighed, tempted to reveal my true identity.

I thought, "A so-called 'low-tier' university? You may find it to be world-ranked if I mention it. What do I know? If I didn't know anything, I'd never have made it on Brooks Street."

But before I could continue, Colton interrupted me, "Your ideas are really naive and need more refinement. You should stick with Parker and Gianna to learn more."

Gianna beamed at his words, feigning modesty. "Don't worry, Dad. I'll definitely teach Eleanor well."

She won Colton and Layla over, but her gaze towards me was full of smug satisfaction.

Parker seized the moment to say, "Mr. Colton Anderson, Mrs. Layla Anderson, there's actually something I've been wanting to discuss with you, and it's also what my family has in mind."

As soon as Colton heard this, he said, "Just say it straight. I've been friends with your parents for ages."

Parker nodded, giving me a knowing glance. "After spending some time with Eleanor, my family and I think that Gianna, who grew up with me, is a better match for an alliance. We know her well. As for Ms. Anderson..."

He dragged out the words, looking at me with disdain, but everyone there knew what he meant.

Someone who had been wandering for over a decade like me wouldn't be of much use in a marriage alliance.

Gianna, though not their biological daughter, was as good as the Anderson family's real heiress.

Hearing this, Gianna looked expectantly at Colton and Layla.

In the past, Colton and Layla might have tried to persuade them.

But this time they said nothing, a stark contrast to their previous insistence that I was the only candidate for the marriage.

They just chuckled and said they'd discuss it later. But I knew this was a shift in focus.

I sighed, keeping my thoughts to myself, thinking, "This family is utterly clueless."

Meanwhile, Colton's phone rang with an invitation for him and Layla to attend a business gala.

Upon hearing this, Gianna narrowed her eyes and shot me a condescending look. "Mom, Dad, why not bring Eleanor along? She could learn a thing or two."

Colton agreed immediately.