Chapter 662
Erin pressed her lips together, trying to suppress a smile. "Gleeful? Not at all! We're practically cousins, after all. I'm just concerned for you!"
Keira arched an eyebrow. Erin trotted alongside her toward the Horton family's living room. "Do you know why Eve Clark and Selena Horton are here today? It's probably because you helped old Mr. Sims, and now the Hortons are likely determined to avoid an alliance with you. So now, Eve is the new candidate for the alliance. For the Hortons, it's bound to leave a good impression."
Erin continued munching on pistachios, her words flowing easily. "There's an old Creran saying: 'Misfortune never comes alone.' When you're down, it feels like the whole world is against you.
"So, you see, you need to learn to pick and choose. Erin took another pistachio. "Do you regret helping Old Mr. Sims?"
"Not at all," Keira said firmly. "For you, it's all about weighing benefits, but for me, I have just one principle."
"What principle?"
Erin blinked, her curiosity piqued, as she continued to snack.
Keira looked at her steadily. "To act with a clear conscience."
Erin paused, a hint of surprise crossing her face. Her pistachio-cracking slowed down as she took in Keira's words.
After a moment, Erin scoffed. "That sounds easy to say but is so hard to do. How many people can honestly say they've never had any regrets? Haven't you ever felt guilt or sorrow?"
Keira lowered her gaze.
When she was younger, she felt guilty as the illegitimate child, feeling she owed Jodie South an apology.
As she grew older, she realized it wasn't something within her control and gradually learned to forgive herself.
Eventually, she felt she didn't owe anyone anything.
Until she met Keera… She owed her sister her life.
Keira turned her attention back to the present and changed the subject. "I don't recall you eating this much before. Now, every time I see you, you're snacking."
Erin quickly popped another pistachio into her mouth. "We weren't as close before, so I didn't want to show the real me. But now that we're more familiar, why pretend?"
Her voice took on a sweet tone. "Creran food is so amazing. I'm afraid that if I end up back at the South family, I won't get to eat this stuff anymore. So, I'm making the most of it while I can. At least if I end up stuck at the South estate, I can remember the delicious braised pork, chicken wings, crispy duck, and everything else I've tried."
Erin listed off a long string of foods, her mouth watering. "Forget it. Talking about it just makes me hungry."
Keira glanced at her. "Do you think you'll fail and end up imprisoned at the South estate?"
Erin rolled her eyes. "What are you talking about? I'm Fox! How could a clever fox possibly fail? It's just… the successor has to stay at the South estate for good!"
Keira was taken aback. So, in this struggle for succession, no matter who won or lost, the ultimate fate was still tied to the South family?
It seemed that while the successor might have some freedom, the loser's only purpose would be to train the next generation to win.
Keira tightened her jaw.
Erin flashed a grin. "Actually, if you submit to me, I can promise to be a bit more lenient with you. I can arrange for you and your mother to stay at the South estate together. Doesn't that sound nice?"
Keira shook her head. "Don't bother. I'll make my own decisions in life. Thank you."
Erin shrugged. "Alright. Let's go. I want to see what your rival looks like! Erin's curiosity was evident as she jogged ahead toward the living room, craning her neck to catch a glimpse. n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om
Keira didn't know what to say.
She followed, and as they arrived at the living room, she overheard Lewis's father shouting, "Have you seen how the Olsen family's stock has plummeted? Public favor is crucial for any business! You must break up with your fiancée immediately, or the Horton family will be ruined!"
Then, Lewis's older brother spoke up. "Lewis, Dad's only looking out for you. Your fiancée is a disaster. I heard that since returning to the Olsen family, she's ruined two of her brother's marriages! If you marry her, the Horton family will face continuous turmoil."
Selena's voice could also be heard. "Uncle Lewis, Ms. Eve Clark has deep feelings for you. Marrying her would greatly enhance our company's image."
Keira's eyes narrowed at the conversation.
Erin turned back with a smirk. "Your popularity at the Hortons isn't looking too good."
Keira gave her an exasperated look.
Erin winked and suddenly said, "How about I tell you a secret?"
"What secret?"
"You must have heard Grandpa talk about it, right? The South family has the ability to predict the future. Want to know how we do it?"