Favo Novel
Chapter 52
Chapter 52
Chapter 52
“Ms. Stone, you must have something to discuss, right? Otherwise, you wouldn’t have invited me for coffee.”
Karen and Jocelyn weren’t true friends. They were merely
acquaintances from past collaborations. Jocelyn didn’t think Karen wanted to catch up just for old times‘ sake after returning from abroad. All content is © N0velDrama.Org.
Karen gently stirred her coffee with a spoon with a smile on her face.” Ms. Smith, you’re as straightforward as ever. Yes, I do have a small
favor to ask.
“You’ve known Lorraine Somner for many years. Even while you were abroad, you must’ve kept in touch with mutual friends and heard about her recent activities, right? I just want to know how she’s been doing these past six months.”
Before she went abroad, Karen had hired private investigators to keep
tabs on Lorraine and monitor her every move. If Lorraine showed any intention of returning to the landscaping field, Karen would immediately take steps to suppress her.
Jocelyn stirred her coffee as well, looking at Karen with a half–smile.” That incident back then was a heavy blow to her. She became disillusioned with your industry and has been growing fruits at home for several years now.
“I usually don’t bother to find out what she’s up to. You know we never got along. Her popularity always made me jealous. Since coming back to the country, I’ve met up with some old friends and
heard about Lorraine from them.
“She wanted to manage orchards, but her family didn’t support her. You should know how determined she is. She borrowed money from
Chappe: 52
2/3
friends, reportedly amassing over a million in debt. She also took out a bank loan and invested a lot of money in several large orchards that grow seasonal fruits.
“With the rising prices of fruits these past few years, Lorraine has done well. Her background in rural life means she can endure hardship and manage the orchards efficiently. I heard she’s had bountiful harvests almost every year and has repaid her friends. She
still owes the bank over a million, though.”
Despite being rivals, Jocelyn couldn’t help but admire Lorraine.
Karen didn’t feel too happy after hearing this. Instead, she sighed. She just excels in everything she does. She was my father’s youngest and most talented student. If she were a bit less capable, I wouldn’t feel so threatened by her.
“This year’s fruit market is looking even better. I asked some old classmates and learned that her orchards are having another bumper year. She’ll likely repay another chunk of her loan soon. Ms. Stone, are you really okay with seeing her succeed and be happy?”
Karen sipped her coffee, appearing nonchalant. “We were once considered classmates under the same mentor. If she’s doing well, I’ll naturally be happy for her. I’ll even feel a bit relieved of my guilt. As long as she doesn’t come back to block my career path, I’m good with
1. it.
“But Ms. Smith, you probably don’t want to see her doing well, right?”
Jocelyn candidly replied, “I don’t want to see her succeed. I’ve contacted many buyers, persuading them to collectively lower their purchase prices. I also bought off those who previously worked with Lorraine, ensuring they won’t collaborate with her anymore.”
Fruits were only valuable if they were fresh. Lorraine wouldn’t be able to cover her cost if prices were low. Without partners, she wouldn’t be able to survive on retail alone, especially since the fruits she grew
“1
Chapter 52
were common in Glendale.
It was particularly the case in the rural areas, where cherries and mangoes were widely planted.
3/3
When the fruits ripened and she still couldn’t sell them, they would simply rot on the trees. If that were to happen, Lorraine would incur massive losses.
Karen laughed softly and said nothing more.
Far away in the orchard, Lorraine was busy picking cherries, unaware that her rival, Jocelyn, and former senior, Karen, were discussing her. Jocelyn was even plotting to cause her significant losses.
She began to sneeze several times.
Logan was picking cherries from a nearby tree. He heard her sneeze and asked with concern, “Did you catch a cold from the A/C last night?
Lorraine rubbed her nose and replied, “I’m not that weak. It’s probably someone talking bad about me behind my back. It must be Jocelyn. Whenever she returns, she gathers her minions and spends the whole time bad–mouthing me.”
Logan asked, “Jocelyn? Who’s that?”