The Audacious Life of Arthur Grey

Chapter 5

Naomi Downey maintained her gaze on her grandfather, refusing to back down. Even she had no idea where she had gotten such courage from. Perhaps, it was the hand that Arthur had placed on her shoulder which had spurred her on.

Everyone in the Downey family was stunned by Naomi Downey’s attitude.?‘Has she eaten something wrong today?’How can she speak to her grandpa in this manner?’

Everyone thought that Naomi Downey was dead meat and that they were as well.

But just then, the Old Master of the Downey family spoke up. “Sure. As long as you manage to secure us a deal, I’ll let you be the person-in-charge.”

At that moment, everyone’s jaws dropped.

The Hemsworth family was extremely reputable, and there was no way the Downey family could even compare to them. If Naomi Downey were to become the person in charge of the project, she would definitely be on good terms with the Hemsworth family. Then, her position in the Downey family would definitely skyrocket.

But when everyone thought more about it, they realized that this all hinged on the fact that they could establish a relationship in the first place. If the collaboration fell through, all this would be nothing more than empty talk.

Quentin continued to pressure Naomi. “Naomi, shouldn’t you make a promise and tell us what you will do if you can’t secure this deal for us since Grandpa has already agreed to your request.”

“If I don’t secure the deal, I won’t ask for anything from the Downey family’s assets. However, what will you do if I succeed?”

Quentin Downey rejoiced in his heart.?‘Albert Downey is already 80, and it’s only a matter of time before his life comes to an end. Then, the Downey family’s assets will definitely be distributed among the different branches. One fewer family will benefit me since it will mean a larger share for me.’

“If you succeed, I’ll start respecting you as an elder. I’ll address you as Sister Naomi; how’s that?”

Then, Naomi Downey would be the most respected among the Downey family’s third generation, while Quentin would rank second.

Quentin had never politely addressed Naomi as ‘elder sister.’ Instead, he had always addressed her by her full name.

In his view, he held the most power. What power could a woman possibly hold?

“Deal,” Naomi replied calmly and indifferently at the meeting.

When she reached home, however, she started feeling uneasy. She had made a promise, but working with Starlight Inc. wouldn’t be that easy.

“What’s wrong? Are you still worried about the collaboration?” Seeing Naomi in distress, Arthur made her a cup of tea.

Unfortunately, Naomi didn’t even take a glance at it.

“Actually, the key is not Starlight Inc. but the Hemsworth family from New York. It’ll be much easier if you manage to find the address of the Hemsworth family in San Francisco and speak directly to them.” Arthur had simply given Naomi a suggestion, but what he received in return was her fury.

“Can you shut up? What do you know? Do you think you’re a CEO of a multinational corporation and that you’re in the position to be giving me advice? I only agreed to this because of your encouragement. I shouldn’t have listened to you.”

Just as she was talking, Sarah Carlton and Henry Downey walked over.

Both of them had overheard Naomi’s words. “What? That’s an unrealistic promise! It’s all that piece of trash’s fault!”

“Arthur Grey, you’re such a bast*rd and a jinx. What did our family do to you in your previous life that you’re torturing us like this?”

“You should know clearly about Dad’s health; he’ll pass on eventually. Our family will truly starve to death if we don’t get a single cent of his inheritance and if the company falls into Quentin Downey’s hands.”

“It’s all your fault. Ever since you entered our family three years ago, our family has been on a downhill ride ever since.”

“You’re a jinx!” Sarah’s finger almost jabbed Arthur’s face.

Arthur didn’t try to avoid her because it was indeed true that he had dragged Naomi Downey’s family down.

It was good for them to vent their anger too.

Seeing him remain indifferent and acting like a good-for-nothing, Naomi flared up even more.?‘Can’t you even rebuke others when they’re lambasting you? Are you still a man? I’ve never seen anyone as useless as you.’

Naomi turned and slammed the bedroom door behind her.

At the same time, Sarah landed a slap on Arthur’s face. “Look at what you’ve done. Look at how angry my daughter is. Will you really feel secure and happy only after you’ve killed my entire family?”

Arthur bit his lips without saying a word. Only when both Sarah and Henry had returned to their rooms did he cautiously approach Yvette Larson’s room.

He opened the door carefully, only to be greeted by a pillow thrown directly at his head. “Scram! Who allowed you to enter my room? Arthur, don’t think that you can enter my room just because we’re married. The kennel downstairs is where you truly belong.”

In the past three years, Arthur Grey and Naomi Downey had never lived as a real couple even though they were married in name.

Naomi lived upstairs in a huge bedroom. On the other hand, Arthur lived in a storeroom no larger than two square meters. It wasn’t even a stretch to say that it was like a dog kennel.

“Actually, I haven’t been slacking off over the past few days. I’ve already found the address of the Hemsworth family in San Francisco. The security officer there is a friend of mine, and he agreed to let me in. This might be our chance.”

There was another pillow in Naomi’s hands that she was about to throw at him, but she paused upon hearing Arthur’s words. “You’re not lying to me?”

“We’ll know the truth once we head there. There’s no need for me to lie about this.”

Naomi stopped in her movements and eventually placed the pillow down. “Forget it. Come in and have a seat. I’m going to get dressed and put on some makeup; we’ll leave in a while.”

Arthur was stunned. This was the first time in three years that Naomi had ever allowed him into her room. However, it seemed as though Naomi was slowly changing as well.

“Don’t move; sit there.” What Naomi was pointing to was a small stool within her room.

Arthur shrugged and sat down indifferently.

After two long hours, Naomi Downey was finally done with her makeup.

“Dear, you look beautiful.”

“Don’t call me that. When we get there later, just pretend that you’re my assistant and address me as Ms. Downey.”

“Alright, Dear.”

Naomi frowned.

“Understood, Ms. Downey.”

The Hemsworth family had settled down in Pacific Heights in San Francisco.

Pacific Heights’ elevation and views of the city earned it renown as a scenic spot in San Francisco. It was the most affluent neighborhood in all of San Francisco.

Any villa around the neighborhood easily cost more than 100 million. Living here was a symbol of one’s status and that one had truly entered the upper-class circle.

The Downey family’s Old Master, Albert Downey, dreamed of having a villa there too. He had once announced that he would hand over the family leader position to whomever in the Downey family could own a villa in Pacific Heights.

Now, Naomi Downey and Arthur Grey were standing at the foot of the hill where Pacific Heights stood.

Seeing the golden Rolls-Royce Phantom beside her, Naomi was filled with curiosity. She seemed as though she were a country bumpkin going into the city for the first time. “When will I ever get the chance to sit in a Rolls-Royce Phantom?”