Chapter 172: The Argument
"What are you two talking about?" Frank stepped out of the house, looking refreshed. He casually grabbed a drink from a passing server's tray and walked over when he saw Walter and Elliott sitting together.
"Frank, I was just inviting Walter to come work for my company," Elliott said, tensing slightly as he saw Frank, then forcing a smile.
Frank had clearly left a psychological scar on Elliott — even after all these years, that shadow hadn't completely faded.
"Work for your company?" Frank frowned instinctively at the mention.
If Walter really joined Gray Matter, it could throw a wrench in his plans.
But Frank's frown quickly faded as he caught a glimpse of Walter's expression — there was no way Walter would actually take the job.
"I'll think about it..." Walter gave a strained smile, politely deflecting the offer without outright rejecting Elliott and embarrassing him in public.
After all, Elliott was now a billionaire who had personally extended an offer. It wasn't really about work; it was clearly an attempt to support him — to pay for his medical treatment, essentially.
Turning that down flatly would be too blunt and disrespectful.
"Thinking it over is fine. But I do suggest you decide soon — the sooner you start, the sooner treatment can begin," Elliott said gently.
Frank's eyebrows arched slightly at that, but he said nothing.
"Uncle Elliott!" Just then, a man in his twenties in a business suit approached the trio.
"And you are...?" Elliott asked with some confusion.
"I'm Ward Meachum, CEO of Rand Enterprises," the man said, introducing himself.
"Oh right! I remember now. I was friends with your father, Harold. I even held you when you were a baby. I heard about your father's passing — my condolences," Elliott replied.
That "friend" claim was clearly a polite stretch to build rapport — Elliott had only done business with Rand Enterprises in the past.
Rand was a billion-dollar corporation, and its CEO attending his birthday party clearly wasn't just here to celebrate.
"I'll let you two talk. I have some business to attend to," Elliott excused himself and walked away with Ward.
"As for Joseph's bankruptcy, our company..." Their conversation faded as they walked off discussing business matters.
Meanwhile, back at the party...
"Sklyer, are you enjoying yourself?" Gretchen returned to the group and looked fondly at Skyler's baby bump. The two started chatting.
"This has been the best day since I got pregnant! The food is amazing — especially the Italian prosciutto!" Skyler smiled, her eyes drifting briefly back toward the couch.
"Hmm? Did you touch up your makeup?" Skyler suddenly asked curiously.
"No, why?" Gretchen looked puzzled.
"Your skin looks so smooth and radiant all of a sudden," Skyler said.
Cough, cough. Gretchen blushed and let out an awkward cough, trying to cover her embarrassment. Like a flower long deprived of water, she had bloomed anew, glowing with life.
After Elliott left, Walter didn't wait for him to return. He was ready to go.
"Stay a little longer," Skyler urged.
"I'm leaving with Frank," Walter said with a frown.
Frank glanced at Walter — leaving his pregnant wife behind? Yeah, Walter was clearly upset.
"Alright, I'll just say goodbye to Gretchen," Skyler said.
"You're leaving already?" Gretchen asked, surprised. She had hoped they'd stay for dinner.
"We have other things to take care of — and Skyler shouldn't be out too long," Walter replied with a convenient excuse.
"Understandable. Her belly is quite big now. Be careful on your way home," Gretchen said kindly.
After a few pleasantries, the three of them left. Before getting in the car, Frank turned back to Gretchen and made a phone gesture — a clear hint to call him.
"That prosciutto was so good. I think I had over thirty pieces! And the seafood — lobster tails, crab claws..." Skyler gushed.
"..." Walter said nothing, walking with a dark expression on his face.
"Sir, your car is ready." A valet handed Frank the keys and opened the car door.
"Well then, I'll get going. Call me if anything comes up," Frank said.
He could tell that Walter and Skyler had things to talk about — and his presence would only make things awkward. Better not to be a third wheel.
"Thanks... for everything, Frank," Walter finally said.
"No need to thank me," Frank replied, getting into the car and driving off.
Once Frank was gone, Walter exploded.
"What the hell did you say to Elliott? You told him I have cancer, didn't you!?" Walter growled, clenching his teeth.
He was furious — furious enough to swear.
"We just talked for a little while. He asked about your condition, so..." Skyler replied cautiously.
"Unbelievable. No wonder you insisted on coming to this damn party!" Walter shouted.
"Too much has happened lately — I couldn't hide my emotions anymore. Besides, he kept pressing me about you. He already knew something was wrong, so I..." Skyler tried to explain.
"Oh, so he pressed you? Don't give me that crap!" Walter snapped.
From the moment they got the invitation — no, from the moment she accepted it — everything had been orchestrated by Skyler.
Why hadn't they ever received an invitation in past years? Why this year, and why was she so insistent on attending? There was no such thing as coincidence here.
Because of the enormous cost of Walter's treatment, Skyler had been desperate. She thought of Elliott and Gretchen — two billionaire friends.
To a billionaire, $90,000 in medical bills was pocket change.
Skyler knew how stubborn Walter could be. So she planned this roundabout strategy — come to the party, casually mention Gray Matter, and ease him into accepting the job offer. That way, he wouldn't feel like it was charity.
Once Walter officially joined the company, he'd get access to its excellent health insurance — including comprehensive medical coverage.
That would take care of the treatment costs and remove the biggest obstacle: Walter's pride.
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