Chapter 132

Lainey slipped closer and wrapped her hand around Jeff's arm, speaking in a soft, playful tone. "Dad, I already told you, Nolan only acted that way because the Brooks siblings poisoned his mind. He's actually a good man. Please, just give him a chance and work with him, won't you?"

Jeff didn't push further into why Lainey seemed so fixated on this idea of partnering with Nolan.

After a moment of contemplation, his fondness for his daughter won out over his doubts."Alright.We'll talk about it."

As she saw Jeff so agreeable, Lainey's eyes lit up, and she quickly added, "Could you let me be the project director of Benton Group at home? You know I'm divorcing Jonny, which means I can't stay at the Todd Group. I should have something of my own to focus on."

Jeff was just about to give his approval when a firm voice cut through from the doorway."No."

It was Hilda, who had just walked up and happened to overhear everything.

Lainey really was ambitious.

First, she wanted to step into her real daughter's place, and now she wanted to get a job in Benton Group?

Over her dead body.

Still, Hilda couldn't outright reject her too harshly, or Lainey might start suspecting something.

So she softened her tone and explained as though she were being reasonable. "Lainey, you can be a team leader, but not the project director. That position has already been promised to someone we brought back from Breoqua. He's very experienced with the new energy projects. With him guiding you, you'll definitely learn faster and do even better."

Just a team leader? To Lainey, that was far beneath the dignity of a Benton.

How could she pull strings or exert any real authority from such a low position? Lainey's expression soured when she heard that.

Once again, Eleanor had ruined everything. That woman was becoming a thorn too dangerous to leave alone.

Hatred boiled inside her, but she didn't notice Hilda watching her closely from the side.

Now Hilda understood that apart from Lillian, Lainey also had a grudge against Nolan's girlfriend.

That little detail was far too important to forget, and Hilda mentally tucked it away for later use.

By then, Lainey had already covered up her scowl, replacing it with a bright, determined look. "Dad, I love challenges. Why don't you let me handle it?"

Jeff hesitated, NNolan's warning still echoing in his mind."There's no need. Our family already stands as equals with the Stewarts. You don't need to put yourself through unnecessary disrespect on our behalf."

But Lainey refused to back down. She leaned in, her voice steady but persuasive. "This deal with the Stewart Group is critical for where we're headed. I don't want to let personal grudges ruin such a chance. If enduring a little discomfort can help the family, then it's worth it."

Jeff was genuinely touched by her words. With a nod, he softened. "Alright then, if that's how you feel,go ahead and give it a try."

In his eyes, his daughter wasn't just exceptional-her thoughtfulness and understanding made her truly remarkable.