Now They Want My Forgiveness - Chapter 317: Chapter 317

"Plus, do you really think I'd collaborate with someone who's hurt me deeply? Don't forget, just a few days ago, you cut off my suppliers."
Lionel's words lacked conviction. "Yeah, you're right. I've done a lot of awful things. But can't you consider our past and the fact that I treated you well? Just help me this once; my family's company can't go under."
"Not my problem," Stella replied coldly.
Lionel pleaded, "Stella, I'll do anything you want. I can even beg you if that's what it takes."
Stella looked at Lionel and felt that he had changed. He no longer radiated the confidence he once had; all that remained was despair about life and helplessness regarding his company.
Stella had always believed that Lionel had a bright future ahead. As a child, he excelled in everything he did. She had even worked hard to keep up with him, only to find him in this ridiculous state now.
Stella's response made Lionel feel like she was waiting for him to beg. He was actually betting that Stella wouldn't make him do it, but her silence indicated that she thought that way.
Recently, things had been tight at his home. His father had given strict orders to save the company at all costs, no matter what methods Lionel had to use. He felt he had no choice but to take a gamble.
By the time Stella realized what was happening, Lionel was already on his knees. A crowd had gathered, and Stella felt speechless. "What's the meaning of this? Lionel, what do you want? To force me?"
He replied, "Yes, I am trying to force you. Stella, you might think I'm disappointing you now, but I'm out of options.
"You know about the recent issues at the supermarket. If I don't find a way out, not only is our company done for, but my family is too."
Stella found it all quite laughable. "Did you ever think that maybe I want to see your company and your family fail?"
Lionel froze for a moment.
Stella continued, "And why are you coming to me for help? You know, anyone in the world might help you, but I can't."
Lionel lowered his head. "Stella, I genuinely can't find anyone else. I thought about trying to arrange a marriage, but now that our family situation is known, no one wants to deal with us."
Stella interrupted, "So you come to me? Lionel, you don't want my help; you want to drag me down with you."
Lionel said, "No, listen to me. What I mean is, I can take a smaller share, and we can change the supermarket's name to the Hayes Group. Just let me keep the company for now."
Stella couldn't help but laugh. "Keep the company? Are you kidding me? Your company's flaws are huge.
"You make it sound nice, saying a smaller share, but what you really want is to use my profits to patch up your own company's holes. Lionel, I'm not an idiot."
Lionel fell silent, unable to respond.
He looked at Stella; she still had the same face, but she was different now. Maybe Lionel had never truly understood her.
Stella was smart. She had been generous before because they were family, and he had treated her well. The harm he had caused her might have been greater than what his family had done; he had no right to ask Stella for help.