A Healer’s Journey

Chapter 72 No Other Way

As soon as Bernice announced she was in love and that her boyfriend was Finnegan, silence descended over the room.

Jennifer’s expression grew taut, but she knew she could not stop her.

Finnegan was slightly surprised by Bernice’s sudden announcement but more so moved. He knew she would be incurring her grandparents’ wrath by making their relationship known at such a time.

Sure enough, Bruce smashed a cup on the floor after a moment’s silence, his face as black as thunder. “Bernie, I’ll pretend this never happened, so let Finnegan leave the room. Everyone here is a member of the Zimmerman family. It’s not appropriate for an outsider to be here.”

Millicent said frostily, “Stop this nonsense. Hurry up and tell that outsider to leave.”

“Bernice, it’s your grandfather’s seventieth birthday today, so let’s not upset him. Besides, as part of this family, your grandparents should be the ones who decide who you should date,” Sapphire piped up.

“Yes, that’s right. Today is a day for celebration. You should stop joking around.” The rest of the Zimmerman family also started persuading her, clearly trying to team up and pressure her into kicking Finnegan out.

“Have you said enough?” Bernice seemed to have changed into a completely different person at that moment. She wore an icy look on her beautiful face.

The atmosphere in the room instantly became tense, and Bruce’s expression darkened even. further.

Nonetheless, Bernice did not care how they felt. She said coldly, “First of all, I don’t like to joke around. Second, I’m willing to take the advice of our family’s elders regarding company and family affairs. And third, it’s my freedom to have a boyfriend. No one can interfere with

that.”

Hugging Finnegan’s arm tighter, she continued, “He’s my boyfriend now. I’m here not to discuss the matter but merely to inform you. If you insist on saying he’s an outsider and want him to leave, I’ll leave with him.”

their family. However, even though Bernice’s entire family

Queenie rose to her feet. “Bernice, as a

<

1/4

Grandma like this? Are you planning on severing ties

grateful for the kindness our family has showered.

chiding Bernice, but Finnegan

Bruce and Millicent, he noticed they looked slightly more upset. A trace of amusement

calm demeanor before the pair. “Indeed, I was blessed with the family’s resources while growing up. However, I don’t feel I still owe the family much. That’s because since I became the CEO, I’ve more than doubled Firebird Group’s market value, and its annual profit has tripled. Who here, including Grandpa, hasn’t benefited from my contributions? Do you think your current annual dividend would

shifted. While they were still in disbelief over how unyielding Bernice was being, she turned to gaze at Finnegan

not deter her, the others had even less rights to

You were born a Zimmerman. Even if you die, you’ll still

moment, Bruce stopped Millicent and narrowed his eyes at Bernice.

“Yes,” Bernice replied.

be with him, I’ll give you a chance. Otherwise, even if

to cut ties with the Zimmerman family

voice, Millicent said, “What are you saying, Bruce? Have you forgotten that we’ve promised–”

24

mid-sentence again and continued,

then answered with

“Excellent. As expected of my granddaughter, you’re not afraid to take risks. My proposal is simple-double the profits for Firebird Group’s wine, food and beverage, and pharmaceutical businesses within three months. If you succeed, I’ll acknowledge your relationship with Finnegan. But if you fail,