Chapter 200
Frederick let out an amused chuckle. "Harrison must be seething with jealousy over Penelope. That explains this ridiculous outburst - she's deliberately trying to ruin our dinner."
Cassandra smirked, swirling her wine glass. "That provincial girl actually dared to call Dr. Sinclair a fraud? How pathetically amusing."
Penelope squeezed Dr. Sinclair's hand, her voice dripping with false concern. "Please don't mind anything Harrison says, Doctor. Her jealousy has completely poisoned her mind."
Dr. Sinclair's gaze flickered toward the doorway where Harrison had disappeared, a subtle tension leaving his shoulders. Though uncertain what suspicions Harrison might have, her presence had undeniably put him on edge.
Thankfully, the Whitmore family had handled the situation perfectly.
Surveying the Whitmores' eager faces, the imposter doctor felt confident in his deception. He offered a practiced, benevolent smile. "Think nothing of it. I wouldn't dream of holding her words against her."
Margaret beamed approvingly. "Let's not allow Harrison to spoil our celebration. Everyone, please enjoy the meal."
Penelope practically vibrated with excitement. "Grandmother, I have wonderful news! I've joined Dr. Sinclair's medical team as an investor."
Margaret and the second branch of the family gasped in unison. "You what?"
Dr. Sinclair nodded solemnly. "Indeed. Penelope has invested one hundred fifty million dollars."
Isabella's wine glass nearly slipped from her fingers. "Penelope! Where on earth did you get that kind of money?"
Frederick and Cassandra exchanged smug glances. "We leveraged the company."
The third branch had gambled their entire business empire on this single investment.
Dr. Sinclair's voice oozed confidence. "With my involvement, there's absolutely no risk. I guarantee your investment will double this year - possibly even triple. Penelope's net worth will skyrocket accordingly."
Given Dr. Sinclair's sterling reputation, no one questioned his bold claims.
Suddenly, Isabella, Theodore and Victoria couldn't remain seated. They desperately wanted a piece of this golden opportunity.
Isabella leaned forward eagerly. "Dr. Sinclair, we'd like to invest the same amount."
Theodore and Victoria nodded vigorously. "We can mortgage our company too."
The second branch was ready to stake everything they owned.
Dr. Sinclair hesitated dramatically. "Well..."
Penelope squeezed his arm. "Darling, they'll be family soon. Why not let them join us?"
After a calculated pause, Dr. Sinclair nodded. "Very well. Consider yourselves included."
The second branch nearly cheered. "Marvelous! Thank you, Doctor!"
"Wait!" Margaret's commanding voice cut through the excitement.
All eyes turned to the family matriarch. "What is it, Mother?"
Margaret's eyes gleamed with avarice. "If everyone's investing, I want in too."
"But Mother, you don't have-"
"Nonsense! I'll mortgage the Whitmore estate. Prime real estate like that is worth a fortune. Doctor, count me in."
Dr. Sinclair pretended to consider before nodding magnanimously. "Very well. Let's all prosper together. After all..." He brought Penelope's hand to his lips. "...we'll soon be one big family."
Penelope looked ready to faint from happiness.
The entire Whitmore family buzzed with excitement, having just bet their entire futures on this single opportunity.
Margaret raised her crystal glass. "Now that Harrison's gone, our family's fortunes are finally turning. To our brilliant future!"
Isabella, Theodore and Victoria clinked glasses. "Cheers!"
Penelope, Frederick and Cassandra followed suit. "Cheers!"
The imposter doctor smiled behind his wine glass, watching his marks celebrate their impending ruin.