Her Marriage: The Night is Still Young-Chapter 212: Nathaniel Gallagher’s Double

The car had just driven into the company’s underground garage.

Nathaniel Gallagher dialed his assistant’s phone number again, his tone devoid of any emotion: "Tell the CFO and the overseas asset manager to go to the top floor conference room now. The meeting will start in ten minutes."

"Understood, President Gallagher."

He hung up.

He raised his hand and slowly tugged at his tie, the darkness in his eyes gradually congealing into a murderous intent.

The arrangement with Leo Ford was indeed perilous and might not succeed.

And if it failed, what awaited him would be utter ruin.

Therefore, he had to have a backup plan ready.

Transferring assets was not an escape route.

It was the safety net he had left for his son and Eleanor Churchill.

If the plan spiraled out of control, at least he could ensure that Eleanor and Henry Gallagher would live comfortably, away from the strife in Audenburg.

...

Twenty minutes later.

In the top floor conference room of Gallagher Royale.

The CFO and the overseas asset manager were already waiting.

Nathaniel Gallagher pushed the door open and entered, radiating a murderous aura.

The few people hurriedly stood up, "Hello, President Gallagher."

Nathaniel Gallagher tossed an encrypted USB drive onto the table, tapping his fingers on the tabletop: "First, deal with those loss-making subsidiaries on the mainland, complete the divestment within three days. Transfer all funds into an anonymous account in Vessia, using offshore channels, and don’t leave any traceable links."

The CFO nodded immediately but still hesitated to ask: "President Gallagher, although those projects are losing money, abruptly withdrawing investments might attract the attention of peers, especially from Julian Grant’s side..."

"Attention?" Nathaniel Gallagher sneered, his fingertips brushing the edge of the USB drive, "By the time they notice, I’ll already have Leo Ford’s weakness in my hands. Julian Grant will be too busy trying to save himself to worry about these trivial matters."

He paused, his tone deepening, "The priority is to withdraw assets from Oakhaven and Sudleigh, moving them under the name of the overseas company owned by the Churchill Group by next week. Use Eleanor’s distant relatives as the nominal holders, and make it as discreet as possible."

The overseas asset manager promptly recorded: "President Gallagher, the nominee agreement requires signatures from you and Mrs. Gallagher. Additionally, should the beneficiary information for the Vessia account be updated?"

"List Eleanor as the sole beneficiary." Nathaniel Gallagher looked up, his gaze firm, "Remove my name from all related accounts, including the fund previously registered in The Serpent Isles, and change them all to her personal assets."

This statement left everyone in the room momentarily stunned.

Nathaniel Gallagher had always kept a firm grip on his assets, yet now he was transferring almost all core assets to Eleanor Churchill’s name.

Nathaniel Gallagher seemed to see through their thoughts, lightly tapping his fingers on the table: "In the business world, wins and losses are unpredictable. But Eleanor must not be affected. These assets are her safeguard, not my escape plan."

He picked up the documents on the table, turning to the last page to sign his name, "Follow the plan, I’ll take responsibility for any issues. But remember, anyone who dares to leak a single word will bear the consequences."

"Rest assured, President Gallagher."

The few people hurriedly agreed, taking the documents and quickly leaving.

Only Nathaniel Gallagher was left in the conference room.

He leaned back in his chair, pulling out his phone to open a picture of Eleanor Churchill.

In the picture, she sat on a hospital bed, holding the sunflowers he had given her, smiling with her eyes curved.

His fingertips gently caressed the screen, the coldness in his eyes gradually melting away.

Transferring assets wasn’t about fear of losing.

It was fear of losing and being unable to protect her. When she took a stab for him without hesitation back then, now he couldn’t afford to leave anything to chance for her sake.

Of course.

He had already successively transferred assets worth over a hundred billion, stored separately in Vessia, The Republic of Arcadia, Silvane, Brelland, and other countries. Besides cash storage, there were also offshore asset trusts, trust funds, as well as jewelry and gold.

Next month.

He planned to relocate Mrs. Gallagher, Henry Gallagher, and Eleanor Churchill abroad.

...

On the cruise ship.

Evelyn Thorne awoke in satisfaction, finding only herself left in bed.

"Nathaniel..."

She reached out, finding nothing.

’Nathaniel Gallagher’ had left without her noticing.

"Gone already? Without even saying goodbye?"

Recalling last night.

She couldn’t help but smile sweetly, hugging the pillow and lazily turning over.

Her judgment was indeed right.

Nathaniel Gallagher was more impressive than she had imagined; she hadn’t experienced such satisfaction in a long time.

The only minor flaw was that he still seemed a bit restrained, as if afraid of hurting her.

Of course!

The person who had been in bed with her last night wasn’t even Nathaniel Gallagher. It was his double—Jay Axton.

Jay Axton was among the doubles that Nathaniel Gallagher secretly groomed, the one who resembled him the most. The two had similar builds and heights, and Jay had undergone more than a dozen cosmetic surgeries to resemble Nathaniel’s features.

Even if they stood in front of you in broad daylight, you would mistake them for twins. In dim lighting, it was even more impossible to distinguish who was who.

"Doot... doot... doot..."

She pulled out her phone and immediately called Nathaniel Gallagher.

The phone rang three times before it was answered.

"Hello~"

In the receiver came a deliberately softened gentleness.

Of course, this was something Jay Axton had practiced beforehand, intentionally imitating Nathaniel Gallagher’s tone.

Nathaniel Gallagher had no intention of wasting energy dealing with Evelyn Thorne.

Thus, Evelyn’s calls were first handled by Jay; in case of emergency, they would then be transferred to him.

Evelyn immediately softened her voice, with a lazy tone from just waking up: "Nathaniel, why did you leave without a word? I woke up and didn’t see you."

"The company needs to hold a shareholders’ meeting, so I left in a hurry." Jay replied according to the "script template" given by Nathaniel Gallagher, with a hint of apology in his voice, "I wanted to tell you, but you were sleeping so soundly, I couldn’t bear to wake you."

Listening to this, Evelyn’s smile deepened, her fingers twisting the bedsheet unconsciously: "Will you come to see me once you’re done? Last night..."

"I still want to spend some time with you."

Jay paused for a few seconds, then followed up with her words: "Once I’m done, I’ll come find you."

"However, there’s something I need you to help with. The assistant just told me that Leo Ford is meeting with your dad at the ’Cloud Top Teahouse’ tomorrow afternoon to discuss cooperation, and it’s a great opportunity."

Mentioning business.

Evelyn’s attention was indeed diverted, and she sat up, her tone becoming more serious: "Got it, I’ll find a chance to plant the item in my dad’s bag. But Nathaniel, don’t forget what you promised me..."

"Don’t worry." Jay interrupted her, his tone resolute, resembling Nathaniel Gallagher’s firm promise, "Once I get the handle on Leo Ford and deal with Julian Grant, I’ll discuss the divorce with Eleanor and marry you grandly. What you need to do now is ensure this task goes smoothly without any slip-ups."

Evelyn’s heart was warmed by this "marry you," and she responded eagerly: "I understand! I definitely won’t disappoint you!"

She ended the call.

Evelyn stared at the screen on the phone, with Mr. Gallagher’s name saved as a note, her eyes full of longing.

She didn’t notice the last "bye" in the receiver was half a beat faster than Nathaniel Gallagher’s usual tone.

At this moment, the real Nathaniel Gallagher was in the company conference room, reading the assistant’s message: "Evelyn Thorne has received the call and is emotionally stable," his eyes icy.

Meanwhile.

Jay ended the call and immediately sent a message to Nathaniel Gallagher to report: "President Gallagher, adhering to your instructions, she has been appeased, and she confirmed she will handle tomorrow’s matter."

Nathaniel Gallagher glanced at the message and casually forwarded it to the personal assistant, adding: "Arrange for someone to monitor ’Cloud Top Teahouse’ tomorrow afternoon, ensure the bugging device works properly, and record the conversations between Mr. Thornton and Leo Ford without exposing ourselves."

The assistant replied immediately: "Understood."

Nathaniel Gallagher put away his phone and looked out the window.

The skyline of Audenburg shimmered with cold light in the twilight, much like his current mood.

The progress of asset transfer is already halfway through.

The discharge procedures for Eleanor Churchill are also being arranged, and the immigration documents for Mrs. Gallagher and Henry Gallagher will be ready by next week.

As long as Evelyn Thorne successfully plants the bug tomorrow, this chess game will be mostly won.

As for Evelyn Thorne... once he obtains leverage over Leo Ford, her use as a "pawn" diminishes.

He picked up his coat from the chair back and told the secretary outside the door: "Prepare the car, going to the hospital."

Tonight he plans to accompany Eleanor Churchill.

He didn’t spend the night at the hospital yesterday; her tone on the phone this morning carried some grievance, he needs to soothe her.

After all, she is the person he intends to protect for life.

His feelings for her are no longer romantic, but she remains the most important woman to him.

"President Gallagher, please get in the car."

"Hmm."

Nathaniel Gallagher got into the car with a solemn face and asked the assistant, "Any news from Josephine?"

Andy felt a pang in his chest and respectfully said: "Currently, checked customs and outbound information, there’s no trace of Miss Thompson."

"However, it’s certain Miss Thompson is currently in the country, still tracking. Will report to you first thing on any updates."

"... Hmm." Nathaniel Gallagher paused in silence before quietly answering.

He closed the car door.

His brows were furrowed deeply, and his demeanor exuded a heavy sense of obsession and gloom.

"Josephine, wait patiently. You will surely come back to me; there’s no man in this world who loves you more than I do..."

His heart seemed to split in two.

Half given to Eleanor Churchill, the other half to Josephine Thompson.

He couldn’t let either go.

So, he needs to find a way for both to accept reality and coexist peacefully.

It’s just a marriage contract.

He could even consider migrating to the Khasran, where it’s legal to have two wives.

...

The next day.

The Thornton Family mansion.

Evelyn Thorne hurried home early in the morning, holding a high-end luxury gift box.

Upon seeing Mr. Thornton, she eagerly rushed over and gave him a big hug, "Daddy, happy birthday."

Mr. Thornton was momentarily taken aback by his daughter’s sudden warmth, then he laughed and patted her back: "Silly girl, Daddy’s birthday is still half a month away, what made you suddenly think of gifting me?"

Evelyn Thorne hooked her arm around his, handed over the gift box, a hint of subtle nervousness hidden in her eyes while her tone remained cloyingly sweet: "Sending it early shows sincerity! I specially asked someone to bring back this belt from Pariden, see if you like it, Daddy?"

The bugging device is hidden within the belt buckle.

As long as the belt isn’t dismantled, it won’t be found.

Mr. Thornton opened the gift box, looking at the belt studded with tiny diamonds, a contented smile on his face: "Haha~, finally learned to be thoughtful of Daddy."

"Of course, I am Daddy’s little buddy!" Evelyn Thorne took the opportunity to snuggle beside him, helping straighten his suit jacket.

"Daddy must wear this belt all the time."

Mr. Thornton smiled and patted her hand, trying the belt on his waist: "Alright, Daddy will wear it today."

Saying this, Mr. Thornton removed his old belt and adeptly switched to the new one.

He probably wouldn’t suspect even if beaten, that his obedient daughter would set such a big trap for him.

Evelyn Thorne watched the buckle fit snugly around her father’s waist, her anxious heart finally eased, she added coyly: "Daddy, you’re meeting Uncle Ford today, right?"

"Yes, I am."

"Should I go with you?"

Mr. Thornton waved his hand, picked up his briefcase and headed to the door: "No need, stay well at home. Daddy will try to come back early, for dinner together."

"Then Daddy, remember to come back early!"

Mr. Thornton looked kindly, "Alright."

Evelyn Thorne followed him to the door.

Watching her father’s car turn out of the alley, she quickly took out her phone to send a message to Nathaniel Gallagher: "Nathaniel, my dad has already taken the item, he’s now headed to Cloud Top Teahouse. The belt buckle is hidden securely, won’t be detected."

Within seconds of sending the message.

Nathaniel Gallagher replied: Well done, love you.

After reading the message, Evelyn Thorne sat on the couch hugging her phone.

"Nathaniel Gallagher, all this is for you, you really can’t let me down. For you, I even betrayed Daddy..."

...

AM.

Inside a private room at Cloud Top Teahouse.

Mr. Thornton, Leo Ford, and two business tycoons are having tea together.

The bugging device is already in operation.

Sound waves flickering on the screen indicate the recording is normal.

Nathaniel Gallagher listened closely to their conversation, not missing any critical information.

The conversation sounds coming through the earpiece were clear and piercing.

At first, the group casually chatted about market trends.

Before long, Leo Ford set down his teacup, his voice lowered slightly: "Old Thornton, the east side project, following the usual rules."

Mr. Thornton’s voice carried a hint of relaxation: "Rest assured, I already had my son transfer the money to a trust, it can’t be traced back to us."

Leo Ford pinched the edge of his teacup with his fingertips, scanning the others present, his voice lowered further, laced with some secrecy: "Last month, someone from ’higher up’ visited Audenburg, I arranged to send an industry report mentioning planning adjustments for the east side, we should receive a response in a few days."

"Old Thornton, you should have the list of supporting enterprises ready in advance, don’t wait until the wind shifts and then get flustered."

Mr. Thornton’s fingertips paused, nodding knowingly: "Understood, I’ve already asked the people below to complete the qualifications materials, will directly connect with the ’planning office’ then."

Leo Ford chuckled softly, exhaling a smoke ring, "The ’higher-ups’ want a clean environment, as long as we’re ’compliant’, there’s no issue at all..."

The conversation gradually edged into sensitive topics, voices lowered further.

Nathaniel Gallagher listened intently, a sinister smile curling his lips.

"Heh... there’s indeed something fishy, just as I expected."

However.

This was just minor tinkering, not enough to bring down Leo Ford completely.

He still needs to hold his breath, gather more evidence of the crime.

Striving for a single decisive blow, targeting the snake’s weakness.

Leaving Leo Ford no chance for remediation or retaliation.