The Phantom Heiress Rising From The Shadows

Chapter 74 Chapter 74 You Really Didn't Hold Back At the Barrel family's residence.

Ruby and isabella exited the car, their hands weighed down with numerous shopping bags. Unable to carry them all, they called for a servant to help them.

A servant quickly approached, drying her hands on her apron, and peered into the living room before offering a cautious heads-up. "Mrs. Barrett, Miss Barrett, just to let you know, Mr. Barrett has just returned, and he seems quite upset it might be wise to be careful around him," she said.

Ruby dismissed the concern with a wave. "That's nothing. His mood has been off due to work stress recently, Just bring these bags inside for us," she said.

Isabella had several bags containing jewelry, handbags, and dresses. Her face was beaming with joy. It was the first tsince returning to the Barrett family that she had indulged herself so freely, spending over a million dollars on luxury brands and jewelry she had never owned before.

Eagerly, she asked, "Mom, do you know if there's something wrong at Dad's company?" Even though the Barrett family was facing schallenges, Isabella didn't consider it to be anything serious. She trusted her father's and brother's abilities to manage the company. She had briefly tried working at the company but found the effort too exhausting, choosing instead to stay hand just enjoy her life. Only a few days ago, she had joined a horse-riding club, paying a million dollars for the membership.

She had been attending daily and had already becquite skilled.

Ruby, who was more attuned to the gravity of the situation, let out a sigh and replied, "Ever since Brenna left, the company has struggled to attract good orders. We still need to pay the workers' salaries, which total millions each month. Your father's hair is turning gray from all the stress. Even your brother has been contacting clients himself to secure orders." Isabella casually replied with an "Oh", hardly giving the matter any thought. She was confident that the Barrett family was wealthy enough that her spending wouldn't pose a problem for her father or brother.

Just then, the servant interjected, "Mrs. Barrett, Miss Barrett, please be mindful. Mr. Barrett asked about your whereabouts earlier, and upon learning of your shopping, he was quite displeased, remarking that you seem to think money grows on trees." Ruby's face clouded over. She said, "I see. Please take the bags upstairs discreetly and ensure he doesn't see 'them." However, upon entering the house, Ruby and Isabella were immediately met by Alec's stern look. "Going shopping again? My card was charged 1.8 million dollars today. You really didn't hold back! This kind of 0.0% 23.20 Chapter 74 You Really Didn't Hold Back spending will bankrupt us eventually!" he exclaimed Caught off guard, Isabella bit her lip, suddenly feeling the weight of her actions.

The bags of luxury items seemed overly extravagant now.

Ruby quickly nodded to the servant. "Take the bags upstairs quickly." She then began to confront Alec. "Why are you raising your voice like that? What's the issue with us spending I've always shopped like this, and it never bothered you before. What has changed today? We just spent ver a million dollars. When did our family ever start worrying about such a small amount? You're ups ng Isabella! After everything she endured living away, isn't she entitled to a few luxuries now that she's home? Don't be so stingy!" Alec, stunned by her response, sank onto the couch, releasing a deep sigh as he looked at Ruby and Isabella. He said in a serious tone, "Do you grasp the severity of our company's situation? Since Brenna left, we've lost all our confirmed orders, and our sales team has failed to secure new ones. Our factory has been shut down for almost a month." Ruby was aware that the company had been struggling recently. Every night at the dinner table, her husband and son would discuss different ways to resolve the situation.

But she hadn't realized the situation was this dire.

"What's causing this?" she asked, quickly placing the blon Alec's shoulders for failing to maintain their business orders, frustrated now that their personal spending was under scrutiny.

Alec's patience snapped. He exclaimed in anger, "What's going on? I've been companying outom company's difficulties daily. You know full well what's happening! We need to cut back on spending given our tight financial situation!" Ruby retorted sharply, "The purchases are already made. What do you expect us to do, return everything? If you want them returned, handle the matter yourself. I won't embarrass myself over this." Her attention was then caught by a gold-embossed invitation on the table.

"The return banquet for the Harper family's daughter?" She looked at the signature and suddenly realized it was from Shepard.

Her mood lightened. "Look, let's not argue. This might be our chance. The the top Harper family, one of the top families in Shirie, is inviting us to their daughter's return banquet. They are a powerhouse in the automotive industry. You could ask Mr. Harper for sorders. Wouldn't that help solve our problems?"

Alec, who spent more ton operations than social engagements, was puzzled. "Who is the Harper family's daughter? We've never really interacted with the Harper family before. Why would they invite us to the banquet?" Ruby shook her head and said, "I'm not sure who their daughter is, either, but there's talk that the Harper family lost a daughter twenty years ago and have only recently found her."