Chapter 466: Chapter 466: Almost Beyond Saving
After hearing her out, Arabella Donovan wanted nothing more than to give her a big thumbs-up and praise her for her sharp insight.
That was exactly it. Guinevere Rhodes’s method for bleeding Logan Lockhart dry was the exact same one she later used on Vaughn Kensington.
First, she’d establish a so-called "relationship"—it could be love, a debt of gratitude, or even a one-sided friendship—to ensnare her target.
Then, under the guise of building a career, she’d bleed the man dry, converting his wealth into her own, or "theirs."
Finally, she’d resort to slander.
This so-called slander was actually the protagonist’s halo—the plot armor the author gave her. Whenever the time was right, her backup boyfriends would inevitably be hit with scandals.
Things like the company’s tax evasion being exposed, or getting embroiled in a case involving a death, causing the company’s stock to plummet and its funding to dry up. A series of such ploys could destroy a man’s reputation and strip him of everything in a short time.
And at that moment, all the female protagonist had to do was step forward, publicly sever ties with him, and toss out a line like, "I never thought you were this kind of person. You’ve disappointed me so much." This would deliver the fatal blow to these "tools," allowing her to logically take over everything he had invested in her. On top of that, she would gain a halo of righteousness, like someone who puts justice before personal ties and refuses to associate with evil.
Simply put, the author would first demonize one character, then have another attack and defeat him.
That way, the one who defeated the villain could logically become a symbol of justice, while the defeated villain would naturally be cast aside, becoming another notch on the righteous hero’s belt.
Both Vaughn Kensington and Logan Lockhart were just victories the author handed to Guinevere Rhodes, but perhaps due to the author’s lack of writing skill...
...a supposedly "righteous" protagonist came off looking like a petty villain who had just gotten her way. She’d talk a big game about severing ties, yet she’d accept every single benefit they’d given her. It was the classic case of biting the hand that feeds you.
Meanwhile, the "tools" she denounced were like flat, cardboard characters—NPCs set up just to have their good fortune drained by her. Once their part in the plot was over and Guinevere Rhodes had squeezed them for all they were worth, they were unceremoniously kicked to the curb.
’What kind of god-awful protagonist is this? She’s exactly like that Cassandra Lynch! What protagonist halo? What darling of The Providence? She’s just using people as stepping stones to get ahead. If this is the kind of person The Providence favors, then this world is doomed!’
Eloise Donovan nodded, a mix of lingering fear and agreement. The thought that she too had been one of the victims meant to be bled dry in the original plot made her look at the poor soul, Jessica Lockhart, with a subtle, shared sympathy.
"Your brother’s girlfriend really doesn’t sound like a good person."
Jessica Lockhart’s eyes lit up, her gaze filled with the joy and appreciation of having found a kindred spirit. "Right? It’s not like I’m some feudal matriarch who insists her children marry and have kids according to her wishes. But if you’re going to be with someone, at least find a decent person! Family background and looks are secondary; character is what’s most important. He’s my only brother. I can’t just stand by and watch him leap into a pit of fire, can I?"
Jessica Lockhart wasn’t very experienced when it came to romance, but that didn’t mean she was clueless about matters of the heart.
In her view, a healthy relationship was one where two people supported each other and grew together. It wasn’t one where a person, knowing their partner was better off, made no effort to improve themselves and instead deliberately caused trouble to drag their partner down, all to keep them at their own level.
She had watched someone close to her be destroyed by such a relationship before. How could she let her own brother go down that same path?
Arabella Donovan was impressed by Jessica Lockhart’s clarity and nodded. "I have a general understanding of your brother’s situation now, but I’ll need to meet him to be certain. However, based on your description, it’s highly likely your brother... hasn’t been cursed."
’He might just be under the influence of the protagonist’s halo. His brain has turned to mush from being in love, causing his IQ to plummet.’
’If that’s the case, there might not be much I can do to help.’
Jessica Lockhart’s expression stiffened, a flicker of conflict in her eyes. Finally, she let out a long sigh and said with resignation, "I know what you mean. Don’t worry, I understand the situation. If it really comes to that, I’ll have no choice but to step in and be the bad guy myself."
’Looks like this formidable big sister has decided to take a club to the lovebirds. Let’s hope the misguided little brother’s soul can soon return to... ah, no, that he can soon see that scumbag for who she really is, appreciate his sister’s difficult position, and see the error of his ways. Amen.’
Eloise Donovan: "..." ’Don’t think I didn’t catch what you were about to say just because you hit the brakes. Isn’t it a bit too early to be performing his last rites? I think he can still be saved!’
In contrast to Jessica Lockhart’s heavy heart, Arabella Donovan enjoyed her meal quite freely. After they had eaten their fill, Jessica personally drove them to the company.
"I’m sorry, but I’ll have to ask you to pose as my friends and come with me to the office to meet my brother. We recently had a fight over his girlfriend, and things are a little tense between us. If he finds out I specifically hired a master to see him, I’m worried he might flip out on the spot and throw you out."
A troubled expression crossed Jessica Lockhart’s face as she spoke.
Seeing this, Arabella Donovan and Eloise felt even more sympathy for her.
’What a classic tragedy. Forgetting your family the moment you get a girlfriend. She’s not even your wife yet, and he’s already turning against his sister for her. Unbelievable!’
Eloise Donovan quickly chimed in, "It’s fine, please don’t worry about it. We understand."
Jessica Lockhart: "..." ’I feel like... I’m being pitied.’
Although Logan Lockhart also worked at the company, Jessica Lockhart was still the one calling the shots. Bringing a few people in for a temporary tour was no big deal, and she didn’t need to ask for anyone’s permission.
Perhaps to make their "chance encounter" with Logan Lockhart seem less abrupt, Jessica Lockhart didn’t lead them straight to his department. Instead, she gave them a brief tour of a few other departments before heading to the R&D department where Logan was.
The Lockhart family’s business was a tech company that developed mobile phones, and the R&D department was the most important and busiest division, essentially the lifeblood of the entire company.
Logan Lockhart had studied this field in college, and while he wasn’t exactly a top-tier expert, he had genuine skill and knowledge.
When Arabella Donovan and the others arrived, Logan Lockhart had just finished discussing the next quarter’s performance goals with his team.
One had to admit, for a supporting character who had his own name and significant scenes with the female protagonist, he certainly looked the part. Standing in the brightly lit office in his suit, the young master of the Lockhart family was the very picture of a tall, elegant, and dignified gentleman.
Arabella Donovan watched him from a distance, a flicker in her eyes.
’Good news: he can still be saved.’
’Bad news: he’s almost beyond saving!’
Eloise Donovan: ’Uh-oh!’