Rolf hesitated as if wanting to say something, but after seeing Jack's expression, he simply nodded and left. I tilted my head slightly, waiting for Jack to speak. He stared at me for a long moment, and just as he was about to say something, I cut him off.
"The meeting is about to start. Whatever it is, we can talk after."
Without waiting for a response, I turned and walked away. This meeting wasn't particularly important—it was just an impromptu board meeting.
I figured if the press conference had gone badly, they would've used this as an excuse to force me out of Brown Group. But now, those in the meeting room were filled with praise for me.
"Jane, I always knew you were different. But I never expected you to take charge so quickly." Mr. Ward, the same man who used to mock me, was now putting on a warm and friendly act.
He held no real power in the company as his wealth came purely from dividends. Now that I had made such a big contribution, I was nothing short of a golden goose in his eyes.
I remained calm, smiling slightly. "So, no one has any objections to me outsourcing the project?"
Mr. Ward quickly forced a laugh. "Of course not! It's clear the company you outsourced to is far more professional."
"Exactly! Unlike some of the dead weight we've been carrying in-house. They never accomplish anything," another board member chimed in.
"If it weren't for their seniority, they would've been fired long ago."
I kept a faint smile on my face as I listened.
Meanwhile, Jack, who had remained silent the entire time, looked furious as if he had suffered a serious blow.
"I'll admit you were smart once, but look at you now. Ever since you became obsessed with Elsa, all you've done is revolve around her. What else have you done?"
As soon as I mentioned Elsa's name, Jack's face turned a mix of frustration and anger. He snapped, "Why are you bringing up Elsa? She hasn't done anything."
Seeing him like this, I felt a wave of frustration, but I forced myself to stay composed. I coldly questioned him, "She hasn't done anything? Think carefully. Why do you believe I'd harm Brown Group? Brown Group is Mom's and Dad's life work and our family's legacy. Do you really think I'm that foolish? It's true I married Eric, but I married him—not his family.
"Can't you think for a second? What would I gain from destroying Brown Group?"
Jack stood frozen in place, unable to speak for a long time. I knew he was trying to make excuses for Elsa. I snorted, pulled out my phone, and dialed Elsa's number.
After hanging up, I looked at Jack with a smile and said, "I've already called Elsa to come to the company. You'll find out soon enough."
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Revenge is best served cold