Regret Is Only the Beginning - Chapter 18

I said flatly, “What’s wrong? You were the ones who were so desperate to take over the company, and now you regret it?”

Evie snapped, “We wanted the company as it was, but you handed us an empty shell! You tricked us!”

I turned to Archie. “You know exactly what the company looked like when I handed it over. I got the board to accept you, left a team to support you, and paved the way so smoothly that even a three–year–old could have kept it running for six months. And yet, look at you, Archie.

“You were never convinced, always chasing unrealistic ambitions. The moment you took over, you wanted to make your mark, so you fired the entire secretariat department. But you let the board down.

“It’s been just over 20 days, and you can barely keep the business running. Archie, I have to say–I’m truly impressed.”

Archie’s face turned red with humiliation.

Grandma couldn’t bear to see her precious grandson being criticized. “Jillian, who do you think you are to talk down to him like that? If it hadn’t been for you meddling behind the scenes, Archie would’ve done better than you ever did!”

I let out a cold laugh. “You’re really blind with confidence, Mrs. Houghton Senior. Honestly, I’ve always wanted to ask you, Putting everything else aside, is it really that hard to admit that I have more experience than Archie?

“It’s like just nodding to that fact would be the end of the world for you. Does putting down your own granddaughter, another woman like yourself, bring you joy?”

I looked at her with pity. “You went from being a daughter–in–law to a grandmother. That alone should have earned you respect from both me and Archie.

“But instead, you constantly belittle me just to prop him up. You cling to this outdated mentality, desperately trying to keep it alive. You spent your whole life pandering to men. How utterly pathetic.”

Grandma’s eyes widened in shock. I must have struck a nerve because she lunged at me, screaming, “You bitch! I’ll tear your mouth apart!”

Archie quickly held her back and shot me a disapproving look. “She’s your grandmother. Do you have to be so vicious?”

I lifted my gaze. “You’re the one who benefits from these outdated traditions. I’ve put up with this nonsense for years, and all I did was say a few words to vent my frustration. I think I’m being quite restrained.

“You know the truth, Archie. But since you’re the one enjoying the privileges, of course, you don’t see a problem with it.”

Then, I turned to Evie. “Your turn, Ms. Carter. What can I say? The first time I met you, you gave me this classic bitchy vibe. And the moment you spilled coffee on me, I knew you did it on purpose. You act like you’re so much better than me. Did you really think you were hiding it well?”

I offered her some advice. “In the real world, it’s best to stay humble. Otherwise, someone will eventually teach you a lesson.”

Evie wasn’t willing to back down. Suddenly, something occurred to her.

“Why are you being so aggressive, Jillian? Did Logan dump you? His pictures with another woman are all over the media. Who knows? Maybe she’s meeting his parents next. You’d better hold on tight.”

“That’s none of your concern.” I turned to Archie. “Are you leaving on your own, or should I have security throw you out?”

Archie pressed his lips together before saying, “Harmon Group wants to acquire the company. Jillian, are you really going to stand by and watch it fall apart?”

“Archie, I’m not a miracle worker. I can’t revive the company. I already told you everything you needed to know. Now, please leave.”

After finally getting rid of them, I felt my head pounding.

I called Kaylee over. “Tell the security downstairs that if they see those people again, they should stop them at the entrance. If they refuse to leave, call the police.”