Ch. 591..600

To Be Yours Again by Taylor Chapter 591-I'd Rather He Die Alfred walked into the hospital ward, staring fixedly at the man lying on the bed.

"Huh," he scoffed, then stayed silent.

He hadn't thought much of it when he heard that Mortimer had gotten into a car accident. At most, the man had some bad scratches, but after hearing from the doctor that Mortimer was in a coma from the accident, he didn't know what to feel.

A coma…

No one could've imagined Mortimer Faust, that proud, selfish man, would end up in that state. Alfred really was speechless.

The door opened, and in came a familiar face, though it was the first time they had met in person.

"Heard he's a vegetable now." Max Pearson walked in. He had just gotten off a flight that was supposed to take him straight to Jade. He hadn't considered paying Mortimer a visit until hearing what happened.

Alfred frowned. "Are you still keen on your revenge with him like this?"

"Revenge? What revenge do I need to take?’ Max scoffed. Sure, his mother had cheated on his father with Mortimer, and yes, he did despise everyone related to the man. But ever since he had a new love interest, he hadn't bothered growing that hate further. "I'm just here to see the state he's in."

He went up to the bed and examined Mortimer's wound-ridden body. With the oxygen mask over his face, he really did look like he might die at any moment.

Obviously, Max found much joy in this.

"I won't do anything to him, don't you worry,' he told Alfred. "This is a way better punishment for him than death."

Confined, unable to move, wandering in who knows where between life and death. Perfect hell for a man like Mortimer Faust.

Max then gazed at Alfred for a moment before taking a picture of Mortimer on the bed. "You haven't told Alec, right? I'll help you out. You don't need to thank me.’ He then texted the picture to Alec along with the message, "Your father's now a vegetable.’ With that, he left the room.

Alfred truly didn't mind Max's action. It wasn't like he could do anything to change the state Mortimer was in. The most he could do was get him a VIP ward and have some private nurses to tend to him.

On Alec's end, he had just received Max's message.

"Fucker!’ he grunted. 'Mortimer, you useless piece of shit, getting yourself into that state mere days after being kicked out," Alec thought.

He wasn't actually upset about the state of affairs. How to break the news to his grandfather weighed on his mind. Mortimer was the old man's only son. Alec was afraid something might happen to him if he knew of the news.

He'd keep it a secret for now, even though he had a feeling he wouldn't be able to keep it for long.

Jenny had just heard the news from Alfred. She stared at him for a long while, noticing how calm he sounded when he spoke. It left her at a loss for words.

After hesitating, she said, "At least he's still alive.’ She really didn't know what else to say. Mortimer wasn't at all a good person, in her opinion.

"I'd rather he die, to be honest.’ Came Alfred’s response, still as calm as if he was talking about the weather.

Jenny was once again left speechless, even though she didn't have the impression that Alfred had a close relationship with his father.

To Be Yours Again by Taylor Chapter 592-He's Not Worth It After their brief exchange, Jenny left Alfred's office. She then took out her phone before hesitating. Mortimer was Alec's biological father, no matter what. Would Alec be upset to hear the news? Had he heard about it?

Jenny called him anyway. The call rang on for several long seconds before Alec finally picked up. He sounded tired. ’Jenny."

"You sound exhausted. Are you alright?' Jenny asked, concerned.

"Yeah, I’m alright. There's just been a lotto get done at work." All Alec wanted was to settle everything as soon as possible and then go to Bardoff City, where he could focus on taking down the Glasses as they had planned.

The moment the Glasses were taken care of, he could officially be with Jenny.

That's why he was in a hurry to make it happen.

Jenny was oblivious to it. She had only mentioned it back then because she wasn't yet sure what to do with her relationship with Alec.

His exhaustion made Jenny wince. "Don't rush. Take your time. Vincent is still manning the fort for you here, so you don't have to hurry."

"I know, but…l want to see you."

Jenny's face instantly flushed red. It was a good thing no one was around to see it.

"I'm not easy to win over, Alec Faust," she huffed. Though she came off as stern, if Alec could see her right now, he'd see the wide grin on her face.

Alec chuckled. Of course winning her over wasn't easy. It wouldn't have taken him this long to court her and still end up with nothing. He took a deep breath. "I know, I know. We can decide on this once the Glasses are taken care of. You made that promise to me, so no backing out."

"Aren't you afraid of getting an answer you don't want to hear?"

Alec really was confident. "I am, but I want an answer no matter what." He didn't want to spend his days in limbo with Jenny. Plus, he had a strong feeling Jenny's answer was one he'd like.

Jenny felt warmth surge through her chest. "Alright. I'll give you an answer in time."

She then remembered why she had called Alec in the first place. "Have you …heard about what happened to Mortimer?"

Alec stayed silent for a good while. Just before Jenny was about to speak up again, he answered, "You mean the news of him being in a coma? Yeah, I heard."

Jenny longed to console him but didn't know what to say. She wasn't good at it.

"Are you okay? I can visit him for you." He was Alec's biological father, after all.

Alec scoffed. "He's not worth it. "You don't need to go. He has nothing to do with you anyway. Not even if he dies." Just like Alec wouldn't have visited Mortimer in the hospital if he was in Bardoff City, he naturally wouldn't let Jenny visit. To him, Mortimer Faust had died long ago.

Jenny sighed in relief. "What about Grandpa?" "I haven't told him yet. His health hasn't been the best, so I don't want him to know yet." All Alec could do was pretend Mortimer was still fine in front of his grandfather.

To Be Yours Again by Taylor Chapter 593-Winning People Over While Jenny and Alec were talking over the phone, trouble was brewing on the other side of the city.

A menacing man lounged back in his chair, gazing intently at the pictures on his phone. "Are you certain?" he asked his bodyguard.

The bodyguard nodded. "Yes, sir. The old man is one of the few who left the family those years ago. That's his grandson. He's achieved quite the success in Parrington.' The man in the lounge switched off his phone. "What do you think their intentions are, these…strays? Why come back now after they left all those years ago?"

The bodyguard stayed silent, not daring to suggest anything.

"Heh. For power, obviously. They think they're losing strength, so they're crawling back for help. I wonder what makes them think the family will help them,” the man snorted, ignoring the guard.

He was incredibly pissed right now. He should've been next in line to take over the family, but then their family elder put out the order to recall all family members, even the ones that had left, back home so they could have a fair chance in competing to be the heir.

To him, the move was an attack in disguise, with its target being himself.

"Alright. He wants everyone to come back, doesn't he? We'll see how that'll happen if those strays die before he can do so!" the man said ominously after a while. "Take care of those strays. I don't want a single one of those outcasts to set foot in this family.’ The bodyguard nodded and left. Just before he stepped out the door, the man in the seat spoke again, "Especially the young one. He's the most powerful one right now, yes?"

"Yes, sir."

"Good. Make sure he doesn't come back alive."

Jenny and Jolene were greeted by Walter Inc's HR department manager when they stepped into the building.

"Miss Jenny, Miss Jolene," the woman greeted them respectfully.

Jenny nodded while Jolene scoffed and demanded, "Where's my office?"

"On the 17th floor, Miss Jolene."

Jolene nodded. "Take me there."

"Huh?" The manager gaped in surprise, then she glanced at Jenny hesitantly.

She couldn't afford to offend either one of these women.

As if seeing her dilemma, Jenny shrugged. "I'll head to the HR department myself. You go ahead."

"No need, Miss Jenny. We've already registered both of your applications. You just need to report to Mr. Caiman on the 12th floor before you start."

Seeing the manager still occupied with Jenny, Jolene put her hands on her waist and huffed, "Are you deaf? I told you to bring me to my office! Do you want to lose your job?"

The manager bit back her anger and said, "Alright, Miss Jolene. Come with me, please." She shot Jenny an apologetic look before bringing Jolene to the 17th floor.

The sisters were now employed in the company but undertook very different positions. Jenny was starting small as a department staff, while Jolene was a manager. She was here to win people over to her side, and there was no way she could do that if she started small like Jenny did.

Of course, she only had to win over those who had influence, such as those with voting rights during board meetings. An HR manager was clearly not someone like that, so there was no point going through pleasantries with her.

To Be Yours Again by Taylor Chapter 594-Gain Some, Lose Some Jenny found Mr. Caiman waiting for her on the 12th floor.

"This is your cubicle, Miss Jenny. Our department handles sales. I'll give you a rundown of everything we do/ the man said kindly. He wasn't an idiot. Jenny was obviously starting from the bottom in order to thoroughly learn the workings of the company. There was a high chance she would be his boss one day, so he didn't dare offend her now.

Jenny nodded. "You can just call me Jenny, sir."

"Um…" He really didn't want to risk it.

"Really, it's fine," Jenny insisted. She knew what the manager's concern was.

Might as well try to alleviate it.

Mr. Caiman relented. "Alright, Jenny. Take a look at these documents first.

You're welcome to ask me if you have any questions."

Jenny went to her cubicle and started studying the papers given to her. The information listed was much more detailed than what she had dug up herself, so she soon grew quite invested, turning oblivious to everyone else's attention on her.

The other employees had been quite curious about the new member. But now there was no doubt who it was seeing her in person. News of Jenny returning to her family had spread like wildfire across the Internet, reaching even the employees' devices.

They weren't used to such an elite presence, so the usually rowdy office now sunk into dead silence.

Some of the staff huddled up in the break room during break time, gossiping among themselves. "What was she thinking coming to our department? She's definitely setting us up on purpose."

Theirs was a relaxed department, with no high expectations of their work. All they needed to do was hit the minimum of sales each month in order to keep their job. One could even skip work for days, and no one would blink an eye.

Jenny's arrival had disrupted the system.

"Of course she is! She's been acting all busy since the start. Who'd leave work with her being like that?" someone else whined. Unlike other departments, they didn't need to work on their computers TAH. Usually, they'd clock off after a few hours, but none of them dared to today.

"I really don't understand why she chose this position. I heard Miss Jolene is working as a manager." It was obvious to everyone that it was a better position.

"Miss Jolene grew up in the Walter family, after all. This Jenny figure is bound to be different."

"Didn't they say Jenny was the favorite, though?"

"Bullshit. Just look at the jobs they chose. Miss Jolene is obviously Mr. Walter's favorite. As for Jenny…" The person wriggled their brows and said nothing else.

Their friends grinned in tacit understanding.

Jenny sipped her water outside the door, silently listening to the conversation.

She decided not to go into the break room in the end.

It was reasonable for her colleagues to be skeptical about her, so she didn't mind it much. She had chosen the sales department because it was one of the best places to gain experience. As long as she bagged some clients and had results to show for it, no one would think less of her.

It was just…

Her status was troubling. Sure, being the daughter to Graham Walter had its perks, like making sales deals easier to close, but it also had its cons. No matter how great her results were, there would always be those who thought she achieved it due to her status and influence and not based on her own effort.

Jenny sighed. "You gain some, you lose some, huh."

To Be Yours Again by Taylor Chapter 595-Are You Going to Disagree?

"Miss Jolene," Philippa greeted cheerfully, walking into Jolene's office on the 17th floor. "Here are the documents you wanted."

"Mm. You can leave it there." Jolene nodded at the table. "How long have you been working here?"

"Two months, miss," Philippa reported, fearful she might get picked on because of it. She'd heard Jolene was tough to handle. Surprisingly, the woman only smiled.

Two months was a good time; not too new, not too experienced either. Philippa would be of good use to Jolene in the coming days.

"Not bad. Work hard, and I'll make sure you get your worth," she praised, then unclasped the bangle on her wrist, placing it on the desk. "Here, a gift. Take it."

Philippa gazed at her in shock. 'I cant possibly, miss-” "I said take it," Jolene snapped. "You're my assistant, and my assistant should be able to own fine things."

Philippa bit back her refusal and hurriedly tucked the bracelet into her bag with gratitude.

Jolene hissed internally at the sight. That bangle had cost her thousands. But it was worth it if it meant she could buy people's support. She wasn't hurting for the money either.

"You know my sister, yes? She's working as a saleswoman downstairs."

Philippa nodded silently.

"We're both our father’s daughter, yet she's left to do cheap sales work while I get to be a manager. What do you think that means?’ Jolene asked, waiting for an answer.

Philippa froze, then answered, "It means you're Mr. Walter's favorite, miss."

Jolene nodded. "Yes. Smart girl. Now, I'm going to give you the task of watching every move my sister makes. No matter what she does or says, I want you to report it to me exactly as it happened. Understand?"

Philippa bit her lip, not expecting this whatsoever. "But miss-’ Jolene's face instantly darkened. "Yes? Are you going to disagree with my decision?"

"N-no, miss." Philippa wouldn't dare. She just never imagined her career would involve something this shady.

As if reading her mind, Jolene sighed. "My sister is a cunning woman. I'm afraid she might do something out of jealousy since I'm a manager, and she's not. Just do as I tell you, and I promise, when I take over the company as CEO, you'll still be appointed my assistant."

Philippa brightened up instantly. The CEO's assistant cum secretary was a much higher position than her current one. "Don't worry, Miss Jolene. I'll make sure to report everything to you."

Jolene nodded, pleased. "Go on then."

After Philippa left, Jolene reclined in her chair and eyed the documents on her desk. They were information about all the higher-ups in the company, people Jolene intended to buy over to her side. She soon grew bored of reading and started scrolling through her phone.

Meanwhile, Jenny was chatting leisurely with her colleagues downstairs. Her gentle and compassionate personality soon invited everyone's attention, their fear growing into curiosity and respect.

shocked to find the place rowdy.

"Are they out of their minds?" he thought. "Can't they see that Jenny Walter is right in their midst?"

Yet one look and he spotted Jenny in the middle of the room, happily conversing with several other employees.

"You're just in time, Mr. Caiman. Jenny is treating us to dinner. Are you coming?"

one of them asked.

Jenny? How could these people address their CEO's daughter so casually?

To Be Yours Again by Taylor Chapter 596-Not the Same Mother I can't let you treat us. It'll be my treat instead."

"Ooh, Mr. Caiman is treating us tonight. I've never seen him so generous,' someone teased, making several other employees hoot along, embarrassing didn't have time to have dinner with his staff.

Jenny nodded. "Alright. If Mr. Caiman treats us to dinner, well go for karaoke afterward. My treat."

"Yeah!" Someone cried happily, eliciting a flurry of cheers. "Free dinner and free karaoke!’ This news just happened to reach Jolene's ears on the 17th floor. Her expression immediately turned dark. "Fucking rabble."

Philippa said nothing, standing to the side of the table.

Jolene hadn't expected Jenny to be able to build connections that fast at work.

Her plans to cause some trouble downstairs were disrupted just like that. She didn't like the feeling. It was like she was lagging behind.

"My department hasn't clocked off yet, right?’ Jolene asked Philippa. "Tell them I'll treat them to dinner tonight."

"Huh? Oh, sure, Miss Jolene. Right away." Philippa nodded and left.

While Jolene was a manager in her department, there were several other managers as well, though only a handful actually did the work.

In the evening, Jenny and Jolene's crowd reached the same restaurant at the same time. Seeing Jenny and her colleagues, Jolene sneered. "What's a cheap employee doing treating everyone to dinner? Have you looked at your salary?"

"Sure, I don't get paid as much as you do,' Jenny replied. "So why are you having dinner at the same place I am? Don't you see how ironic this all is?"

Pissed, Jolene said, ’I chose this place for the staffs convenience. It's the closest restaurant to the office.' "Oh. Whatever you say, Jolene." Jenny lazily replied, rolling her eyes. She then called to her colleagues, "C'mon, let's head in."

After they went inside, Jolene was left fuming by the door while everyone else waited silently behind her, stomachs growling. Seeing this, Philippa asked gingerly, "Miss Jolene, why don't we head inside too?

"Is that all you know to do, you useless shits?!’ Jolene snapped angrily.

The staffs expressions instantly turned ugly. Jolene had been the one who invited them in the first place, so her insult now was just plain mean.

To Be Yours Again by Taylor Chapter 597-Wait and See!

Jenny tried her best to ignore Jolene throughout the meal, but her half- sister kept throwing insults across the room now and then. If only she could switch off her hearing.

"You should have greeted me politely when you saw me earlier. After all, I'm a manager, and you're just a lowly saleswoman. Anyway, I'll let this go just once since you're my big sister. But keep that in mind next time," Jolene shot out again after Jenny ignored her the nth time.

Jenny's colleagues all shot each other helpless, annoyed looks. "Now she's done it," Jenny thought. She sighed and turned to Jolene. "Did you forget to take your psych meds, or are you just plain dumb?"

Her response had everyone tense up in shock. None of them had expected Jenny to be so blatant.

"What did you say to me?" Jolene stood up angrily, not expecting Jenny to speak to her like that in public. "How dare you?!’ she screeched, pointing her finger at Jenny.

Jenny left her table and went up to her. "I just do. What are you going to do about it?"

"Jenny Walter!"

"What are you yelling for? I'm standing right in front of you. Are you blind?

Yoohoo~’ Jenny mocked her, waving a hand in front of Jolene's face. This woman wouldn't dare do anything physical to her, at least not in public. Plus, Jolene was no match for Jenny when it came to fighting, either. "You really think I'm scared of you, Jolene? You should be thanking me, really, for letting you whine on like a broken alarm," Jenny continued, watching Jolene's face redden further.

Jolene was shaking with fury. "Mock me again, and I'll show Dad how you really are!"

To Jolene, Jenny was a scheming, greedy woman who had Graham wrapped around her finger. It was infuriating just how caring and doting he was with her.

"Sure. We'll see who he believes then." Jenny shrugged. "You really must be bored, trying to pick a losing fight with me. I don't know if I should praise you for being brave or call you an idiot."

If they weren't in public, Jenny would've had Jolene eating her dust by now.

"You…just you wait and see!" As if recalling the chokehold around her neck from before, Jolene frightfully stumbled backward.

"Hah. I see you're more of a broken toy than an alarm. Always repeating the same few sentences." Jenny laughed. "Do your best, Jolene. Your marriage depends on it." Before Jolene scurried away, Jenny added, "Brandon Britt would make a good match for you. You two have so much in common."

Jolene nearly stopped in the doorway upon hearing that. Her father had just asked her what she thought about Brandon yesterday. So it was Jenny who shoved that idea in his head.

"Fuck you, Jenny!" Jolene thought. No way in hell was she going to marry that man. Especially when the Britt family was lesser than the Walter family. Jolene would end up ranking lower than Jenny for the rest of her life!

After Jolene scurried off, Jenny returned to her seat, now having everyone's attention on her. They had thought she was working in the same positions they were because she wasn't of much importance to Graham Walter, but seeing her rise up to Jolene had changed that impression permanently.

Jenny smiled as she met their eyes. "What are you looking at me for? Eat, eat."

One of her colleagues asked daringly, "Jenny, is it true that you're Mr. Walter's favorite?"

Jenny would most likely be their next CEO if that were the case.

Jenny gave it some thought. "Eh. I dont really care about that."

She really didn't. Maybe that was the reason for Graham's guilt and why he always wanted to give her the best

To Be Yours Again by Taylor Chapter 598-8 What on Earth Were You Thinking?

The staffs respect for Jenny only increased upon hearing that. Jenny had a powerful background, and it took a truly selfless person to be able to not care about it all.

After dinner, Jenny brought them out for karaoke before finally going back home. It was already late when she reached Walter Castle.

Jolene spotted her in the doorway and tucked herself beside her mother, murmuring, "Wonder what shady business she's been upto, coming home so late."

"You're young, Jenny, so we understand if you want to have some fun after hours. But you still need to watch yourself. The public now knows you're Graham's daughter, after all," Rowena cautioned, seemingly kind.

Jenny spotted Graham sitting beside the mother and daughter too. "He must've stayed up to wait for me,’ Jenny thought.

"I had dinner with friends at work, Dad. Got caught up in traffic. You don't need to wait for me to come back from now on. I can handle myself," she explained.

"Dinner.' Graham nodded. "Already making friends on your first day, hm? Not bad.' Jolene instantly piped in, "I had dinner with my work friends too, Dad.' Graham was about to give equal praise when Jenny responded, "Yeah, she did.

We even ate dinner at the same restaurant." Her smile then turned into a sneer.

"So why didn't you tell Dad I was having dinner? Don't you know he has to get to bed early so he can be well-rested for work? What on Earth were you thinking, Jolene?"

Jolene gaped silently like a fish, having no answer to that question. Not even after a whole minute.

Graham's expression darkened. He had asked Jolene earlier where her sister was, but she claimed she didn't know.

"Jolene didn't expect you to be out so late, Jenny. She stayed up to wait for you to come back, too," Rowena explained, much to Jenny's irritation.

Jenny rolled her eyes. She knew what this half-sister of hers was truly like."

Really? So she didn't stay up just to watch Dad reprimand me."

Graham hurriedly interfered, not wanting to see his daughters fight again." Why don't we all get some rest? You too, Jenny." He then turned to Jolene, eyes narrowing. 'As for you…this better not happen again."

With that, he got up and went to his room.

Jenny scoffed, seeing Graham's intention clear as day. He obviously couldn't stand to see Jolene getting scolded.

She went to her room, leaving Rowena and Jolene in the living room. Their expressions were as gray as their mood.

"Jenny is really crossing the line!" Rowena gritted out. That woman hadn't stopped or slowed even once since she arrived.

"You need to do something, Mom," Jolene whined. "Or she's just going to keep humiliating me!"

"I've already arranged something. Didn't I tell you to avoid her?" Rowena huffed.

She had gotten more careful after the last time.

"Why does she always win? It's not fair!" Jolene complained. If only she were Jenny's match, she'd have strangled her to death by now.

Rowena caressed her daughter's head. "Don't rush. This city is ours, remember? She wont win forever here.

"If Jenny wants to start from the bottom, we'll make sure she never has any results to show for it. When everyone sees how useless she is, she'll lose their support."

Jolene nodded upon hearing this, her hatred dissipating. She knew what she had to do now.

To Be Yours Again by Taylor Chapter 599-'ll Be Waiting Jade clocked out from Jeneration Group once she was done with her work.

There was barely anyone out and about in the streets anymore. She sighed and was prepared to hail a taxi when a white luxury car stopped before her. Her expression fell the moment she recognized it.

The car doors opened, revealing a man and a woman Jade knew very well.

"What are you doing back in Bardoff City, Jade Weston?" The woman asked, hooking her arm around the man.

Jade sneered. She was Maria Biscotti, her best friend, once upon a time. The man she was holding was none other than Hayden Lowe, the man she had deeply loved long ago. These two people had betrayed her trust, forcing her to divorce Hayden without taking even a cent for alimony, and even made her leave the city.

Jade ignored them and walked off, but the two swiftly caught up with her.

Hayden even grabbed her wrist, dragging her back. "You said you'd never come back to Bardoff, Jade. What are you doing here now? Having second thoughts?"

Jade bristled, tossing his hand off and glaring at him. "What I do is none of your business."

"I let you off easy those years ago because you promised never to return to the city. So what else would you be doing here except searching for your death?"

Hayden snorted.

Jade sneered. "Let me off easy? Should I be grateful to you?"

If it weren't for Jade's years of loyalty and hard work, Hayden wouldn't have established such a successful company and been so influential today. He ended up having affairs outside their marriage and even found himself a mistress in the form of Jade's once-best friend, Maria.

The two then messed with her until Jade was forced to leave, heartbroken. It was then that she came to Orchid Village to rest, meeting Jenny and her grandfather there. Their companionship and care helped her slow recovery. That was the reason she decided to return to Bardoff City with Jenny. She wanted to repay the kindness Jenny had shown her.

As for Hayden and Maria, Jade guessed she might see them again. Still, she wasn't afraid of them anymore. She had only been hurt those years ago because of her absolute trust in them. Now, that was not the case.

"You should leave Bardoff City as soon as possible, Jade. Don't make us force our hand,' Maria piped up. She was no longer that young, naive girl Jade had called friend. Now she was clad in silks and leather, showing off her wealth and power.

All that should've belonged to Jade.

Jade chuckled. These two were still as shameless as ever. "I'll be waiting for what you come up with, then," she said and shrugged. She'd decided to stay and strengthen Jeneration Group. It would send a message to these two people that she did have what it takes—just not the patience needed to deal with them.

Meanwhile, Hayden wasn't so ready for Jade to leave. He had done his research on her before coming to see her. Hence, he knew she was working at a fashion design company like his. It worried him, as he knew Jade's capability.

In truth, he was scared the company she worked for might overtake his.

To Be Yours Again by Taylor Chapter 600-Teach You a Lesson "This is for your own good, Jade. You could expand your skills anywhere and however you wanted outside of Bardoff City," Hayden insisted, stopping her from leaving.

Jade frowned. "You want me to leave because you're scared I'll take away everything you have, aren't you?"

"Scared?" Hayden stiffened. "You really are still as proud as ever. Do you think you're that capable? Trust me, I have nothing to be afraid of, whether it's Jeneration Group or some startup of yours."

Hayden was only giving her this alternative because killing her would claim a lot of resources. "Funny that it gave her this impression," he thought.

Jade wasn't upset at all. She had long grown out of the limited perspectives that held her back all those years ago, especially her uncontrollable temper. "Then there's no need to waste your breath here. Goodnight? She made to walk away, but Maria stepped in front of her.

"I know you hated me for stealing Hayden from you, Jade," Maria began." But I truly do love him. But it's been so long. Are you really still upset about that?"

She sounded like she was begging for forgiveness, but Jade knew better.

"We were the best of friends all those years ago. If you want to, I can secure a spot for you at work in the company instead of working for those outsiders. We promise to treat you right." Instead of outright force, Maria seemed to think persuasion would do the trick.

Unfortunately for her, Jade was no longer as naive as before. Her heart and mind no longer fell into chaos at those deceptive words.

Hayden still hadn't caught onto what Maria was doing. He was about to speak up when Maria shot him a look, making him go silent.

"Think about it, Jade. You're one of the reasons the company is where it is today. I’m sure it still means something to you," Maria continued.

Jade's heart did murmur at the offer. Though she no longer had any feelings for those two, she still deeply cared for the company she had single-handedly established. Sadly the company had sunk into decrepitude at these two's hands, becoming a model example of design plagiarism, something Jade absolutely despised as a fashion designer. That was also another reason she would return to that company as an employee.

She gave Maria a cold, flat look. "I fell for your tricks once. Do you really think I'll fell for it a second time? Do you take me for an idiot?"

"Ja—"

"Shut the hell up," Jade cut her off. "I'll return to the company, sure, but I'm going to do it my way."

She hadn't planned on involving herself with them again, but now that they had come looking for trouble, she wasn’t about to look a gift horse in the mouth.

Jade wouldn't go back to work for the company, nor would she tolerate watching her efforts ruined at their hands.

So, she had decided to take it back by shareholding, then liquidating it, permanently wiping it off from the registry.

"Why are you still wasting your breath on her?" Hayden asked. "She's never going to listen.' He went up to Jade and growled, "Fucking bitch. I'll teach you a lesson if it's the last thing I do!"

With that, he raised his hand to slap her.