Chapter 4
Kolten gently brushed away my tears, then looked over to see who I was staring at.
When his eyes landed on Lucas, his face darkened in anger. He slammed his cane on the floor.
“That’s it. We’re pulling every cent of our investment. How dare you treat my granddaughter like this!
“She gave up everything for you–suffered right by your side because she loved you. She even begged me to give your company a shot so you wouldn’t feel embarrassed.
“If Sharon hadn’t spoken up for you so many times, do you really think I’d waste my time on a small startup like yours?”
Lucas’s face went pale. He gave a strained laugh and quickly said, “Mr. Hensley, maybe you’ve got the wrong person.”
Doris let out a loud laugh, her eyes filled with pride. “There’s no need for us to suck up to you. Lucas is talented and already known as one of the most promising young leaders.
“You’re not exactly young anymore, and Lucas is just getting started. I’m sure it won’t be long before he’s ahead of you. Who’ll be trying to impress whom then?
‘And you, Sharon, don’t assume we’re scared of you just because you have someone on your side! You’re not off the hook for pushing me down earlier!”
“If you can’t say anything sensible, then just shut up!” Lucas snapped, suddenly cutting her off and raising his hand to slap her.
Doris covered her face as she sank onto the sofa, glaring in disbelief. “Lucas, how could you hit me just for her?”
“You fool,” he muttered. “Do you have any idea who he is?”
Lucas rubbed his temple and spoke calmly, “He’s our main investor. Our company couldn’t have advanced this quickly without his support. How could you disrespect him like that? You need to apologize to Mr. Hensley immediately!”
Tears welled in Doris’s eyes as she mumbled, “I’m sorry… I shouldn’t have said that.”
Then Lucas looked over at me and took a hesitant step forward, but I moved away before he could get close.
“Don’t waste your breath,” I said firmly. “I’m done forgiving you.
“I gave you so many chances. After nine divorces, my feelings are gone. Take care of yourself.”
I tugged on Kolten’s sleeve and smiled. “Grandpa, let’s go.”
He laughed with squinted eyes, nodding over and over.
Just as we left the house, Lucas rushed out behind us.
“Sharon, wait…”
Kolten’s face went cold in an instant. His expression turned serious as he glared at Lucas.
“She already told you it’s over. If you keep bothering her, don’t blame
me for getting rough.
“My words still carry weight in this industry. It would be easy for your company to go under!”
Lucas’s face grew increasingly pale. He pressed his lips together and fell silent.
Kolten’s eyes moved to the bruises on my body. With a wave of his hand, he gestured for his assistant to step forward.
The assistant gave Doris a cold stare before speaking sharply.
“Ms. Bryant, what you did earlier could be considered slander. Expect a letter from our lawyer in a few days.
“I suggest you think twice before speaking or acting recklessly next time.” I wanted to clap right then–this guy was definitely Kolten’s right–hand man. He was a smooth operator.
Doris went quiet and moved aside, furious but too scared to say a word.
Lucas kept stealing looks at me, but I acted like I didn’t see.
As we got into the car, the assistant turned to Lucas with one final blow.
“The 50 million investment has been withdrawn. You brought this on yourself.”
I nearly laughed. That man was worth every cent of his salary.
Back at Kolten’s house, I stepped into the bedroom I hadn’t used in a year. It was still neat and undisturbed.
Not a single thing had been moved.
But thinking about how Lucas and the others had cleared out my closet made me furious.
I lay down and tried to sleep, but my phone wouldn’t stop buzzing with notifications.
“Sharon, please let me explain. ·
“I admit I shouldn’t have taken over your closet without asking. But can’t you be more understanding? Sharon is pregnant–shouldn’t she come first?
“Now look what you’ve done. Because of your tantrum, the company lost a massive deal.
“But I’m willing to let that go–just talk to your grandfather and fix this. If you do, I’ll forgive you.”
Before I could even type a single curse, another message popped up, “I’m outside your door. Let’s talk.”
