Chapter 253: My Wife's Heart Aches for Me
A shiver of dread coursed down Everly's spine, intensifying at the sound of Malcolm's voice. Reese had already left her reeling, and now Malcolm's presence compounded her distress. She felt as though the world was closing in on her.
Vincent, upon seeing Malcolm, felt no such burden. Instead, he found the unfolding situation increasingly intriguing. He was eager for a showdown between Malcolm and Grandpa Flynn. After all, Grandpa Flynn's sky-high expectations for Malcolm were a constant source of disappointment, which could only diminish Malcolm's chances of inheriting the Flynn Group.
Everly's fear of Malcolm's potential blame surpassed even her dread of Reese's rebuke. Reese possessed a nonchalant streak, a fearlessness that bordered on recklessness, even if it might harm her. It was this fear, more than anything, that propelled her actions.
In contrast, Malcolm's presence resonated with Everly on a different level. Every move he made, every word he spoke, seemed to impact her mood, invariably stirring discomfort within her.
However, luck appeared to be on her side for once. Before Malcolm could utter another word, Finn Sawyer could no longer contain himself.
"Malcolm," Finn interjected, his tone brooking no argument, "You're stepping out of line. Grandpa Flynn's still the one calling the shots around here. When did you get the idea that you had the authority to take over?"
Malcolm's expression darkened, a hint of ferocity flickering in his gaze as he faced Finn. Yet, he exuded an unflappable confidence.
"Grandpa Flynn," Malcolm responded, "The decision to fire Victor Strong was solely mine and had nothing to do with Reese. I'd hope you wouldn't drag the innocent into this."
Finn chuckled sardonically. "Do you honestly believe I'm so old and senile that I can't see through you? Victor Strong has been with the company for years. If his mistakes haven't hurt the business, why can't we forgive him? Dismissing him over petty issues sends a dangerous message to our shareholders. Who would dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to our company after this?"
For men of Grandpa Flynn's era, honor and loyalty were paramount. Having brothers who would fight tooth and nail alongside them was as prized as any treasure.
A wave of relief washed over Everly. With Grandpa Flynn's support, her fears abated. After all, it wasn't just Malcolm against Reese. The patriarch of the Flynn family had a bone to pick with Reese too. Malcolm, standing alone in her defense, was facing an uphill battle, unless he was willing to go head-to-head with Grandpa Flynn, throwing caution to the wind.
Such a confrontation would not bode well for Everly. But then again, Vincent seemed quite pleased by the prospect, having waited eagerly for this very moment.
"Grandpa, there's more to Strong's firing than you might be aware," Malcolm stood his ground, the measured tone of his voice revealing the gravity of the situation. "Victor has been cozying up to multinational firms behind the scenes, even funneling projects to competitors. Sure, the profits from those weren't substantial, and evidence was scant, forcing us to turn a blind eye."
"But this scandal with Sophia Linden presented an opportunity I couldn't ignore."
Malcolm's actions were never impulsive. His decisions aimed to serve multiple goals without stirring unnecessary turmoil among the shareholders. He wouldn't make a move unless it was deemed absolutely necessary.
Vincent, who had been lingering on the sidelines waiting for Malcolm's downfall, was caught off guard by the turn of events. His smug satisfaction plummeted like a roller coaster plunge.
Impatient to speak, Vincent blurted out, "Malcolm, the entire Flynn clan knows you dote on Reese. Anything to do with her throws you off balance. We're all family here. Looking out for your wife is not only understandable but expected. Why deny it?"
Everly remained silent, caught in an awkward position. If she sided with Vincent, it would be tantamount to opposing Malcolm. However, if she defended Malcolm now, wouldn't her previous efforts in the struggle seem like a wasted endeavor, ultimately benefiting Reese for nothing? In the end, she chose to keep quiet.
The tension in the room thickened, the staff hovering at a cautious distance, not daring to utter a word for fear of being dragged into the fray.
Reese wore an expression of indifference, as if all this commotion had nothing to do with her. The ease with which she maintained her composure was something most people couldn't emulate.
Despite everything, Vincent found himself stealing glances at Reese ever since Malcolm had arrived. Her calm was disconcerting and it sparked curiosity. He had sized up countless individuals but had never encountered anyone as enigmatic as Reese, nor had he missed the hints that there was something extraordinary about her. Yet, despite extensive digging, he had found nothing, which only heightened his unease.
What kind of person was she, that not a trace of her past could be unearthed? Instinctively, he felt that keeping her around was like harboring a ticking time bomb, a constant threat to his own security.
But he couldn't just eliminate Reese; he didn't yet grasp the extent of her capabilities. And then there was Malcolm - he had always seemed indifferent to the world, especially to matters of the heart. And yet, Reese had transformed him into a man utterly besotted with his wife.
Reese, who had been silent until now, suddenly spoke up, "If Grandfather is so eager for Malcolm and me to divorce, I'm open to discussion. However, there are a few issues you'll need to address first. If you think you can handle them, then I'll cooperate with your decision."
Malcolm hadn't intended on dragging Reese into this mess. He reached out, gently taking her hand. His previously sharp gaze softened in an instant, and even his voice – a tender tone none present had ever heard from him – reassured her, "I've got this. You just sit back and relax."
Reese shook her head, a firm resolve in her voice, "This is about my personal reputation. I need to face this and clear things up." There was something else she didn't voice—Malcolm had always been her champion, and now, it was her turn to stand by him through thick and thin. They were partners, after all, and she feared such opportunities might be scarce in the future.
Malcolm's lips curved into an adoring smile, his hand reaching out to affectionately tousle Reese's hair. "Worried about me handling things all alone, sweetheart?"
Though unspoken, Malcolm could sense Reese's shift. From her initial detachment and aloofness, she was now genuinely considering their predicament, and even without a strong declaration or tone, it was enough for him.
Reese didn't reply but turned her gaze toward the matter involving Finn Sawyer. Her eyes were serious and focused, even sharp.
"If I divorce Malcolm now, The Flynn Group will be the first to take a hit. The media and those with grudges against The Flynn Group might exploit the situation..."
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