Chapter 308 The Unyielding Matriarchs
Despite the grandeur of the golden jubilee celebration, hosted by the elite of the GlobalMacro Group, she hadn't been the one to ignite the drama. So why should she bear the brunt of it?
Her sole responsibility was to look after Abby, and that should have been the extent of it. However, Dahlia Brooks had chosen to meddle, creating unnecessary complications.
Unyielding before the crowd, Reese didn't afford Dahlia the slightest bit of leniency, instead returning her provocation with a pointed question.
"Why do you still refer to me as 'sister' when we're no longer related? Moreover, I'm now a shareholder at Brooks Group. If anything, you should be addressing me as 'Ms. Reese.'"
Dahlia Brooks was taken aback, unable to fathom Reese's audacity to voice such sentiments.
Her face hardened, and with a scornful shrug, she let out a derisive laugh.
It appeared that ever since Jane had married into the Flynns, not even the bond of sisterhood could tether her to her past. Despite the revelation that she wasn't a true Brooks by blood, one would assume years of sisterly affection would hold some sway. However, Jane seemed unperturbed. "If my sister can so readily sever our ties, then so be it," Lily Brooks declared, her voice a blend of sorrow and defiance. "I've always considered her my only sister, regardless."
The implications of Lily's words were not lost on the room's occupants; it was evident she was accusing Jane of being callous. The revelation that she wasn't a true Brooks and her subsequent severance of familial ties didn't sit well with anyone.
Now, with the added titles of major shareholder of Brooks Enterprises, owner of Emerald Isle, and Mrs. Flynn of the esteemed Flynn family, Jane was swathed in layers of prestige. It was enough to make anyone's head reel.
Lily's comment rippled through the crowd like a pebble tossed into a serene lake. It might not have been weighty, but it certainly stirred the waters, sparking whispers and gossip among the guests.
"How could Reese not be the Brooks' heiress?" someone murmured in confusion.
"Is it adoption? Does that count as deceiving the Flynn Group? They agreed to the marriage believing she was a Brooks," another speculated.
"Even if the marriage was deceptive, why fret now? Can't you see Mr. Flynn standing by her? It's all water under the bridge."
Abby could hardly believe anyone siding with her at such a moment, turning her initial isolation and embarrassment into newfound resolve.
She refused to accept that Malcolm, despite his influence, could lead every person present towards financial ruin.
Lily's presence rekindled Abby's motivation.
A surge of energy coursed through her, and the respectful demeanor she had maintained earlier rapidly dissolved.
"Yes, Reese," another chimed in, "even if you're not a true Brooks, they were once your family. Your current actions seem a bit excessive—"
But Reese had had enough of their jibes. In that moment, her aura underwent a dramatic shift, her gaze sharpening with an intimidating resolve, akin to a honed blade. The crowd fell into a wary silence, including Lily and Abby, who suddenly found themselves at a loss for words.
Malcolm could sense his fiery wife's presence brimming with an impending force. It seemed he wouldn't need to intervene; someone was about to face the music on their own.
Reese approached Dahlia Brooks with a commanding aura that forced Dahlia to retreat step by step. Seeing the fear in Dahlia's eyes, Reese couldn't resist seizing her wrist, causing Dahlia to tremble uncontrollably.
"Are you frightened now? You were quite vocal earlier. Do you need a reminder? I not only severed all emotional ties with you, but I also exposed your embezzlement from the company, leading to financial leaks that brought operations to a standstill. You've plummeted from CFO to a mere employee, all thanks to me."
The thought of her downfall gnawed at Dahlia Brooks, yet she was powerless against Reese. She couldn't best her in a fight, leaving her with nothing but biting words as her weapon.
Even if just to have the last word, she was determined to gain the upper hand.
"How can you say these things so brazenly, sis? After the mess you've landed me in, I still show you respect. Haven't I done enough?"
Dahlia quickly cast herself as the victim, attempting to paint a pitiful picture. But Reese never fell for such ploys; she spoke and acted with clear intentions. Absentmindedly toying with her nails, she appeared composed, but her voice carried a chilling menace that sent shivers down one's spine. Her words, combined with Dahlia's, even managed to unsettle Malcolm. Together, their formidable presence cast a cold pall over the entire hall. Everyone seemed to breathe more cautiously.
With a seductive grace, Reese hooked her finger under Dahlia's chin, causing Dahlia's skin to crawl uncontrollably.
"Dahlia Brooks, do I need to air all your dirty laundry before you’ll finally close your mouth?"
Upon hearing Reese's threat, doubt gnawed at Dahlia as she frantically tried to recall any recent indiscretions.
Out of the corner of her eye, Dahlia saw Malcolm whispering to someone named Justin and couldn't guess his next move.
Justin nodded slightly, "I'm on it."
Fortunately, after racking her brain and finding nothing incriminating, Dahlia felt a surge of confidence. She defiantly tilted her head up towards Reese.
"Go ahead, spill it. What do you think you've got on me?"
Resigned to an inevitable sense of defeat, Reese mustered a sympathetic smile as she watched Dahlia Brooks, but this only deepened Dahlia's uncertainty about what Reese was truly thinking.
Defiantly, Dahlia retorted, “What's so amusing? Don't think I can't see through you. You're just envious because you didn't grow up as part of the Brooks dynasty. Now you're no longer the heiress, and the title you thought was yours has vanished. From now on, I'm the only Miss Brooks, and that gnaws at you, doesn't it?”
Suddenly, Malcolm chimed in—a low, crisp voice that instantly commanded respect and made anyone listening wary of crossing him. He rubbed his temples dismissively, regarding Dahlia with an undisguised contempt that made her feel like a mere fool in his presence.
But by now, Dahlia felt like she was in too deep, with no way out.
The man narrowed his eyes and cut to the chase, "Can the title of 'Miss Brooks' even compare to being Mrs. Flynn? Miss Reese, weigh your options. Which holds more value?"
His words were a slap in the face, not just to Dahlia but to her entire family.
Kenneth had just emerged from the stairwell, fresh from sealing a deal for an upcoming project, ready to sign the contracts within the next couple of days. The first thing he saw was the commotion, and his sharp eyes immediately found his daughter, Dahlia.
The real problem, though, was who else he saw confronting her...
Reese and Malcolm!
Kenneth's face drained of color; his foolish daughter had once again provoked those untouchable forces.
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