Chapter 466 Turning Against Each Other
Aaron, chillin' nearby, shot a cold look and said, "I told ya, no way the Abbott fam's teaming up with the Thornberrys."
Kayle jumped in quick, "Mr. Abbott, but your uncle set this deal up. Isn't it kinda messed up to just shut it down?"
Aaron didn't miss a beat, "If you're so hyped about working with him, then guess what? Calum's out as the branch GM of Abbott Group. HR's gonna get the boot notice ASAP."
Calum sneered, "Aaron, you think firing me scares me? I never gave a damn about being branch GM. I make deals 'cause I do my homework. If you don't wanna grab this chance, plenty of others will."
Roman hesitated, "But I care about Abbott Group's rep and muscle. Without their backing, this project's toast."
Calum's pride took a hit, and he snapped, "If it wasn't for me, you wouldn't even sniff a deal with Abbott Group. This contract can fly without 'em. You're so shortsighted. No wonder Thornberry Corp's still tiny. If you don't wanna team up, plenty of others do."
Calum turned to leave, but Roman blocked him, "Hold up, if our deal is over, shouldn't you give back what I gave you?"
Calum's face twisted, and he spat, "You're full of it. What did I take from you? You were the one all eager, sending me junk I didn't even care about."
"If you didn't care, then hand it all back."
"I tossed that crap ages ago. If you want it, dig through the trash."
Roman pressed on, "Did you toss the cash I gave you too?"
Calum blew up, "How dare you talk to me like that? Do you know who I am? I'm Aaron's uncle. Mess with me, and you'll regret it."
Roman's face darkened, "So what if you're Aaron's uncle? You're useless now, can't seal any deals, so why you frontin'? Without Abbott Group backing you, you think I'd waste my time on you?"
Even though Calum was Aaron's uncle, Aaron wasn't down with the deal, so that connection was worthless.
Calum shoved Roman aside, "I don't get what you're saying. Deal's off, I'm out."
"Hold up, you ain't leaving. Give back everything and the cash I gave you, or this ain't over."
Roman wasn't the generous type. If he could scam money from his wives, he was all about the profit. Now that the deal was dead, he wanted his bribes back from Calum.
But Calum, always used to throwing his weight around, wasn't about to give back what he snagged. He started cussing out Roman, and next thing you know, they're throwing punches.
Kayle, freaking out on the sidelines, yelled, "Why are they brawling? Are you bodyguards asleep? Help Roman out! What if he gets hurt?"
Susanna watched the chaos unfold. When Calum showed up, she thought today’s signing might get interesting, but nah, nothing wild happened.
As long as Aaron said the deal was off, Calum couldn't do squat.
But she didn't expect Calum to have swiped so much from the Thornberrys, and Roman was desperate to get it back, showing Calum had really cashed in.
She remembered Calum got booted from Abbott Group before for embezzlement and bribery. Maud bailed him out, so he dodged jail.
Turns out, Calum hadn't changed one bit over the years.
If Aaron hadn't stumbled upon the Thornberrys bragging about their Abbott deal in Philly, Calum might've actually pulled it off.
By then, even if Aaron found out, it would've been a mess.
Honestly, having an uncle like that was a real drag for Aaron.
Luckily, her kids had six uncles, all solid guys.
Soon enough, the bodyguards had Calum pinned down, no fight left in him.
Roman, still nursing his wounds, kicked Calum. "How dare you take my stuff and not give it back? If you don't return it, you ain't leaving here alive today."
Seeing this, Susanna glanced at Aaron. Should she step in?
Calum reached out to Aaron. "Help me! Are you just gonna watch me get beat to death?"
Aaron's voice was ice-cold, "I warned you long ago."
"Aaron, you heartless jerk!"
Susanna raised an eyebrow, "Why not just give the stuff back? Roman just wants his things. Hand 'em over, and you won't get beat."
Roman was worried Aaron might hold a grudge, but seeing Aaron's attitude, it was clear he didn't care about Calum.
Calum glared at Susanna, "What right do you have to talk here? You're a woman who got kicked out by the Abbott family. Think you're worthy?"
Susanna's face turned icy. "Seems like the Abbott family never changes."
Her secretary walked up and slapped Calum. "How dare you insult Ms. Jones? Know your place!"
Calum was stunned by the slap and looked at Susanna. "What status could an orphan like you have?"
A nearby reporter chimed in, "Ms. Jones isn't an orphan. She's the long-lost heir of the Jones family, the richest family in Philly."
Calum's face went pale. "What, she's the long-lost heir of the Jones family?"
