Chapter 624
Megan, who had initially anticipated Cassie's humiliation, now bore a pallid complexion. Once held aloft by others, Megan's countenance now felt as though it was being trampled underfoot.
"Are you not leaving?" Cassie's voice cut through the tension, her gaze turning to Megan as she brandished her phone. "Did you not hear Joseph's words? If you have the luxury of wasting time here, you should be focusing on your handover. I have no wish to see you in my company a second more."
A wave of pain washed over Megan, a solitary tear escaping before she quickly lowered her gaze and retreated.
The shareholders present squirmed in discomfort. The blame rested squarely on Joseph's shoulders. His ex-wife and current girlfriend in the same room? It was akin to the cataclysmic collision of Mars and Earth.
Cassie's voice brought them back to the matter at hand, her tone solemn. "You mentioned earlier that you'll follow Joseph's lead, but doesn't that sound rather disrespectful? This company bears no relation to Joseph. If there's anyone that's so fond of playing the servant, they should resign immediately and join his company."
With a resounding slam on the table, Cassie rose to her feet, her gaze unwavering. "Remember, this company was founded by my mother. If you fail to recognize that, then retire and allow me to support you in your twilight years. From this point forward, your only concern should be enjoying the dividends. Your children, your relatives, your possessions - they can all leave with you."
In the aftermath of the meeting, Jan regarded Cassie with a newfound admiration. " Cassie, your command was truly impressive. Although you've managed the company before, you've always been somewhat cautious and deferential towards the shareholders. Today, however, you exuded an aura of 'obey me and prosper, defy me and perish.' You were remarkable."
Cassie's response to Jan's praise was a moment of silence, her fist clenching as she cleared her throat. "People change. I once respected them, saw them as elders, as comrades in our shared journey. But I've come to realize that was merely wishful thinking. All they truly care about is their own interests. They'll build you up and tear you down, shifting their loyalties as easily as the wind changes direction."
"Aren't many people like that?" Jan's gaze drifted ahead as he spoke.
Following his gaze, Cassie spotted Megan approaching, a box in her arms and Athena at her side. Their eyes held nothing but contempt for her.
" Cassie, your gloating won't last," Athena spat, her eyes burning with hatred. "Are you not simply using a marriage certificate to manipulate Joseph? He holds no affection for you."
"As a bodyguard, you shouldn't act as though I've stolen your man," Cassie retorted with a shrug. "Perhaps you should learn from Joe's qualities."
"Enough," Megan interjected, gently restraining Athena. " Cassie, is there truly any joy in this constant bickering? Why not let the past go and start anew? Men despise threats, and if you push Joseph too far, you may end up with nothing."
Cassie's smile was a predatory one as she leaned in close to Megan, her lips brushing against her ear as she whispered, "Don't play the innocent. You once destroyed everything I had, and now I will slowly destroy you in return."
Megan's eyes narrowed at the threat, her laughter a low chuckle as she whispered back, "Do you truly believe you can rival me? Don't delude yourself. To me, you're nothing more than an ant."
"Is that so? We'll see," Cassie straightened, brushing past Megan.
" Cassie, you're too naive," Megan called after her. "Many of the Peace Group's current partners are here because of Joseph and me. Once I resign, those companies will sever their ties with the Peace Group. Soon enough, even the construction of the Peace Group will grind to a halt. I look forward to seeing how you handle that."
"You needn't concern yourself with that. Now, get lost," Cassie dismissed her with a wave of her hand.
Megan's expression hardened. "Just you wait."
Once outside the company, Megan dialed a number. "Spread the word. Cassie has offended me and Joseph. Joseph will no longer concern himself with the fate of the Peace Group."