Chapter 25

Jonathan had used ruthless means to avenge Anna, mercilessly suppressing the families of those who had humiliated her.

Now that those families finally had dirt on him, how could they not retaliate?

Isabella didn't care that she was being used as a pawn. As long as she could get revenge, nothing else mattered. If she couldn't live well, neither should Jonathan!

More than merely harassing him, Isabella created a new social media account, elaborating on her story and exposing every detail of their relationship to the public.

In no time, the Texas Consortium's reputation, which had only recently been rebuilt, collapsed. Even Jonathan's personal image suffered a significant blow. He was forced to return home to face investigations, temporarily halting his pursuit of Anna.

Back in the country, chaos reigned. To make matters worse, several scandals emerged within the company, pushing the Texas Consortium to the brink of ruin. Many rival companies eagerly seized the chance to claim their share of the spoils. Even if the Texas Consortium survived this ordeal, it would come at a great cost. For such a large corporation, even the smallest losses could severely damage smaller competitors. Many were circling like vultures.

Jonathan, beset by internal and external crises, went three consecutive months without proper sleep. He eventually had Isabella arrested on charges of defamation. After a prolonged investigation, authorities uncovered significant financial irregularities within the Texas Consortium. The company was fined 70 million, and the matter was settled. However, the consortium suffered significant damage—many employees left, partnerships dissolved during the investigation, and the company was left severely weakened. Jonathan's grandfather, who had retired long ago, was drawn back into the turmoil.

Seeing his once-vigorous grandson reduced to a shell of his former self, Jonathan's grandfather let out a deep sigh. Once the company's situation stabilized somewhat, he summoned Jonathan back.

Then—

Jonathan knelt on the ground, head bowed low. He knelt with a pale face, his emaciated frame barely holding itself together.

"Jonathan, is this how I raised you? How many times have I warned you to stay true to yourself, acting honorably and properly? And yet, what did you remember? And how have you acted now?"

His grandfather's chest heaved with fury, his breathing ragged. He struck his cane against the ground several times in his anger.

Jonathan lowered his head slightly, his voice barely a whisper.

"I was wrong. I hurt Anna."

Seeing him like this, his grandfather shook his head repeatedly. The butler brought forth the family rod—a black, gleaming stick, studded with sharp spikes, capable of tearing the skin with a single strike. With a strong swing, the butler brought it down. Jonathan let out a muffled groan, and blood immediately began to flow. He gritted his teeth, trying to endure, but his weakened body betrayed him. After just one strike, he swayed and fainted.

In the past, as a teenager, Jonathan had endured over ten strikes for a mistake without flinching. Now, his grandfather panicked and quickly ordered the family doctor to attend to him. After receiving medication, Jonathan finally managed to sleep soundly.

In his hazy dreams, he seemed to return to the past. He was back on the day Anna accepted his proposal. Dressed impeccably, he poured out his love for her, brimming with anticipation.

"Anna, will you marry me? I promise to love you forever. For the rest of my life, you'll be the only one I love!"

Holding the intricately designed ring, his hands trembled, his heart pounding with nervous excitement. Jonathan unconsciously curved his lips into a smile. He knew she would.

But in the next moment, Anna refused without hesitation.

Chapter 26