Chapter 75
The loud slam of the file on the table made everyone jump. Hell seemed to descend; the tension was unbearable. "What on earth is wrong with the boss today?" they wondered, terrified. He'd always been strict, but this was something else entirely. Even the planning department had been berated for using a few extra words in a proposal. "Oh God, save us!" they thought.
Samuel's cold gaze swept the room. In a deep, chilling voice, he said, "Are these the so-called 'experts' I'm paying top dollar for?" That single look, that sentence, felt like a death sentence. Panic and fear spread like wildfire.
He flung the documents onto the table. "I'm giving you all three days. If you don't come up with something satisfactory, you're all out of the Howerton Group!" He stood abruptly and stormed out.
The moment he left, the conference room erupted in a collective sigh of relief. Some collapsed against the table, muttering, "God, what's wrong with the CEO today? That was terrifying." They thought, A few more meetings like this, and we'll all be losing years off our lives.
Talon, trembling in his dark gray suit, wiped sweat from his forehead. "I thought I was going to die in there. I'm soaked through." His legs felt like jelly. The pressure emanating from Samuel was insane. He's so young, yet possesses a sharpness few leaders can match. If someone didn't know better, they'd never believe these sweaty, terrified people were the top executives of the Howerton Group. In a company this size, even regular employees need nerves of steel. But these executives?
One executive patted Talon's shoulder. "We'd better get to work. Otherwise, we'll really be out of a job." The others, still shaky, returned to their offices, clutching their documents. Talon stood, sighing. "Ah…" The entire Howerton Group was plunged into a frenzy of work.
The variety show had ended. Jayden sat in the back of the van, his expression grim. Isabella weighed heavily on his mind. He tugged at his tie, loosening it as he gazed out the window.
Eric, sensing something was wrong, offered him water. "With today's collaboration with Queenie, this variety show is going to be a hit. So why aren't you happy?" Jayden had been acting strangely all day. Eric wondered, Could it really be that he’s fallen for Queenie? But even if he had, why would he be this agitated? He couldn't make sense of it.
Just then, Jayden's phone rang. He stowed the water and answered. Ivana's sweet voice came through: "Jayden, are you done with work yet? Are you tired?" She'd been trying to reach him for days.
"I'm fine," Jayden replied, his tone clipped. Ivana faltered. Why is he being so cold today? She continued softly, "Let's grab dinner later, alright? You haven't spent time with me in so long. I miss you, Jayden."
Jayden's simmering frustration surged. "What an idiot I was, falling for her lies!" His expression turned cold. "I have plans tonight." He clenched his teeth, barely controlling his temper. Eric, noticing the change, wisely remained silent and moved to the front.
Ivana's face froze. Plans? But I heard he was going straight home. Is he… avoiding me? Panic rose. Is it because of Isabella? Ever since that night at the bar, Jayden’s been distant. No. No, that can’t happen! She sighed sadly. "Jayden, I don’t know what’s going on with my sister lately. She came home the other day and even hit Dad. I wonder if something’s going on with her."
She was determined to show Jayden Isabella's true nature. But the moment she mentioned Isabella, Jayden's eyes went cold. His voice was sharp: "How dare you mention her?!" Ivana's heart skipped a beat. Tears welled up as she whimpered, "Jayden, I…" Her voice broke. Her tears, which usually softened Jayden, only fueled his irritation.
His temper snapped. "Why did you lie and tell me that Isabella wasn't Queenie?" "If it weren’t for that lie, Isabella and I wouldn’t be in this mess now." Ivana was stunned. What is he talking about?
Before she could respond, Jayden's voice cut through again. "Ivana, you've let me down." He used to think she had value, but now it was clear: she was more trouble than she was worth.
Ivana panicked, her voice trembling. "Jayden, what are you saying? I don’t understand. Did I do something wrong?" Her sobbing intensified. I can’t let Jayden hate me. He’s my only ticket into the Logue family. "Jayden, if I’ve done anything wrong, just tell me, okay? I swear I’ll change. Please don’t be mad at me, I’m so scared…"
But Jayden felt only irritation and disgust. Clenching his teeth, he spat out, "Fine. Since you're so persistent, let me tell you." Even thinking about it caused unbearable pressure in his chest. He took a deep breath. "I ran into Queenie today while filming. The real Queenie."
Memories of Isabella's mocking gaze and George's insults flooded his mind, reigniting his fury. He could practically hear them sneering, "You've got some nerve, Jayden!"
Ivana was utterly confused. She didn't dare ask directly. "Isn't that a good thing? Jayden, you can get to know her, maybe ask her to help the Cox family…"
Before she could finish, Jayden's voice cut her off. "You still have the audacity to speak? Why did you tell me Isabella wasn't Queenie?" He practically roared the last words.
Ivana's face paled. "What… what does that mean?" She must have misheard. Then, Jayden's furious voice rang out: "Isabella is Queenie!"
Ivana's eyes widened. Isabella? The Queenie? The revelation knocked the breath out of her. She collapsed onto the sofa, gasping. How could this be? The servants recently said Xavier’s illness had relapsed. How could Isabella possibly be the legendary healer, Queenie?
Shaking her head, Ivana muttered, "No, Jayden, you've got it wrong… it can't be…"
Jayden hung up abruptly. He slammed his fist into the seat, the impact resonating with a dull thud. "Damn it!"
The outburst startled the driver and Eric. They'd worked for Jayden long enough to know this was rare. Both men wisely remained silent.
At the Stout residence, in Molly's lavishly decorated room, a heavy black and red bed dominated the space. The large vanity overflowed with jewelry, shimmering under a dim lamp. Thick green embroidered curtains kept the windows shut, leaving only the lamp's faint glow. Molly sat at the vanity, admiring an emerald ring. She nodded. "Hmm, the color's quite lovely." A frantic knocking echoed through the room.