Chapter 123: Have You Really Thought This Through?

By the time I got home, the delicious aroma of dinner already filled the air. Mom hurriedly called for us to wash up and eat.

At the table, Beata sat directly across from me. Next to her sat Jeremiah, who looked at me with obvious disdain.

“Mrs. Cornell,” I began. “Long time no see.” Even though I was about to divorce Jeremiah, I felt obligated to show her proper respect.

Upon hearing me call her that, Beata’s eyes flashed with hurt. She furrowed her brows and asked, “Why are you calling me Mrs. Cornell now? Jane, you’ve always called me Beata, so why don’t you just call me Beata like you used to?”

I shook my head. “I can’t do that. I’m divorcing Jeremiah; it’s just a matter of when. It’s better to end it sooner rather than later to avoid further complications.”

Hearing this, Beata quickly nudged Jeremiah. “I’ve spoiled him too much. Marriage is about working through tough times, right? As long as we discipline him properly from now on.”

I picked up a piece of pork rib and placed it on her plate. “Mrs. Cornell, no matter how you dress up a pig, it’ll never be a gentleman.” I had considered a more refined metaphor, but this comparison seemed most fitting.

“Jane!” Dad couldn’t contain himself, calling out as Mom looked at me with concern. They knew Beata wasn’t in the best of health. Even though they supported my decision to divorce, they worried about her.

Beata coughed a few times before waving her hand dismissively. “It’s fine. I’m alright. Jeremiah’s actions are indeed excessive. Using a pig as a metaphor is just right.”

Jeremiah glared at Beata, but she silenced him with a look. He had nowhere to vent his anger, and he turned his ire toward me.

“Jeremiah has disappointed you. Can’t you give him another chance? Besides, we’ve been working together for so many years. If you two divorce, it will complicate things.”

I looked at her calmly. “Mrs. Cornell, didn’t Mr. Cornell tell you? We won’t be working together anymore.”

Hearing this, Beata didn’t seem surprised. She just sighed deeply. It seemed she’d been pretending not to know. However, her face paled, and even I felt a pang of sympathy, unlike what I felt with Quinton.

“Let’s eat first,” I suggested, sensing the awkward atmosphere. I attempted to redirect the conversation.

After the meal, Beata pulled me aside. “Jane, is there really no chance for you to give Jeremiah another chance?”

I shook my head. “No, Mrs. Cornell.”

“Even if you can’t be together, what about our companies working together? We’ve been allies for so many years, and you know that I’ve always believed in you.”

Beata pleaded with heartfelt words, but I remained firm. “Mrs. Cornell, I’m sure you understand why we can’t collaborate. Brown Group cannot be drawn into disaster. Cornell Group might look impressive, but in reality, the company is an empty shell. Allowing Brown Group to work with Cornell Group would be like pushing them into a pit. The Browns have worked hard for everything we have, and I won’t let them fall before my eyes.”

Beata’s face stiffened. She hadn’t expected such unwavering resolve from me. Her expression darkened, and the softness in her tone vanished. “Although I don’t know where you heard these rumors, the Cornell family isn’t facing the crisis you describe. You should avoid believing hearsay.”

“The cooperation between Brown Group and Cornell Group has always been mutually beneficial. If Brown Group ends this partnership, the losses would be significant. Are you sure you want to go through with this?”