Chapter 295: She Had It Coming
After Miguel finished speaking, there were no objections. His argument was convincing.
Wayne gritted his teeth. He knew he couldn't disagree, so he could only seethe silently.
"Now, let's clarify Wayne and Mary's performance," Miguel announced.
All eyes turned to the pair.
"Mary promised an independent marketing plan that would double performance, cooperating with Hannah. She exceeded expectations, so she's promoted from Marketing Planning Director to Assistant to the General Manager of Sales."
A wide smile spread across Mary's face, quickly suppressed as she saw Wayne's hateful glare. She dared not show any complacency.
"Wayne, I've reconsidered your situation. While you haven't met your targets, given you're Roger's son and require further development, I'll make an exception. We'll reassess in six months. If performance doesn't improve, you'll return to entry-level. If it does, you'll receive a promotion commensurate with your achievements," Miguel declared authoritatively. His impartiality silenced any dissent.
Wayne remained silent.
Miguel addressed him directly. "Any comments?"
"No, Uncle," Wayne replied, knowing this was the best possible outcome. Resistance would be foolish. He inwardly seethed, vowing revenge on Miguel and Hannah, promising to reclaim everything they possessed.
The meeting adjourned. Hannah entered the elevator, followed by Mary, who said with a fawning smile, "Hannah."
Mary likely believed Hannah and her father orchestrated the events, including her promotion. While unrelated to Hannah, she wouldn't object; it showcased Miguel's fairness.
"I'll work hard with you," Mary added.
For Mary, this was an answer, confirming Hannah's previous career advice given at the Cooper Group anniversary.
"Work hard. It's good for you," Hannah replied.
"Yes," Mary responded obediently.
Back in her office, Mary's demeanor changed. Envious of Hannah's advancement, she now ingratiated herself, recognizing her family's unreliability. Only by aligning with Hannah could she secure her position; once established, she planned Hannah's downfall. She bided her time.
In the Public Relations Department's General Manager's office, Wayne overturned his desk. He'd controlled his temper during the meeting, but now unleashed his frustration. Hannah's superior performance gnawed at him, prompting him to blame his father.
Had his father been more capable, he wouldn't be in this predicament. His father's shortcomings meant his grandfather left the inheritance to Miguel, leaving Wayne humiliated.
His rage threatened to boil over when his phone rang—Lorie.
"Grandma," he answered curtly, his resentment evident.
"Wayne, come quickly! Your mother's going to kill me! Help me!" Lorie's shrill voice cut through the phone, oblivious to Wayne's fury.
He hung up, immediately leaving for home. They lived in a modest urban house; their assets, once substantial, had been seized. His mother's savings and Esther's family’s support barely sustained them.
He stormed in, greeted by Lorie's weeping and cursing.
"Esther, you broke my bowl, didn't wash my feet, and dared to defy me! Do you know who I am? If I hadn't persuaded my son, he'd have divorced you long ago, leaving you a destitute widow!" Esther's face was grim under Lorie's tirade. She composed herself upon seeing her son.
Lorie rushed to Wayne. "Wayne, your mother abused me! You must teach her a lesson!"
Wayne's pent-up rage from the meeting exploded.
"Wayne, I couldn't stand Grandma," Esther said, eyes reddening. "You know our situation. Lorie insisted on dessert, so I made her white fungus; she threw it at me. I retaliated, breaking her bowl and wetting her feet. Now she wants desserts and a foot massage…"
Then, Wayne violently slapped Lorie.
Lorie and Esther stared in disbelief. Lorie, who'd showered Wayne with affection, was shocked by his merciless blow.
"Who do you think you are? You were useful because Miguel gave you money, so we flattered you. You think we liked you? Ridiculous! We used you. Now we have nothing, what are you doing here? You want my mother to wash your feet? From now on, you wash her feet, you cook for her. You'll be our servant for life!" Wayne roared.