Chapter 296 Abused

"Wayne, you ungrateful bastard! How could you speak to me like that? How could you say something so heartless? How dare you! I'm your grandmother. I've always loved, cared for, and supported you. You've caused countless problems, and I've always had your back. Yet, you repay me with such ruthless words and even beat me! You dared to beat me! You goddamn ungrateful bastard! You've broken my heart. Your unconscionable words are killing me! I swear, you'll be terribly sorry if I die!"

Lorie lost control, screaming at the top of her lungs.

For years, Lorie had never been abused. Despite an unhappy marriage, she was mostly respected. Her husband compromised constantly to avoid conflict. After his death, she became the family matriarch, commanding respect from everyone. She'd actively tried to make life difficult for Hannah and her family, yet they still treated her with respect and care. And yet, she found herself cruelly abused by those she loved.

She couldn't comprehend it.

"Go to hell! You're useless and should go to hell!" Wayne shouted, revealing his true colors. "Do you think you could have lived this good life without Uncle Miguel? Grandma, do you think we like or respect you? Wake up! We only used you to take over Cooper Group! You're useless now that you've offended Uncle Miguel and his family. You're trash, pathetic, and useless. Go to hell. We hate seeing your face. You disgust us!"

"Wayne, you bastard! I'll kill you! I'll kill you!" Lorie lunged at him.

But Wayne shoved her onto the sofa before she could reach him. Aged and dizzy, Lorie couldn't get up. Wayne, his anger seemingly unspent, stepped forward to strike her again. Esther intervened immediately.

"Wayne, I don't care about this evil old woman's life or death, but killing her and facing a lawsuit is not worth it."

Wayne paused, considering this. He stopped beating Lorie, saying, "You'd better know your place! I'll fucking kill you if you dare boss my mother around again or act like a queen in this house!"

"How dare you! I'm your grandmother!" Lorie screamed, unable to accept this abuse.

"Wayne, you abused me and disrespected me! I'll tell the media. I'll ruin your reputation and make you lose everything."

"Whatever!" Wayne scoffed. "You framed Uncle Miguel and his family, and got caught red-handed. See which media outlet will believe your crap now. Check your phone; see how many people are calling you a wicked old woman and cursing you. Talking to the media will only make you look worse! No one will believe a word you say!"

"I... I'll go to Miguel. I'll get him to knock some sense into you, you damn kid!"

"Oh, my dear grandma, don't you understand the meaning of 'digging your own grave'?" Wayne sneered. "You tormented Uncle Miguel and his family, and now you want his help? Do you think he's stupid? Hannah's not the same; she's vindictive now. You'll be kicked out if you turn to them. I suggest you drop it, or you'll only make things worse."

"You ungrateful bastard!" Lorie cursed, her anger finding no outlet but harsh words.

"Since we've started this, let's be clear, in case you still have false hopes." Wayne aimed to inflict pain. "I don't like you; I only used you. So did my father. Jesus! You're so stupid you can't even tell who truly loves you and who pretends. Grandpa was smarter; he knew my father wasn't attached to any of you, and none of you would live well once he took over Cooper Group."

"You cruel, heartless bastard! You, your father, and your whole family are goddamn bastards!"

"You taught us that, Grandma," Wayne said sarcastically. "Uncle Miguel and his family treated you well, but you ignored it. You acted wickedly and couldn't bear to see them prosper. You're suffering the consequences of your own actions. You brought this on yourself."

"Wayne..."

"Enough!" Wayne refused to waste more breath.

He turned to Esther. "Mum, take her phone. Keep an eye on her. Make sure she behaves."

"OK," Esther replied. She, too, was tired of Lorie. She'd only groveled to Lorie out of self-interest, but now, she relished this opportunity for revenge.

"I'm not feeling well. I need a nap," Wayne announced, lacking the motivation to return to the office. Memories of his workplace grievances fueled his anger. He vowed revenge on Hannah. She would pay dearly.

...

At the company, Hannah completed the work handover. Someone from a branch office replaced her as sales director, while Mary became the assistant sales director.

Hannah moved to the senior management office. The senior vice chairman's office remained empty, seemingly reserved for Wayne.

This was a deliberate tactic to appease the public.

Hannah knew Wayne lacked the capacity for the position. Wayne himself knew this, suggesting he might resort to extreme measures. She would simply wait for his self-destruction.

Hannah's new office was temporary. Her title was "Provisional Senior Vice Chairman," justifying the temporary space.

Even so, it felt uncomfortable for most, yet Hannah remained unfazed.

Rose joined Hannah in the new office, observing her calm demeanor.

Rose worried about Hannah. Didn't she care about reputation? Wasn't she afraid of becoming a laughingstock? Wouldn't she be humiliated if Wayne eventually advanced? she wondered.

"Just say it," Hannah said, absorbed in her work. The CEO had handled the major tasks, but many smaller details remained.

"Nothing much," Rose replied, snapping back to reality. She'd found Hannah's confidence consistently reassuring. Difficulties always seemed to resolve themselves, so worrying felt unnecessary.

"Get back to work. We have much to do. List the responsibilities of this position and report back this week."

"Yes," Rose replied humbly. Hannah allowed no personal time during work hours; there was no room for distraction.