Chapter 644
“As for why? It’s simple,” Stephen sneered. “Because you can’t recognize his true capabilities while others can. Your understanding is so shallow that you’re still stuck questioning the reality.”
Christina’s face flushed with embarrassment as she glared at him. “Mr. Brunner, we’re talking business here—there’s no need to get personal. Besides, how can you be so sure that what you see is the truth?”
Stephen chuckled coldly. “How? Because I’m leagues ahead of you. Glorious Pharmaceuticals crushes your Stevens Corporation in every way. The ‘nobody’ you keep badmouthing—Mr. Lloyd—is the undisputed king of Jayrodale’s underworld.
“He owns the biggest, most exclusive spot in town, Moonlit Sanctuary, and he’s a board member at Rhodes Corporation. Without Mr. Lloyd propping you up, your company is on the decline, and as for you, Ms. Stevens, your glory days as Jayrodale’s ‘darling CEO’ are over.
“Let’s be real—who still talks about you in the media? Hardly anyone cares anymore.”
His pointed questions hit hard, leaving Christina pale and speechless. She clenched her fists as her eyes glistened with tears, but she swallowed her pride, determined not to show weakness.
Aspen’s eyes blazed with fury. “Christie, let’s go! There’s no reasoning with a blind fool like him. If he’s too dumb to see who Andrew really is, then let him have his precious partnership. Jayrodale has plenty of other pharmaceutical companies besides Glorious!”
Stephen smirked. “Don’t let the door hit you on the way out. Oh, and Aspen, I hear you’ve been stirring up trouble with Mr. Lloyd lately. Listen carefully—if you keep acting like a clown, I’ll make sure you’re completely shut out of this industry. One word from me, and you’ll be done.”
Aspen laughed coldly. “Stephen, we were polite because we needed you, but now that’s over. Your threats are meaningless to me. You don’t have the power to play in the same league as me. The Bridgefields Stevens family could crush Glorious Pharmaceuticals without breaking a sweat.”
Stephen rolled his eyes, clearly bored. “Another spoiled brat who hides behind her family name. Do you think that impresses me? Get lost. Just seeing you basic bitches makes me sick. How many times do you need to fail in Jayrodale before you learn your lesson?
“If it weren’t for the halfway decent reputation of your Stevens family, do you really think you’d still be standing here talking to me? Hell, I’d have had you both tied up and shipped off to some seedy corner of the world by now.”
Aspen’s fury hit its peak, her eyes practically glowing with murderous intent. However, she forced herself to hold back. Her strongest ally, Gordon, was still out of commission, leaving her without the leverage to retaliate.
Outside Glorious Pharmaceuticals, both Aspen and Christina wore grim expressions.
“That bastard Stephen! I’ll make sure he pays for this,” Aspen snarled through gritted teeth. No matter where Andrew showed up, she always ended up on the losing side.
Christina sighed and forced a weak smile. “Aspen, let’s just move on and find another company. What’s done is done—there’s no point dwelling on it.”
Aspen was about to respond when she saw something near the entrance. A security guard was hanging up a poster that read: [Stevens Corporation staff and dogs are not allowed inside.]
An explosion of rage and humiliation ignited in both women. Christina, who was usually the calm and composed one, finally snapped.
“He’s gone too far!” she shouted, her voice shaking with anger.