Chapter 13 Unfit For The Role
In the dimly lit study room, the air was heavy with tension.
Brian sat in a corner of the sofa, holding a cup of hot tea, though he made no move to drink it
His head was slightly lowered, his posture respectful, yet his sharp eyes exuded a keen sense of insight.
R
+8 Pearls
Rayden sat behind the desk, his brows tightly furrowed. His fingers drummed rhythmically on the desk, producing a steady.
measured beat
“Gavin has gone too far this time.” Rayden’s voice was low and seething with anger. Tosing control during a company. meeting! Do you know what the public will say! That the heir of Layton Group is emotionally unstable, utterly unfit for the
role“”
Brian slowly set down his tea, lifted his head, and spoke in a calm yet authoritative tone. “Mr. Rayden, please don’t worry. This matter has already been largely taken care of. As for the external rumors, I will have the PR department handle them as soon as possible”
Kayden let out a cold scoff. You make it sound so simple. Do you have any idea how much damage this incident has done to the company? The shareholders have been dissatisfied with Gavin for a long time, and now they finally have something to use against him!”
Brian gave a slight nod. “Precisely because of this, we must shift attention elsewhere as quickly as possible. As for Mr. Gavin, I suggest he lay low for now and avoid public appearances.”
Kayden took a deep breath, his gaze complicated as he looked out the window.
“Gavin.” His voice carried a hint of exhaustion. Tve dedicated my entire life to this family, and yet, in the end, I don’t even have a suitable successor.”
Brian remained silent, simply watching him quietly.
A moment later, he stood up and spoke in a firm tone. “Mr. Rayden, please rest assured. I will take full responsibility for this matter and ensure it does not affect the group’s development”
Rayden nodded, “Alright, I’ll leave this to you. But remember, this crisis must be dealt with swiftly.”
Brian gave a slight bow before turning and leaving the study.
The moment the door closed behind him, the gentle and respectful demeanor vanished from his face, replaced by ant unfathomable coldness.
In the living room, Michelle sat on the sofa, her face as pale as a sheet.
She covered her mouth with a handkerchief, coughing incessantly, looking frail and weak
“Dad, Mom, this was all just a moment of recklessness from Gavin. He didn’t mean to Her voice was soft and sorrowful. each word sounding like a plea for her brother’s sake, yet also revealing her own helplessness.
Diana held her hand, distressed. “Michelle, stop talking. Your health is already weak. If you keep this up, you’ll only wear yourself our
“But.. Michelle bit her lip, her eyes welling up with tears. “Gavin is not a bad person. He’s just… just too exhausted. I beg you, please don’t blame him anymore, okay?”
Before she could finish, the sound of footsteps echoed from upstairs.
Chapter 13 Unifit For The Role
Gavin Michelle abruptly stood up, but her strength failed her, causing her to stumble.
Diana quickly caught her. “Michelle, don’t be agitated. Talk things through calmly”
Pearts
I’m fine Michelle steadied herself, then looked at Gavin. “Gavin, I know you’re pushing yourself for the family’s sake, but… but you have to take care of yourself too!”
Gavin didn’t respond. He merely cast her a cold glance before turning and heading toward the door.
His departing figure radiated an unapproachable chill, sending shivers down the spines of those who watched.
In the other. Adeline stood by the window, gazing at the bustling city streets below.
Her face was devoid of emotion, but her deep, ink–black eyes carried a hint of coldness.
The moment the door was pushed open, she turned her head and saw Gavin walking in.
Their eyes met, and for a long moment, neither spoke.
Finally, Gavin broke the silence, “Adeline, I-
Before he could finish, Adeline interrupted him. If you came to apologize, save it. I don’t need your apology
Gavin frowned. “I know I wronged you in the past, but this time, I truly want to make amends…
“Make amends!” Adeline let out a cold laugh. “With what? Empty concem? Or a meaningless I’m sorry”
Her words were like a sharp blade, each syllable piercing straight into his heart, suffocating him with pain.
“Adeline!” He raised his voice suddenly. “I sincerely want to help you! Why can’t you trust me just this once?”
“Trust” Adeline arched a brow. “Who was it that let me take the fall and spend three years in prison? Who stood by and watched as 1 suffered without uttering a single word on my behalf?”
She stepped closer with every sentence, each word hammering down on his pride and self–respect, shattering them into
Tell me, Gavin–how do you expect me to trust you now?”
Late at night, a young woman dressed in business attire knocked on Adeline’s door.
She introduced herself as a secretary from Layton Group and handed Adeline a contract. “Mr. Brian asked me to deliver this. He hopes you can sign it as soon as possible and report to the company on time.”
Adeline glanced at the contract, then looked up with a mocking smile. “A janitor position?”
The secretary did not respond. She merely lowered her eyes, placed the folder on the table, and then turned to leave.
Adeline picked up the contract and read through it carefully, every word taunting her with humiliation and disdain.
The next morning, she arrived at the Layton Group lobby and slammed the contract onto the reception desk. Looking at the person waiting for her, she said with a smirk. “Thank you, Mr. Gavin, for helping me find this job. I’ll be sure to treasure this opportunity and live up to your expectations.”
Her voice dripped with sarcasm and defiance, leaving the hopeful onlookers momentarily speechless.
Chapter 13 Unfit For The Role
+8 Pearls
At a cafe, Eden clutched Adeline’s cold hand, her voice filled with frustration. “Ms. Layton, why are you putting up with this humiliation? They’re clearly trying to degrade you!”
Adeline merely smiled faintly, her gaze fixed on the scenery outside, her deep black eyes brimming with something unfathomable.
Eden sighed heavily. “Ms. Layton, no matter what happens, I will always stand by your side. If you’re willing, I can help you gather evidence and expose those who wronged you!”
Adeline turned back to look at Eden’s flushed, angry face. After a moment, she gently patted her shoulder. Thank you. But this… I will handle myself.
In the dead of night, she sat alone in her room, tearing the contract into shreds before tossing it into the trash. The soft sound of ripping paper echoed in the silence, amplifying the unwavering determination in her heart.
From now on, she would rely on no one, nor would she allow anyone to trample on her dignity again.
Outside the window, a bright moon hung high, shedding its cool, watery light all over the room, and at this moment, her large, dark, ink–like eyes, which were deep and stubborn, were also radiating an unprecedented tenacity and determination.