Chapter 43
Chapter 43
“Flora, who do you think you are? My father ruins the entire Jenkins Group. Show some re- Melanie snapped, her eyes flashing with anger
Melanie had a feeling things would blow up the moment Zachary showed up. She was certain those two were on terrible terms, and nothing else explained Gwyneth’s rushed marriage and hasty return to Joracity.
She had come to watch Gwyneth get humilisted in front of everyone, abandoned by her ex. But she hadn’t counted on Flora standing in their way.
by rules, not personal favors. I’m only doing my job.”
Flora didn’t flinch. This company operates by
“Rules?” Quentin’s
voice cur
e cut like ice. “I make the rules here. Step aside, or you’re fired.”
He never imagined Gwyneth could sway Flora, let alone give her the backbone to defy him.
Yet Flora held her ground.
Just as tensions were about to boil over, the conference room door swung open.
Gwyneth fixed them with a cold stare. “Dad, are you a little child? Throwing a tantrum in the hallway? We have a client waiting inside, and you’re our here making a spectacle. Do you even care about the Jenkins Group’s reputation or this family’s dignity!”
Each barb found its mark, striking at their deepest insecurities,
Quentin burned with humiliation as the veiled insults landed.
Melanie’s voice shook with anger as she shouted, “You have no respect for Father.
“Oh really?” Gwyneth shot back, her tone thick with sarcasm. “And wrecking Father’s company is respectful! Should I follow your example–sit around doing nothing, mooch off the family, ignore clients, and snap at people like some rabid sheep?”
Melanie was momentarily stunned into silence, her eyes widening.
From behind the door, Zachary felt a quiet swell of relief. He’d always thought Gwyneth was too guarded around the Jenkinses. But now, seeing her fight back, he couldn’t help but feel a flicker of satisfaction.
Bella feigned fear, pressing closer to Zachary. “We didn’t come here to cause trouble, Zachary. Is it right for Gwyneth to argue with her own father
and sister like this!”
Tll handle it. Don’t worry, Zachary said, stepping to Gwyneth’s side.
Then, shifting behind her in a silent show of support, he said to Quentin and Melanie, “Mr. and Ms. Jenkins, please come in. This project concerns the Jenkins Group, after all
Gwyneth’s expression turned to ice. She hadn’t wanted the two of them here, but Zachary’s invitation sent them scrambling inside, snatching up seats before she could object.
With a barely concealed sigh, she motioned for Flora to join them. Her eyes met Zachary’s gentle gaze, but her voice stayed flat. “We’re having a business meeting, aren’t we? Please take a seat, Mr. Flynn.”
The tenderness in Zachary’s eyes vanished. “Right,” he muttered, the word sharp with unspoken irritation. I came here to back her up. Why is she looking at me like I’m something unpleasant?” he wondered.
Melanie perched on the edge of her chair, practically vibrating with anticipation. But instead of the fireworks she’d hoped for, Zachary and Gwyneth fell into their old rhythm–fluid and precise, like they’d never spent a day apart.
Zachary pushed a file across the uble. “Our terms. Hit seventy percent, and we’ll talk partnership.”
Gwyneth barely glanced at the documents before sliding across an alternate proposal she’d prepared. “Seventy percent? With Jenkins Group’s capabilities, eighty is easily achievable. The remaining twenty percent margin gap is your concem, but we’ll take full responsibility for branding
and rollout.”
