Chapter 273: Putting on a Pedestal, Cutting Down to Size
Sofia would need a gentle reminder from her to tread lightly around Malcolm, to avoid raising his suspicions. As dawn broke, the new day was ushered in.Reese descended the grand staircase, ready to fortify herself with breakfast before embarking on her journey to the office. Just as her foot touched the cool marble of the last step, Everly’s voice, dripping with sarcasm, echoed through the hall.“Well, if it isn’t the esteemed Mrs. Flynn of the illustrious Flynn family, gracing us with her presence. The implication was not lost on Reese. Her absence from the office the previous day, coupled with the protective shield Malcolm provided, would understandably breed resentment in Everly.Choosing not to engage with Everly’s baiting, Reese settled herself at the breakfast table and began her meal.Everly, however, was not deterred by Reese’s dismissive attitude. Her competitive spirit flared, and she launched another verbal attack.“But then again, you’ve come a long way. Sometimes, people forget their roots once they’ve had a taste of the high life.“Reese cast a cool, sidelong glance at Everly. Her voice was steady, but her words hit Everly like a punch to the gut.“It seems Miss Everly hasn’t learned from our previous encounter. Are you seeking a repeat performance?“Everly’s face paled, her complexion resembling cold iron. Reese’s words twisted in her heart like a knife. Fortunately, the room was empty; otherwise, she would have been subjected to another public humiliation.She opened her mouth to retort, but Reese’s commanding presence forced her into silence. Fearful of further stinging remarks from Reese, Everly simmered with a toxic mix of anger, jealousy, and frustration. However, the memory of Reese’s sharp tongue kept her in check.She had to keep her personal feelings separate from her professional conduct.Everly’s expression hardened. “Let’s get one thing straight. I want to know why you didn’t show up at work yesterday. The staff said you deliberately skipped out to go on a shopping spree, returning with armfuls of purchases.““You may be living the high life on Malcolm’s dime, but you need to remember your place.“Reese nodded thoughtfully, seemingly unfazed by the accusation. “Oh, I know my place. I’m Malcolm’s wife, Mrs. Flynn of the Flynn family. And to you, I’m Reese. So, dear Everly, I suggest your adopt a more respectful tone when addressing me, or you’ll find yourself at a disadvantage. Her lips curved into a polite .smile, but it was clear to anyone watching that Reese was using her status to exert pressure on Everly.Everly’s anger ignited, her cheeks flushing a fiery red. Clenching her fists, she let out a shrill scream. “Reese, you’re crossing a line–ah…“Before she could finish, Reese silenced her with a swift hand over her mouth, leaving Everly in stunned silence.“Reese, what do you think you’re doing?” “Isn’t it obvious? It seems Miss Everly is having trouble understanding. Didn’t you hear me? As Reese, I expect a certain level of decorum at work, and that extends to our interactions at home. You should address me simply as Reese, not with such formality.” “You wouldn’t want rumours spreading that Miss Everly of the Flynn family lacks even the most basic manners.“Reese’s retort left Everly speechless, her eyes dry and burning with helpless fury. At that moment, Finn Sawyer descended the stairs, and Everly rushed towards him like a drowning person clutching at a lifeline.“Grandpa, that woman went too far–she hit me!” Finn had his doubts about Reese, suspecting she was overstepping her boundaries. The Flynns were a bold bunch with little regard for decorum, so Everly’s complaints only served to darken his mood further. He snapped, “Reese, just because you’ve won Malcolm over doesn’t give you the right to bully Everly. After all, Miss Everly is a part of this family, and I’ve watched her grow up. It’s not your place to give her a hard time.“Emboldened by Finn’s support, Everly’s confidence swelled. With Grandpa on her side, what did she have to fear from Reese? She lifted her chin defiantly, “Exactly, you should remember your position. In the Flynn household, you’re an outsider, while I’ve been here since childhood. You’re just Malcolm’s wife. If he grows tired of you, he could replace you in an instant.“Reese retorted coolly, “Even if he did, he wouldn’t choose you!” “You–““Enough. Go about your business and maintain some decorum at home. The Flynn house isn’t a free–for–all,” Finn interjected, his patience wearing thin with their bickering.Especially Reese’s fiery temper, which could intimidate even the boldest of souls.Reese set down her glass and rose to leave, but Finn seemed to recall something and stopped her.“Hold on, Reese, there’s something I wanted to ask you.“She paused, turning to face him with a straightforward expression.“Go ahead, Grandpa.” “I’ve heard rumours that the Sawyer family has fallen on hard times. The company’s gone bankrupt, and you’ve been ostracized from the chamber of commerce. There’s talk of a falling–out with someone influential. Is there any truth to this?““Yes, I was there when it happened.“She knew the rumours were circulating, and denying the truth wasn’t an option.“So, what’s the story?“Finn had heard a variety of tales, both good and bad, and wasn’t sure what to beli her hands open, “It’s as you’ve heard. The Sawyers crossed someone and pulled some strings at the chamber.“It wardly surprising.In the world of business, interests were paramount. One company’s downfall was another’s opportunity to seize the spoils. To praise one moment and trample the next was simply the nature of the industry. Although Finn Sawyer had his suspicions, it didn’t seem appropriate to probe further, and Reese had answered his question comprehensively, leaving no room for further inquiry.He had to admit he admired Reese’s intelligence, even if her flamboyant nature clashed with the Flynn family’s multitude of rules. After all, he was the patriarch of the Flynn family. Since when did a young woman have the audacity to be so brazen in his presence?“Listen, in the future, try to stay out of these matters. After all, there was some history between the Sawyers and our Flynn family.“It was indeed a shame. The original plan was for Malcolm to divorce Reese and then marry the Sawyer heiress. Now with the Sawyers in disarray, they would have to seek alternative alliances.
Reese spread
