Chapter 278: Knockdown
Nancy found herself at a loss for words, the weight of the Information pressing heavily on her. She knew all too well that this knowledge wouldn’t be freely given. Reese would demand a price, a bargain to be struck, before she would walk away.The Brooks‘ household was shrouded in an uncomfortable silence, a palpable tension hanging in the air. No words were exchanged, no one dared to break the silence.Meanwhile, at the Flynn Group, Malcolm made mother attempt. reach Reese, only to be met with the cold, impersonal tone of an unanswered call. His brow furrowed in confusion and concern. What could Reese possibly be up to? Summoning Justin, he asked, “What’s the situation, Mr. Flynn?” Justin’s tone was laced with a hint of apprehension, wondering if he had missed a task.Malcolm’s face was a mask of grim determination, his voice cold and sh
cold and sharp. “Find out where Reese is. Now.” “Reese…” Justin hesitated, puzzled. Reese had been a frequent subject of Mr. Flynn’s inquiries lately. She seemed to be a constant blip on their radar.Impatient, Malcolm prodded him. “What are you waiting for? Go check now!“Snapping to attention, Justin assured, “I’m on it.“Malcolm resumed his pacing, anticipation nawing at him. He didn’t have to wait long. Justin was known for his efficiency, and in no time, he returned with the information.” Mr. Flynn, I found her. Reese is at the Brooks‘ place.“What’s she doing there?” Malcolm’s question was sharp, laced with curiosity and a hint of something more.“I’m not sure,” said Justin. “After having a meal with a man, she left in a hurry. Perhaps he told her something.“At the mention of ‘some man, Malcolm’s expression hardened, his eyes reflecting the sharpness of a blade.Justin couldn’t help but feel on edge witnessing the reaction; jealousy had been stirred, and the metaphorical pot was knocked over.“Do we have any information on this man?” Malcolm’s voice was measured but commanding. Justin knew Malcolm would want to get to the bottom of this. He had collected the man’s details while checking on Reese’s prior engagement. It wasn’t comprehensive, but time had been limited. “I’ve got the scoop. The guy’s name is Everhart, just moved here from another city. Seems to be running some sort of small business now–and he’s got history with Reese, goes way back. And there’s something else… probably the most important part “But Justin was hesitant, almost scared.Malcolm knew Justin’s temperament well enough; his sharp glance cut through the hesitation, and his voice took on an impatient edge.“Spit it out!“”It’s just… Everhart, it seems he had a thing with Reese a while back.“In an instant, the air around Malcolm turned tempestuous, sending a chill down Justin’s spine.“But… I’m not totally clear on the details. Malcolm’s face turned ashen, and he made a decision on the spot/Let’s head to the Brooks‘ place now.“Justin, surprised, looked up. “But we have a meeting with Mr. Smith at the mansion. If we don’t hash it out today, our project could…“Could fall through. No one could change Malcolm’s mind when he’d decided on something, and instead, he glared back at Justin, questioning him sharply.“What’s more important, the project or your wife? If the project dies, we’ll find another. But a lost wife? Who’s going to replace her for me?“Justin mused, feeling there was sense in that but also a lack of it.But no one could argue with Malcolm’s decisions. He resigned himself to action: “I’ll get the car ready.” “Good.“Malcolm tidied the papers on his desk, grabbed his jacket from the chair, and strode out.Reese was at a standoff with Kenneth–it was like he was glued to her, refusing to let her go, trying every trick in the book.“Reese, come on, give me a break. We were family, after all,” Kenneth pleaded.But Reese’s mind was already made up. She’d considered a moment of compassion, but, recalling how they’d treated her and her grandmother, she saw no reason to soften her heart toward such people.“Kenneth, and no, I shouldn’t be calling you ‘Dad‘ anymore, because from the start, you never took on that responsibility. I couldn’t care less about you even before I knew you weren’t my father. Do you really think, after all you’ve done, you have the right to make demands on me? That she hadn’t settled the score with them yet was lucky on their part, and still, they dared make requests of her.Kenneth, hearing Reese’s tone, felt the sting of a double loss–his approach was backfiring disastrously.“What are you saying–you’ve been playing me?” This portrayal embodies a sense of American culture and response, including the prioritization of personal relationships over business affairs, and the sharp, direct confrontation and unwavering stances that are often portrayed in American drama.Reese let out a scoff, casting a defiant glance at Kenneth that practically oozed provocation.“Think about what you’ve done to me before preaching, shall we? I’m done here. From now on, let’s mind our own business.“With that, Reese stood up, ready to make her exit.But Kenneth’s temper flared instantly upon hearing her airy dismissal. Enraged, he bellowed, “Stop her!“Instantly, the whole hall buzzed as all the staff members surged forward, forming a tight circle around Reese, who smirked with disdain.“You think these
want them to be few can stop me?” she chuckled. Kenneth clearly underestimated her capabilities.Kenneth snorted with equal arrogance, “I don’t believe you’re unstoppable.““Want to test that theory? You better give the hospital a heads–up first–we would unprepared.“As Reese spoke, her brows lifted, her eyes brimming with confidence.Dahlia Brooks felt a twinge of ear facing this bold version of Reese. Instinctively, she reached for Kenneth’s hand.“Dad, let’s not provoke her, okay? Reese actually knows how to fight.“But Kenneth, lost in his fury and with over two decades of fatherhood behind him, dismissed the caution. Even now, after the truth had come to light, he felt she had no right to treat him this way.Annoyed, he shrugged off Dahlia Brooks. Reese hummed in response.“Stop lecturing me about pride and ambition. Can’t you just once reflect some glory? Have you no spine?“Kenneth was no stranger to adversity. Was he really going to be intimidated by a woman in her twenties?“I…” Dahlia Brooks was at a loss for words.Reese glanced over the staff. “Maybe you should all try me together.“Such audacity was enough to set anyone’s teeth on edge.Fuming, Kenneth commanded, “If she’s so tough, let’s see her handle this. Go!“Within minutes, the living room was a mess, filled with cries of agony and Kenneth’s incredulous stare. Had he been seeing things, or did Reese just wipe the floor with his staff in a matter of minutes, without so much as a scratch on her?Reese dusted off her hands. “Can I go now? Or would you rather step in yourself?“Kenneth, shaking with anger, roared back, “Reese, you have some nerve, leaving a mess and thinking you can just walk away. Call the cops! I refuse to believe they won’t deal with you!” “Colin, are you sure you want to call the cops?“Out of nowhere, an ice–cold voice came from the doorway, making Kenneth shiver down to his bones.
Fall in Love with the Dominant Billionaire
