Filed To Story: Watch Out! She's a Mastermind Heiress (Isabella Patton) Book PDF Free
“I totally agree. Shame on you, Tatiana…”
“Howard is so charming and likable. I really adore him. He’s genuinely kind. Tatiana didn’t appreciate a good man when she had one!”
“Howard has moved on. Why would he pine after a woman who betrayed him? Humph. Tatiana, you don’t deserve him!”
The internet echoed with laughter at Tatiana’s expense. Trembling, she clutched her phone, a maelstrom of anger and an inexplicable emotion swirling within her. She struggled to contain her fury, her efforts culminating in a sudden outburst. “These damn netizens!”
Turning to her assistant, she demanded, “Corbett is a hundred thousand times better than Howard. Why should I feel bad?” The assistant, taken aback yet observant, saw the determination in Tatiana’s eyes. “Yes, Tatiana. Corbett is far superior to Howard. Even though Howard has recovered, he can’t reclaim his former research skills. You’ve made the right choice.”
“Yes, I made the right choice,” Tatiana repeated, as though convincing someone else—or perhaps herself.
Tatiana continued, “Let’s divert the netizens’ focus to the second female lead.”
In Howard’s car, the atmosphere was tinged with regret. Howard glanced at Isabella, his expression apologetic. “I’m sorry, Isabella. I’m sorry for dragging you into this mess. I’ll speak to Tatiana later and ask her not to cause any more trouble for you.”
“It doesn’t matter. Without Tatiana, there would be someone else stirring up trouble. She’s just jealous that I’ve found such a talented actress,” Isabella replied with a dismissive wave, smiling at Milly.
However, her thoughts lingered on Milly’s surprising strength, and she resolved to delve deeper into it.
Howard’s gaze shifted to Milly, his eyes softening with admiration. “I didn’t realize you had such strength.”
At that moment, Milly came back to her senses, her gaze no longer distant but clear and focused. Responding to Howard in a subdued voice, she confessed, “I don’t know why, but I felt very uncomfortable when they spoke ill of you. Perhaps it’s because I’ve done heavy labor for a long time that my physical strength is more developed than most.” Howard was visibly moved by her words.
“Don’t do that again. If you have any problems, just call me. You’re just one person, and you can’t tackle many alone,” he cautioned her gently. Milly nodded obediently.
Isabella watched the exchange, a smirk playing at the corners of her mouth. She was confident that Milly could handle herself against a group of people if needed. It was likely that Milly’s strength was as good as hers.
Later, they shared a meal together.
Returning to her office, Isabella dialed Jared’s number. “What’s wrong with Victor?” she inquired.
Jared said, “Oh, boss, I’m not sure. Victor was fine before, and his work is solid. Why is he being so difficult this time? Give me a moment; I’ll look into it.”
“Okay,” Isabella replied, ending the call just as another call came in. It was Andrew. “Did Tatiana cause trouble for you?”
“Yes, but Howard has taken care of it,” Isabella replied, her hand absentmindedly massaging the space between her eyebrows. She chose not to mention Milly’s strength just yet; after all, she hadn’t uncovered anything substantial about her and decided it was best to observe for a bit longer.
Andrew’s voice softened over the line. “There’s a banquet tomorrow night. Would you like to join me? Many influential figures in the entertainment industry will be there.”
“No problem,” Isabella responded with a smile.
After hanging up, she returned to her work, but her attention was soon captured by the news flashing on her laptop screen. It seemed that fame was always accompanied by its fair share of troubles. The latest headline detailed how Milly and Kiley were vying for the same supporting female role.
Their photographs had already circulated, revealing Milly’s striking appearance beside Isabella. Initially, everyone was captivated by her beauty, but when it became known that she had auditioned for the supporting role, the public’s awe turned to mockery.
“This woman is merely a fledgling actress. How dare she aspire to be the second female lead in Victor’s TV drama? Doesn’t Victor abhor when newcomers bite off more than they can chew?”
“Precisely. Victor once invested copious time and effort in guiding a new actress, yet she proved adept at portraying only a single character type. He still harbors deep regret over this. Kiley might have the chops for the second female lead, but this woman? I don’t even know her name.”
“Surely, stardom isn’t just a gift for the good-looking, right? She’s clearly got an inflated view of herself. Victor won’t pick her.”
Since no one knew Milly, the fact that she had sparked such a discussion made it easy to speculate about the instigator behind the scenes.
As the workday drew to a close, Isabella made her way downstairs to leave. Upon reaching her parents’ villa, she encountered Rowan.
“Glenn, don’t you think your actions border on cruelty?” Rowan’s expression was tinged with sadness.
Glenn responded icily, “Compared to your family’s deeds, my actions scarcely qualify as cruel.”
“I acknowledge Courtney overstepped, and I’ve made her introspect. But we’re family. Surely, no one would agree to strip me of my dividend,” Rowan argued.
With a derisive snort, Glenn presented the vote result. “Everyone consented.”noveldrama
Rowan, though not employed by the company nor a shareholder, had always received a dividend, which had sparked some displeasure among the shareholders. Now, everyone had agreed to its revocation.
Rowan’s complexion blanched. He hadn’t anticipated such overwhelming opposition.
“Glenn, we’re brothers. How am I expected to sustain my lifestyle without that dividend? Transport is expensive,” Rowan protested. He hadn’t anticipated his brother being so ruthless.
“Rowan, think about it. What Courtney did hurt Isabella deeply,” Glenn said, fixing him with a steady gaze. “Don’t worry. As long as you don’t cause us any more trouble for a year, I’ll reinstate your dividend.”
Rowan remained reluctant, his pride wounded. He knew he depended on the Patton Group. Deprived of his dividend, he would now need to spend every penny carefully.
Glenn, having delivered his verdict, shifted his gaze away from Rowan and immersed himself back into his work.
After a moment of contemplative silence, Rowan rose and made his way out.
Isabella watched his departure with a heavy heart, then turned to her father, her voice tinged with uncertainty. “Dad, are you sure this is the right thing to do?”
“They’ve been leaning on the Patton Group as if it were a crutch for far too long, feeling invincible because of it. Once that financial crutch is gone, they’ll come to see the reality,” Glenn explained, his tone resolute.
Isabella nodded. However, a thread of worry lingered. She was concerned that Rowan might retaliate against her father in some way. This worry gnawed at her, a premonition she felt deeply, though she was unaware it would happen soon.
When Rowan arrived back home, Sarai and Courtney were in the living room, their faces etched with anxiety. They were stricken with fear when they learned of Glenn’s decision to revoke their financial lifeline that very day. How were they supposed to manage in transport on their meager earnings alone?
“What did Glenn say? Did he change his mind?” Sarai asked, her voice laced with desperation.
Rowan exhaled deeply, the weight of defeat in his tone. “No.”
“How could this have happened?” Sarai’s brow furrowed in frustration and disbelief. “You should talk to him again. If that doesn’t work, we can go to the Patton Group ourselves!”
“What are you planning?” Rowan asked.
“The Patton Group was founded by your father. Why should Glenn hold the reins all alone? Half of the company rightfully belongs to you. If we stir enough trouble within the company, Glenn will be forced to reconsider!” Sarai suggested.
“Are you out of your mind?” Rowan exclaimed, visibly shocked.
“That will never work!”
“Why not?” Sarai pressed, her frown deepening with her growing impatience. “Do you have a better plan?”
It seemed they were devoid of alternatives. With Glenn staunchly refusing to reinstate their dividend, they felt cornered.
Rowan exhaled a deep, weary sigh. “Let’s not discuss this further. My brother has assured me that as long as we don’t cause any trouble for a year, our dividend will be restored.”
“Rowan!” Sarai seized his shoulders, her gaze intense and piercing. “He’s manipulating you. Can’t you see that? Both of you are your father’s sons. Why is he the high and mighty CEO, yet he isn’t even willing to give you the dividend?”
“That’s all because of you!” Rowan snapped, his irritation palpable.
“Are you saying Courtney did something wrong? Yes, she made a mistake, but wasn’t Isabella also at fault? Your brother is merely exploiting the situation,” Sarai countered sharply, her words aimed to provoke. “He has no right to cancel your dividend!”
Rowan was both disturbed and annoyed. He hadn’t anticipated his brother to turn a blind eye to his suffering!
“Think about it, honey. You chose to step down from the heir position. If you hadn’t, perhaps the company wouldn’t be in your brother’s control right now. In the worst-case scenario, you could have secured a managerial role with a decent annual salary. Yet, your brother hasn’t even offered you any position. Doesn’t that seem like he’s guarding against you?”
“Yes, Glenn is guarding against me,” Rowan admitted with a bitter smile.
“We may not need the dividend, but you deserve at least a role within the Patton Group!”
That evening, Isabella dined with her parents. During the meal, Glenn’s phone started to ring. He answered it and returned looking distressed.
“What’s wrong, dear?” Elaine inquired.
Glenn pursed his lips and said, “Rowan wants a position at the company.”
Elaine couldn’t help but roll her eyes. “Is he serious? He doesn’t have the knack for business. How can he possibly work at the company?”
“Exactly,” Glenn responded.
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