Chapter 365
Chapter 365
“Of course I know that,” Dean snapped. “But if Louis goes down, the higher–ups can monopolize that tech. The profits they’d earn would be way more than what they’re getting now. I’m doing this for our family–if we can get on the good side of the people upstairs, how could we possibly lose to the Womez family?”
“Idiot!” Ethan hurled a glass at him this time. If Dean hadn’t dodged fast enough, his head would’ve been busted open.
“Someone else is managing the business, developing new tech, and delivering real profits. Why the hell would they want to take that burden on themselves? Even if they did want to, this cake’s too big to slice up easily. You think the top brass is all one big happy family? Don’t forget–he’s got that ruthless bastard from the Collins family backing him! I seriously can’t understand what the hell is wrong with your brain. Were you so bored out of your mind that you had to go provoke Louis?”
Dean finally lost it. That built–up resentment wasn’t new–it had been simmering for years.
“What was I supposed to do? You’re the one who kept going on about how incredible Louis was. If you hadn’t kept tearing me down, do you think I would’ve done something like this? Fine–I’m not good enough. But why do you think I turned out this way? Everything I’ve become is thanks to you!”
Now that he’d said it, Dean gave up entirely. His tone grew even darker, filled with bitter
resentment.
“You never gave a damn about me when I was growing up. The second I disappointed you, you’d treat me like crap, either yelling or hitting me. And now you want to question me? If you had even one ounce of shame or reputation left to protect, you would’ve replaced me a long time ago.”
“If I had any other damn options, you think I’d put up with you all these years?” Ethan roared. “You ungrateful idiot–how dare you have complaints? You think I raised you for free? Louis is ten times the man you are. If you had even half his ability, I’d be smiling in my sleep!”
Dean let out a cold laugh..
“Who knows if I’m really the only one you’ve got? The moment Louis took over the company, he handed over full control without hesitation. You? You’re still clutching onto power like a dying man. Fine, I suck. I’m not good enough. Then you take over. Let’s see you’ve got.”
With that, Dean actually turned and walked away. Savannah had never seen him like this before, and Ethan clearly hadn’t expected Dean to fight back either. Both oft froze.
what
1/3
Chapter 365
Savannah quickly moved to chase after him.
“Wait, Dean, where are you going? What are you trying to do?”
Ethan shouted after them, “Don’t go after him! Let him leave! Raising him was a waste–I’d have been better off with a damn dog! At least a dog would guard the house. All these years raising him, I should’ve raised livestock instead!”
Dean paused just outside the door. When Savannah caught up to him, he turned and asked quietly, “Savannah, do you hate me? Back then, you could’ve just said yes to Sebastian. But you didn’t–because of me.”
Savannah shook her head. “What are you talking about? You’re the only family I’ve got. I can always find another man, but I only have one brother. I’ve still got some backup options on standby anyway. If Sebastian doesn’t work out, I’ll just pick someone else. But what about you? Dad said Louis isn’t someone you want to mess with.”
Dean laughed bitterly. “Then we’ll see just how terrifying Louis really is. I don’t believe he’s as untouchable as everyone says.”
By the next day, the storm had fully erupted–Dean had become Twitter’s most hated figure.
Freya had lunch with Louis in the company cafeteria, then spent the whole afternoon writing. That evening, back at home for dinner, she glanced at the ongoing news about Dean’s scandal and curled her lip.
“What’s wrong? Not happy with Kendrick and the others–think they’re moving too slow?” Louis asked as he served her a piece of pork rib.
she
“No, that’s not it. I was just thinking–it’s so much easier being a man. Guys mess up, and people forgive them fast. The lucky ones even get some redemption arc, like some bad–boy comeback story where they end up on top again. But when it’s a woman who screws up, gets dragged through the mud for years. Even if she turns her life around, people still dig up her past to tear her down. It’s like she’s never allowed to forget it.”
“History remembers,” Louis replied But that’s because we lived in a patriarchal society. Things are already improving for women, and they’ll only keep getting better.
Freya scrunched up her face, clearly upset. “Being a woman is tough. You get pushed around by men, and sometimes even by other women. I mean, look at me. I’m cute now, sure, but someday I’ll be old and gray, and some younger woman might waltz in and tell me to move aside. Men can be the worst.”
Louis paused, then said thoughtfully, “Well, that’s not the end of the world.”
Freya looked horrified. “Excuse me? We live off good vibes and green juice- chaos!”
don’t do
26
Chapter 365
He poured her a glass of juice and slid it over, watching her with a smile. She looked extra charming when she got all dramatic like this.
“Then allow me to offer you this magical elixir,” he said, with a playful bow. “Made from sun- kissed fruit picked by hand on a tropical island–guaranteed to make you even more
dazzling.”
