Chapter 8
Meanwhile, due to Jasper’s mental decline, the Thornwood family scandals were exaggerated and widely reported.
Thornwood Group stocks plummeted.
“Vi, Dad knows what happened to you. Would you like to come back?”
By now, the Reynolds family had a new leader.
But what no one knew was that after the previous Reynolds CEO stepped down, a woman would take over.
At Meridian Restaurant, arranged by the vice president, I agreed to this business dinner.
Before reaching the private room, I heard familiar voices arguing inside.
“What’s so shameful about it? You and Vivienne aren’t divorced, so the Reynolds family is still our in–laws!”
“Besides, if their daughter hadn’t tried to kill herself and exposed all this dirty laundry, would we be groveling to them for help?”
“Now that your father–in–law has stepped down, the new successor should be your brother–in–law, Trent Reynolds. Just sweet–talk him a bit–it’s only a finger lift for the Reynolds family!”
What an unfortunate coincidence.
They didn’t know that my brother Trent Reynolds never intended to take over the family business.
If Jasper hadn’t been so fickle, the Thornwood and Reynolds enterprises would already have merged into an industry powerhouse!
“In–laws, long time no see.” I pushed open the door with poise.
The Thornwood couple looked as if they’d seen a ghost, their expressions changing dramatically.
“You… your legs!”
“Are you human or ghost?”
“Isn’t the Reynolds family head Trent Reynolds? How could it be you?”
Jasper, however, was overjoyed. In a few strides, he embraced my waist. “Vivienne, I knew you weren’t dead!”
I said nothing, but he remained absorbed in his grief. “Why didn’t you come back to me? Do you know how long I’ve been searching for you?”
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My CEO Husband Killed Our Baby… Guess Who’s Back?!
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Chapter 8
The entire private room seemed to echo only with Jasper’s joy at finding me again.
Mr. Thornwood gave a slight snort, finally looking at me arrogantly.
“Now that Vivienne is back, family matters should stay within the family.”
His words were pompous. “The Thornwood family is facing difficulties. You should ask your brother to help us out!”
I don’t know how this old man had the nerve to say such things.
I spoke, unhesitatingly shattering their calculations: “The Reynolds family is now under my leadership.”
“When I was presumed dead, not a single person in the Thornwood family mourned me. Now that I’m back, why should the Reynolds family help you?”
My once gentle personality had become assertive, leaving the three of them looking at each other in silence.
Just then, the private room door opened again.
“Mrs. Thornwood, Mr. Thornwood is inside.”
Vanessa’s coquettish voice came through. “Jasper, why didn’t you tell me you were coming to Meridian? I could have joined you!”
Her attire and appearance were completely different from her previously modest doctor image. Now she exuded an aura of wealth from head to toe.
I showed my contempt. “So this is what you mean by ‘family‘?”
‘I wasn’t aware that the Thornwood family now embraces the tradition of keeping mistresses?”
My gaze shifted to Mr. Thornwood. “Like father, like son, I suppose.”
That look made Mr. Thornwood fume with anger.
The next second, Vanessa let out a shriek: “Vivienne Reynolds?”
You… you’re not dead?”
Before she finished, Jasper showed her no courtesy, barking: “Get out now!”
When she didn’t move, Jasper immediately explained to me.
‘Sweetheart, don’t misunderstand. There’s nothing between us. She’s staying at the Thornwood estate only because t’s convenient for Carson’s care, nothing more.”
That much I believed.
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My CEO Husband Killed Our Baby… Guess Who’s Back?!
Chapter 8
Mrs. Thornwood lowered herself, reluctantly moving closer. “Vivienne, no matter what’s happened, we’re still family. You can’t just stand by and watch us sink.”
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