Chapter 766
766:
“Just say what you need to say,” Brenna urged.
Rosie finally said, “Maxley’s investigation uncovered that Jeffrey, his younger brother, is the one targeting the Harper family and Ethan. Maxley is his biggest rival, and he wants to use the Harper family and Ethan to eliminate Maxley. We didn’t go after you. Maxley has evidence and wants to share it with Ethan in person.”
Brenna glanced at Ethan. “Go talk to him yourself.”
Rosie’s voice tightened with frustration. “Don’t you get it? Ethan refuses to see me or Maxley. Do you think I would be here if I could just approach him? I can’t even get close to him!”
“He’s already aware of the situation,” Brenna replied icily. “Or do you think you and Maxley would still be breathing? Now, say sorry to Lilith.”
“Absolutely not!” Rosie snapped, thinking she had nothing more to say, and turned to walk away.
Brenna swiftly stepped in her path to stop her. “Apologize! You have belittled everyone—when you were at the Harper estate, you constantly berated the staff; at your company, you humiliate your employees daily. They’re on your payroll, so we can’t intervene. But Lilith hasn’t wronged you, yet you insulted her today. Apologize, or you’re not leaving.”
Rosie fumed, noticing the crowd’s judgmental stares, which resurfaced memories she had tried to suppress. But she still didn’t want to apologize to someone she viewed as inferior. “What’s your problem? Was I wrong? She and—”
Before she could finish, Brenna slapped her without hesitation. “As long as Ernst and his parents approve of her, that’s enough. Ernst’s choice to marry her doesn’t need your blessing or anyone else’s. You’re irrelevant to us. Apologize. Now.”
No one defended Rosie. The Harper family held immense sway in the region, and many in the crowd, often eager to win their favor, had endured Rosie’s subtle slights before. They relished seeing her humbled.
“Get on with it,” Brenna demanded.
“And what if I refuse?” Rosie asked.
“Then the Harper Group and the Mitchell Group will sever all ties with you and Maxley,” Brenna said, knowing Rosie’s overseas ventures couldn’t survive a combined boycott from both groups.
Rosie caved. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said those things. I have no place meddling in Miss Richardson’s relationship with Ernst.” With that, she left.
Ernst and Ethan approached, having witnessed Brenna’s defense of Lilith. Ernst took Lilith’s hand and then turned to Brenna. “Brenna, thank you for standing up for Lilith today.”
The donation ceremony commenced, with Shirie’s four major families making substantial pledges. Ethan led with a staggering five billion, followed by the Harper…
The Group and the Russell Corporation pledged one billion each, while the Wagner Group contributed one hundred million.
Later, Ethan stepped out of the restroom and lit a cigarette in the lounge, gazing at the night through the window. The sound of high heels approached.
Assuming it was someone seeking a quiet moment, he didn’t turn.
“Ethan…” a sweet, familiar female voice called out.
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.
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