Another uncle spoke even more bluntly. “Do not be afraid, Lucinda! She will never have the nerve to do anything that truly harms you! Your aunt foresaw this long ago! You only need to wait!”

Meanwhile, the family group chat surged with heated messages.

“Lucinda, steady yourself! Closing the store is no different from lifting a rock only to drop it on her own feet!”

“Exactly! Procurement, production, and sales, aren’t these all managed by our people? If she dares close the store, those goods will simply rot away in the warehouse.”

“Let her shut it down! We shall see how long she can keep it closed! Without our consent, she cannot produce so much as a single thread!”

“Your aunt instructed us to cause her some trouble! It is time she learned who truly controls ‘Sweetberry’!”

As the impassioned, indignant voices echoed through the call and the group chat bristled with bold and taunting words, Lucinda’s lips curved into a defiant smile.

Indeed, what reason did she have to be afraid? That arrogant young woman could accomplish nothing without their cooperation and would only end up disgracing herself!

By striking at her, Rylie was undermining the very backbone of the Garrett family’s control over “Sweetberry”. Without these so-called “elders”, the entire brand would crumble at once! Who would purchase the piled-up stock? Who would oversee the stores? Which suppliers or distributors would acknowledge Rylie’s authority?

Even as a daughter of privilege, she remained nothing more than an inexperienced outsider!

When the call ended, Lucinda cast one last glance at the shuttered entrance and the bold closure notice. The fear in her eyes had vanished, leaving only cold calculations and the exhilaration of looming vengeance.

At the same time, Rylie returned to Melany’s home with her. As their car passed through the family farm, a striking black SUV stood out in front of the house. Melany, both surprised and pleased, said, “Mr. Morgan is here as well, what a pleasant surprise.”

She gave Rylie a mischievous glance and lowered her voice. “Nobody at school mentions Zaylee and Mr. Morgan anymore. He cleared everything up himself, and once her lies came out, everyone turned against her. They despise her even more for the way she treated her mother.”

Rylie removed her helmet and set the motorcycle in place. “Is she still in Crolens?”

“She suddenly asked for leave a couple of days ago. Her father showed up at school, stirred up trouble, and she hasn’t returned since.” Melany hesitated then added, “I don’t think her father’s a decent man. He’s got a menacing presence.”

Rylie stepped inside with Melany, giving only a cold remark. “She could have used Brad’s grandfather’s gratitude to rewrite her fate, but her greed outstripped her talent. Foolish as stone, she wasted the favor earned through her grandmother’s sweat and blood.”

Inside, Brad sat casually on the sofa, shirt sleeves rolled, black slacks neat, his posture leaning forward over a document spread across the table. Opposite him, Dottie sat looking deeply troubled, her brows knit tight.

Both lifted their heads at the sound of the door. Dottie’s expression shifted instantly, her eyes brightening as relief washed over her. She clapped her hands together and rose quickly, exclaiming, “Miss Owen, just in time! I’ve been at a loss with this, and now that you’re here, I can finally ask for your counsel.”

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