Talia
Even though David had never fully mentioned his family, the implications were clear.
In the past, every time Penelope would visit, he and his family would pander over her, caring for her with such open affection, yet any complaint from me would be shut down. They would claim I was unreasonable. After all, they were just showing platonic affection and I was overthinking things.
Under their scolding and David's care, I had even doubted myself.
I knew that they were in on David's plan. It was confirmed when whilst monitoring them, they had made contact overseas.
All this time they had known all this time of he and Penelope's relationship and supported them. Now that David was gone with her to nurture their child, they wanted to use me.
Very well then.
If Renee had exposed them it would have made things easier, but it didn't matter. Now that it was confirmed I wasn't going to hold back.
I straightened up and looked at Renee's sneering face.
SMACK!
She collapsed from the force of my slap until Ellen caught her.
“Talia! What are you doing? How dare you lay a hand on your cousin!” my father in law screamed, face red.
“Father, as an Elder I was just trying to correct Renee as my younger sister.” I smiled helplessly.
“Its not right for her to attack me, or spout strange things in her grief.”
I could see despite the shock, everyone was relieved. They believed I was still ignorant.
“You…” Renee tried to speak but she was held back with warning glances.
“Sister Renee, be careful of what you say in your grief. David was like your brother.” I said, feeling satisfied at her enraged look.
“However, I really can't accept this yet. There is still a perfectly good home waiting for you. I will help assist on other matters but that is all.”
My second refusal slurred Jackson forward. His expression grimaced as he moved towards me.
“Don’t be unreasonable. After all we've done for you...”
“All you've done for me?” I countered, daring him to say a word. He froze in place, shock written all over.
The first time I met them, they looked at me with disdain before they learned of my name. They initially acted benevolent after my marriage but soon began making demands over me.
I held myself back for David's sake, believing that he was on my side, and they thought my silence meant submission. In their eyes, they believed that I was easy to bully.
But it wasn't time to show my cards yet.
I frowned, heartbroken, letting my tears fall.
“Mother, father, Renee, I've never asked you for anything. Everything you expected of me, I did without restraint. David just died. His grave is still fresh. I'm also grieving and I still have to work for Hayes Corporation for his sake. All I need is time to put everything on track, which is why I can't take you in, yet you call me unreasonable?”
I said it loud enough that the maids, and security that were no doubt eavesdropping would hear. The family's faces paled at the sight of my tears.
Stumbling backwards as if I was dizzy, I steadied myself on a chair and shook my head.
“It's alright. Mother, Father, Renee. I'm sorry but I can't help you this time. Don't worry, I'll support you to the best of my ability and make sure you're well taken care of. But for now you'll have to leave this place.”
“You-”
Before any of them could retort I had already signalled the security to come and take them and their luggage away. They struggled against them looking stunned and angry.
“Unfilial child. Let me go!”
I didn't bother looking at them amidst their screams. Clair soon came to support me before I collapsed. As soon as the doors closed for good, I carefully stepped out of the living room, stumbling.
In the face of the servants present, I dragged myself tiredly back to my room with grief in my eyes.
The door shut and I tore away my pretenses, straightening back to normal.
“They won't let this go easily Ma'am.” she said anxiously.
I smirked, looking from the window at the last sight of them being forcefully driven away.
“It doesn't matter,” I said coldly, “Retrieve the footage in the living room for me later.”
“Yes Ma'am.”
After dismissing her, I called Jason again.
“What is the progress?”
“Its already progressing. We've withdrawn about 80% of all of your investments funds and spoken to most of the other companies. Hayes Corporation will soon be receiving notifications of cancelled projects.”
“Good.” I muttered, “And what of Weston Corporation?”
“We are already contacting several Partners as we speak. They're all willing to work with us but they want to speak with you first."
“I'll send a few extra contacts to you. Tread slowly with them and win them over.” I said. The call quickly ended.
I had already feigned enough grief to garner in the face of several potential partners during the funeral, receiving several contacts in the process.
Better yet, my family's former partners I had never lost contact with, some of whom I contacted to aid in Hayes Corporation once, were still ready to join me. With their lifelong debts and loyalty to my parents, I was at an advantage.
But sympathy and sentiment wouldn't win confidence. Ability did.
It would be easier to walk away and watch them crumble but that wasn't my goal. I still had something to do with Hayes Corporation.
And soon, I would make sure everyone was aware of who the real mastermind behind Hayes success was.
