Chapter 687
Chapter 687:
A faint, mocking curve touched Gabriela’s lips; she didn’t even waste words on Beverley.
The composure on her face only deepened Beverley’s irritation. “Do you even understand what one percent of these shares means p>
Simply put, a single percent of Howard Group’s shares was worth more than the total revenue of a hundred Haynes Groups. The Howard Group’s global chain stores represented only a fraction of its vast empire.
Gabriela gave a slight nod. “I understand, but that doesn’t interest me p>
𝖱𝖾𝗮𝗱 wіtho𝘂t і𝘯𝘁𝖾𝗿𝗋𝘂𝘱𝗍𝘪𝗈ոs оn
Both Beverley and Alberto saw her response as nothing but arrogance.
With measured persistence, Beverley pressed on. “In addition to these shares, you can return to the Howard family. A press conference will be held to officially acknowledge who you are p>
Gabriela cut her off sharply. “That won’t be necessary p>
She bristled at Beverley’s lofty tone, finding it unbearably patronizing. If it weren’t for not wanting to offend Beverley, Gabriela would have shown her the door already.
Gabriela kept her tone firm as she spoke. “In a society governed by law, Lauren broke it, so she must accept the consequences. I only wish to resolve this quietly, but if you force my hand, I have far harsher options p>
She rose smoothly from her seat and added, “Mrs. Howard, I have other matters to see to. I won’t be walking you out p>
Beverley bristled, her posture turning rigid.
Even Roger was careful to offer her courtesy, yet Gabriela dared to dismiss her outright.
The slight made her chest burn with indignation.
Her voice edged with anger, she snapped, “Dustin’s already been given ten years behind bars. Isn’t that enough for you? You are also a Howard—our fortunes rise and fall together. If you choose to stir up a storm inside the Howard family now, it will be much harder for you to return later p>
“Let’s get one thing straight.” Gabriela’s tone stayed flat, each word landing like ice. “Dustin committed a crime, and ten years is exactly the sentence he earned. My feelings don’t change that p>
“Lauren broke the law too, and whatever punishment comes her way is the result of her own actions. If the Howard family wants to throw blame on me, then so be it—there’s nothing I can do to change their minds p>
Her gaze fixed firmly on Beverley as she added, “And don’t forget—I’m not a Howard. I’m a Haynes p>
Beverley faltered under Gabriela’s unwavering, resolute gaze, a flush of uncharacteristic embarrassment creeping across her face.
The exchange hit a wall, and pride kept her from pressing further.
Rising sharply, she spoke in a clipped, icy tone. “Gabriela, you’d better think twice—there’s no undoing this choice p>
Gabriela, unwilling to waste another breath, simply escorted them out with composed detachment.
Once beyond the gates of Rosemont Gardens, Beverley’s features hardened, sourness etched deep into her face. For years, she had basked in deference. No one had ever dared defy her—until now.
Gabriela—a woman who brushed off her authority and offered not a shred of respect—made Beverley’s temper flare.
Alberto leaned in quickly, murmuring to calm her, “She has no idea what influence and power the Howard family truly wields. Don’t take her words to heart p>
Forcing herself to inhale deeply, Beverley steadied her breath.
With her voice edged in frost, she said, “We’re leaving p>
This meeting was intended as a gesture of reconciliation. If Gabriela had agreed, the whole affair could have closed on a pleasant note.
But if Gabriela refused to value it…
Beverley, once a woman who commanded fear, dismissed Gabriela as a problem she could solve effortlessly.