The voices of the people who disagreed with her initially started to die down. Madeline was right; it wasn’t news that Nicholas wanted to restructure the branch companies abroad. If it weren’t because Zachary and the others, they wouldn’t have been able to keep the companies that they owned now.
“Will Nicholas really let them go if we hand over these assets, though? Is he going to fool us again like he did the last time?” someone asked timidly.
A fierce voice boomed in reply, “I dare him to!” The person who said this was Felix’s wife, Tamira. She had a ferocious look on her face as she added, “If he resorts to trickery, I’ll send someone to trash all the branch companies abroad!”
Nobody argued with her because this was another way for them to vent their anger. Madeline swept her gaze across the room, and when no one said anything against her suggestion, she announced, ‘Since we’ve come to an agreement, we’ll negotiate with Nicholas tomorrow.”
Early morning the next day, Nicholas had breakfast together with Tessa and the kids. before leaving for work. Soon after he entered his office, Edward knocked and came in. “President Sawyer, the wives of Mr. Zachary, and the others are here.”
This came as no surprise to Nicholas because he expected them to look for him when he sent Zachary and the others packing to the police station. “Tell them that I’m not free.”
“Okay.” Edward left after receiving his order and arrived at the first floor very quickly with the elevator. “Madams, I’m sorry, but President Sawyer is fully booked. Nonetheless, he has made it clear that he will do everything by the book concerning Mr. Zachary and the others.” Then, he immediately turned around and returned to his work, ignoring the shocked looks on their faces.
Madeline and the others were left on the spot with dark expressions. It had never occurred to them that Nicholas would completely disregard them. Frankly speaking, they hadn’t even planned for such a possibility.
“What are we going to do now, Madeline?” Lisa asked, turning to Madeline with a worried frown. “We can’t negotiate with Nicholas if he couldn’t even be bothered to meet us face-to- face.”
“If he doesn’t want to see us, we’ll think of a way to make him see us!” Madeline hissed through gritted teeth and brought her sisters-in- law to Dynasty Gardens.
In the living room, Tessa was a little surprised to hear from Andrew that Madeline and the others were here for a visit. Although she didn’t turn them away, she could already guess the reason that brought them here..
It looks like they want me to withdraw the charges against Uncle Zachary and the others, she thought as Andrew led the women into the room. “Hello, everyone, Tessa greeted them politely out of courtesy, but the expression on her face was stoic.
As Madeline and the others were already disgruntled because of Nicholas, they fumed with anger at the look on Tessa’s face. Still, they knew that they were the ones coming here to ask for a favor, so they restrained their temper and tried their best to appear friendly on the surface.
“Tessa, we’re here today only because we’re out of wits. I know that Zachary and the others have done you wrong, and we’re willing to make up for it. But, of course, we wouldn’t let you go on your way empty-handed. We’ll hand over the administrative rights of the branch companies in Europe to the headquarters as long as Nicholas gives the green light on their release,” Madeline began, trying to persuade Tessa as she placed all her chips on the table.
Lisa chirped in as well, ‘Furthermore, you’re alright now, aren’t you? We’re a family, after all, not enemies. Tell Nicholas to let his uncles and granduncles go, and we’ll cooperate with him on all the businesses abroad.”
Tessa was so furious by their shamelessness that she sneered, “Aunt Lisa, I simply can’t agree with what you just said. If I hadn’t tried my best to save myself back then, I might not have made it. There was a high chance I would have lost my life far before Nicholas could have rescued me along with the rescue team. Yet, you still have the gall to say that I’m alright now?” Then, she threw an icy look at Lisa.
Her glare made Lisa uneasy and ashamed at the same time, and before she could say anything, Tessa continued coldly, “As for the matter with Uncle Zachary and the others… Let’s just say that you shouldn’t hold your breath on it.” When Madeline and the others heard that, they could no longer maintain an amicable facade as they glared at her sullenly.
