Landon was looking down as he twirled his pen between his fingers.
Everyone else in the room shook their heads as they glanced scornfully at Penelope, who was causing a scene.
"Zoe was en route to the hospital for treatment when she vanished without a trace, and they have yet to locate her. I know it was you who took her!" Penelope's voice reverberated as she advanced toward Landon, pounding the table with both hands. Ignoring the presence of the board members, she continued, "Landon! Give me back my daughter!
"If you don't return her to me, I will hold a shareholder meeting and have you ousted from Harper Group! Return Zoe to me!"
Landon stopped twirling his pen. However, he still didn't look up at Penelope.
"What are you doing, Penelope?" one of the board members interjected. "Perhaps Ms. Zoe left of her own volition while the police weren't looking. If you wish to pursue this matter further, it's best addressed with law enforcement."
"Indeed," another chimed in. "This is a board meeting; personal family matters shouldn't be aired here. It reflects poorly on Harper Group."
"Personal family matter?" Penelope's eyes widened incredulously. "Are you dense? If it were your child, would you spout such callous remarks?"
The board members fell silent. In their minds, they acknowledged that Penelope hadn't exhibited such behavior when Bill was alive. Her widowhood seemed to have taken a toll on her sanity.
Landon, despite being the focal point of the conflict, had remained passive. Finally, he spoke in a composed tone, "That concludes today's meeting. You are all dismissed."
"Alright, Mr. Landon!"
Everyone got up and left the room, fleeing the tense situation like startled rabbits.
The unison of "Mr. Landon" echoing in their wake slammed into Penelope. The realization that her outburst had made her look like a buffoon was a punch to the gut. It had been nothing more than a childish tantrum.
Silence descended upon the empty meeting room. "Landon," she spat, her voice laced with barely contained fury, "did you take Zoe? Where is she?"
Landon's response was a glacial stare. His eyes, devoid of warmth, held a darkness. "Trash deserves to be discarded."
"Return Zoe to me! She is my flesh and blood!" Penelope screamed, "You've already refused to acknowledge me as your mother. Zoe is the only one I have left. Give her back to me!"
Landon silently watched as Penelope went into a frenzy.
Penelope, a woman who showered her daughter Zoe with indulgence but lacked any true parenting skills, was now a cornered tigress. For most of her life, Penelope had coasted by, sheltered and carefree. This was the first time Landon had seen such fierce protectiveness in her, and tragically, it was directed at a monster.
She emphasized how Zoe was her flesh and blood. She appeared to have forgotten that Landon was her flesh and blood too.
Penelope appeared to have overlooked the fact that it was Landon who had shouldered the family burden at a tender age since Bill's passing. Thanks to Landon, they were able to live a comfortable life within the Harper family.
Penelope revealed her true colors upon seeing Landon remain impassive. Through gritted teeth, she threatened, "You're not going to give in, are you? Fine. Then the police will hear about this! The media too!
"I'll tell them everything—how you brutalized and kidnapped your own sister! They'll condemn you, Landon! Your reputation will be shattered!"
A harsh clatter cut through her tirade. Landon had tossed his phone onto the table. A video was playing; pitiful cries filled the air.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Can’t Win Me Back novel (Alyssa and Jasper)
I am trying to figure out why an author writes one page and it is suppose to be a chapter and then the author gets the audience hooked on the story and just drags it on. Follow the rules please, and at least give the 7 chapters daily. Two chapters every other day is a waste of time. Or just release the book and give us the option to buy it....
Ughhh…can we get more pleeeease! I’m so into this book and literally check daily for updates but it’s only two pages at most. Can you at least do 4 pages a night 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽...
More chapters please the 7 chapters/day would be nice, TY...
Where can i download the remaining chapters?...
Why are we literally only getting one chapter a day?!? I mean can we at least get 4 or something? Irritating🙄...
Hello, more chapters please. It has been over 1 week since we have received 7 chapters. Thank you...
Just wonder what happened to publish 7 chap/day...
You upload shows 5/21/24 01:20, but I read these chapters 5/20/24 9:26. you can't go back with time only forward...
Come on more chapters or give me information to purchase the book. Last read these chapters yester 5/16 at 21.35. What the hell don't have to spoon feed us....
Time for this story to end it's getting boring and it's too long...