At Yuri’s words, Phillip released a cold scoff. “Come now, Yuri, if you’re going to make excuses, don’t just spin something that blatant. Think of the Lewis Clan’s status! Do you seriously think they’d give some trash like Baron the time of day?”
“You don’t have to believe me,” Yuri said icily.
Tracy was beginning to see red. It hadn’t even been a week since the clan banished them, and they were already back to rip them off some more.
“See, Granddad says that if you’d just hand over the gifts the Lewis Clan gave you, you’ll be let back into the clan,” Phillip said, suddenly all smiles.
“Mr. Perry really said that?” Sherry was overjoyed.
If it had only been a few days prior, she would have taken the opportunity to put Phillip in his place – but the truth had come out last night. Although the gifts from the Lewis Clan were indeed in her hands, if Baron so wished it, he could have it all taken away, leaving her with nothing.
Phillip snorted disdainfully. “Granddad said so himself. Would he lie? Of course, we’d still need you to hand over those million-dollar betrothal gifts, but if Granddad’s happy with them, he might even hand over the position of head of the clan to Terry himself. You’ve got only a little to lose and a lot to gain, you know.”
Phillip didn’t even blush as he promised the world. He’d gone and slammed the seat of the clan head right down on the bargaining table, just like that – lighting a fire under Sherry’s ego.
“And if we refuse?” Yuri, at least, remained resolute.
“Shut up!” Sherry hissed.
Yuri’s face showed only disappointment. “Mom, did you forget how they expelled us without a second thought? Or how Big Sis begged them until she collapsed? They’re only crawling back now that they’re in trouble. Do you really think they’ll let us back in after a few favors?”
Tracy, too, was thoroughly disappointed in her mother. With her eyes still red, she said, “Those things belong to Baron, Mom. You’ve got no right to dispose of them on your own.”
“See here, Sherry, I know you’re the boss of this family. Seeing as Tracy and Yuri seem to be against this arrangement, you should take a stand and make a decision. This is your one chance to make it back to the clan. If the clan makes it through this crisis without you lifting a finger, any hopes of you returning to the fold is gone, dashed to pieces.” Ever the con artist, Phillip’s words wormed their way into Sherry’s ear, and she began to waver.
“I respect my daughters’ wishes. There’s no way I can return to the Perry Clan at this point.” Terry had long since given up on the clan.
After all, he’d never had any blood relation with Henry. It was his mother who’d taken him with her when he was still very young. All this time, Henry had never treated him as a member of the family. He never even let him into clan-managed companies.
“Terry, what are you talking about? This is our only chance to go back...”
Before Sherry could finish, Terry spat, “And what are you talking about? You still want to slink back to them after seeing how they humiliated our daughter? Then go back on your own!”
Terry’s face was dark with rage. He’d always been even-tempered not because he was a coward, but because he wanted a peaceful family life rather than arguing with his wife over every little thing. But this wasn’t “every little thing” anymore. After toeing it day after day for her personal gain, she’d finally crossed the line.
Sherry froze. The husband who’d never talked back to her, never raised a hand to her, had just yelled at her.
After a long pause, she snapped, released a loud wail, and sobbed, “I can’t stay in this house anymore! I want a divorce!”
“Fine, get one, you think I care?” Terry said harshly.
“Look, enough of this mummer’s farce. Someone just tell me if you’re handing over the betrothal gifts or not. I don’t have time to watch your little show,” Phillip smirked, watching the couple’s argument unfold like a theater performance.
“Get out!”
Terry bellowed, “Get out this instant! I’m out of fucks to give for the Perry Clan!”
As he shouted, he picked up a broom lying against the wall and swung it at Phillip.
Phillip simply cocked an eyebrow. Two security guards behind him rushed forward, took Terry’s flanks, and slammed him to the ground.
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