The Scorned Heiress: No More Mercy novel Chapter 296

"Jake, other than the lip-syncing, I was framed for everything else! And the lip-syncing was the company's idea anyway. I was just following orders," Jade says, her eyes welling with fresh tears.

She pouts perfectly, painting herself as the ultimate victim. Internally, she is screaming. She wants to rip Jake's mouth shut and slap him until he snaps out of it. What is wrong with him? He used to shield her from everything. Why is he suddenly targeting and mocking her at every turn?

Jade figures the immense pressure from the Board of Directors has cracked him, and he is just using her as a punching bag. She decides she just needs to find the right moment to lure him back into her corner.

"Enough. Stop arguing," Charles commands. "Jake, handle the arrangements. Set a time for Jade to issue a public apology to both of them. As for you, Jade, you are taking a break from the entertainment industry. Once the storm passes, you can make a comeback. In the meantime, I need help at headquarters. You're coming to work for me."

This is Charles's true agenda. For days, Jovani has been weeping in his ear, complaining that her daughter is being bullied and denied corporate opportunities. Jovani even accused him of favoring his biological daughter over Jade. Fueled by guilt, Charles is using this crisis to quietly slide Jade into the Dennis Group's inner circle.

"You're bringing Jade into the Dennis Group?" Deanna asks, surprised. "Will she be able to handle it?"

She isn't doubting Jade's intelligence; she just hates the idea of her precious daughter suffering through a mundane nine-to-five corporate grind. She knows Jade's true passion is acting. Jade loves the spotlight, even if she is just playing minor roles.

Those rigid old investors already despise Jade because of the scandal. If Charles forces her in, it won't be an easy transition.

"Who cares what they think? You and I are the largest shareholders, and I am the Chairman. I make the rules," Charles declares arrogantly. "There will be grumbling at first, but once she delivers results, no one will dare say a word."

The corporate world is cutthroat. There are no permanent enemies, only permanent interests. As long as Jade generates profit, the board will shut up. And Charles already has a secret plan to ensure she succeeds.