The Scorned Heiress: No More Mercy novel Chapter 317

The shrill ringtone shatters the budding realization in Jake's mind.

He glances at the caller ID, his frown deepening, and steps out to take it. Seeing his expression, Alec and Nikolai instantly know what is going on. After living together for over two decades, they easily recognize the look that means trouble at Dennis Group HQ.

They drop the argument and turn their full attention back to comforting Jade.

Meanwhile, taking the call from his father, Jake rushes straight to Dennis Group HQ. Although he is poised to take over the Dennis empire, his position isn't official, and it can be revoked at any moment. As a result, he isn't permanently stationed at HQ, instead bouncing between subsidiaries and branches. Lately, not only has he failed to bring in significant profits, but the scandals surrounding Dennis Media and Jade have smeared his reputation.

Every time he thinks about it, regret gnaws at him. If he had known things would spiral this far out of control, he never would have impulsively founded Dennis Media just to indulge Jade.

Jake arrives at HQ shortly after. The executives and shareholders are already in the middle of a board meeting, and the main topic on the table is the unmitigated disaster that is Dennis Media and Jade. The moment he steps into the boardroom, dozens of eyes lock onto him. The pressure is suffocating.

"Jake, you finally decided to show up. We assumed you washed your hands of this mess."

Charles sits there with a face like thunder, clearly exhausted and enraged by the endless string of scandals. If Jake tries to play the victim now, he will just be digging his own grave.

Bracing himself, Jake faces the room. "Gentlemen, I know there is significant frustration regarding the frequent board meetings and the current state of Dennis Media. As the legal representative of the media branch, I admit that the losses and negative press brought to HQ are a direct result of my poor management. But I ask for a little more time. I promise to handle this properly and give everyone a satisfactory resolution."

Out of options, Jake falls back on corporate double-speak, desperately trying to pacify the furious board.