Too Late to Hold Me Back novel Chapter 474

Lacey continued to ramble cheerfully as she hurried back to the dining room to set down the dishes she had painstakingly prepared.

But as she laid out the silverware, the heavy, suffocating silence of the house finally began to register. Something was deeply wrong. The atmosphere was incredibly eerie.

"Did something happen? Was Mara's first day as Acting CEO too stressful? Did the board give her a hard time?

Adrian, say something. You're scaring me. Fiona, what is going on?"

Before Fiona or Adrian could answer, Mara descended the sweeping staircase, dressed in sleek loungewear.

"Yes, something happened. The shareholders are refusing to recognize me as the Acting CEO because I don't hold enough equity to command any real authority."

Mara locked eyes with Lacey. "Tell me, my dearest mother... I'm struggling so much right now. Are you still refusing to hand over all of your shares to me?"

Lacey blinked, entirely taken aback. The biting sarcasm in Mara's tone was unmistakable.

She rationalized that Mara was simply stressed from the board meeting and decided to compromise.

"Oh, baby, don't be upset. I can transfer another five percent to you..."

"Why only five percent? Why won't you give me everything? Are you holding out on me?

It seems your love isn't so unconditional after all.

Since you're not sincere, whatever I do to you next is perfectly justified."

Mara walked over to the plush velvet sofa and sat down right between Adrian and Fiona. The three of them sat shoulder-to-shoulder, their eyes locking onto Lacey in eerie, synchronized disdain.

After a long, agonizing moment, Fiona tilted her head and looked at Adrian.

"I changed my mind.

Keeping her around the house might actually be useful."

"Fiona, what are you—"

Adrian's voice was instantly cut off by Fiona.

Dinner is served, so go pack your things from the master bedroom.

Out of respect for the old days, we won't throw you in the staff quarters.

You can stay in... well, you can stay in Mira's old room.

If you work hard and keep your mouth shut, you'll have a roof over your head and food to eat.

Now get moving. Stop wasting time and go pack.

We won't work you to the bone. If you finish your chores early, you can get some sleep.

Come on, Fiona, Mara. Let's eat."

Adrian stood up, taking Fiona by one hand and Mara by the other, leading them toward the dining room.

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