Filed to story: My Husband Regrets Divorcing Me (Audrey & Cornell)
“Why thank me? You’re carrying Cornell’s baby. If Cornell dares to deny you, he’ll have me to answer to!” Luciana said, seemingly on Katie’s side.
Katie felt reassured by Luciana’s growing support, hanging on to every word, and silently thanked the fortune-teller she had arranged for this turnaround.
Luciana went on, “But Katie, Cornell has always denied being the father of your baby. When did you two become involved? Can you tell me about it?”
Katie was taken aback for a moment, lapsing into silence.
Luciana said earnestly, “Katie, I do trust you without any doubts, but Cornell is adamant that nothing happened between you two. He insists he’s not involved with you at all. It’s quite perplexing. I’m struggling to understand who’s mistaken here…”
“Luciana, I swear I haven’t lied to you!” Katie added emphatically, “This child is Cornell’s, without a doubt!”
The conversation reached an impasse as Luciana pondered aloud, “With both of you so firm in your stances, I want to support you, but I’m at a loss without even knowing how far along you are…”
“I’m three and a half months pregnant!” Katie let slip before she could stop herself and instantly regretted revealing this so soon.
She had intended to keep this under wraps a bit Longer.
To Katie’s relief, Luciana reacted positively. “Katie, I knew you wouldn’t deceive me. You’ve always been trustworthy. You have my full backing!”
Feeling a wave of relief, Katie voiced a plea, “Luciana, please keep the month of my pregnancy between us for now. I’m concerned Cornell might press for drastic measures if he finds out too soon.”
“You have my word. I won’t bring it up,” Luciana reassured Katie, her voice firm with conviction. “Cornell wouldn’t dare. If he tries anything, I’ll stand against him!”
Katie responded with a thankful smile, “Thank you, Luciana.”
Katie then switched topics, showing concern for Luciana’s wellbeing.
“How’s your migraine been? You might be running low on medication. Shall I bring you some more?”
“That would be wonderful, my dear. I was just thinking I needed more.”
Luciana seemingly appreciated the gesture.
“I’ll bring it over tomorrow.” Katie concluded the call, barely concealing her triumphant smile. With Luciana on her side, she felt confident in her marrying Cornell. It seemed to her that Cornell was cornered, with no escape available.
In the Clement Group, the internal investigation took a pivotal turn as they unveiled their key evidence, meticulously documenting every transaction Cornell had authorized, suggesting a conflict of interest with the Glyn Group.
Cornell faced the allegations with a composed silence, even as the investigation suggested his withdrawal from the Eastern Garden project was driven by personal vendettas and romantic entanglements rather than business acumen.
Cornell’s response was marked by a stoic calm, refraining from justifying his actions or countering the claims made against him.
The drama escalated as Alexis stepped forward, feigning regret over the unfolding events while simultaneously shining a Light on Henley’s contributions to the Clement Group.
The underlying motive behind Alexis’ actions was transparent, yet Henley’s achievements, despite being commendable, could not eclipse the legacy of success Cornell had established at the Clement Group.
While the accusations appeared grave, they did little to shake the financial stability of the Clement Group, leaving the shareholders in a state of uncertainty about demanding Cornell’s resignation.
Sensing the need to sway the opinion decisively, Alexis introduced a dramatic twist. “Gentlemen, there’s an additional revelation that demands our attention, a handwritten letter from our founder, Kyler Clement.”
The atmosphere tensed immediately, recognizing the significant weight Kyler’s words would carry, even posthumously.
Alexis produced a letter, solemnly declaring it contained Kyler’s will that Henley be formally recognized as a member of the Clement lineage after a three-year period of mourning, renamed as Henley Clement.
This announcement sent shockwaves through the room. Kyler’s personal endorsement of Henley had the power to influence the traditionalists within the company.
Some senior shareholders, who had been vocally critical and had always seen Cornell as the rightful heir, looked at Henley with skepticism.
Yet, the unveiling of this letter visibly altered the dynamics, even Henley’s demeanor shifted, reflecting the significance of this moment for him. Henley had long awaited such recognition, and with it, he planned to slowly take control of the Clement Group and remove Cornell from its legacy entirely.
Alexis couldn’t contain his inward glee at the shareholders’ reaction.
He was convinced that with a bit of time, the company and its stakeholders would adapt to this news, signaling Cornell’s inevitable downfall.
Strategically positioning himself as the voice of reason, Alexis proposed, “I believe I’ve made my point. It’s not my place to sway your judgment further. Let’s meet again in three days and decide based on a collective reflection.”
Alexis’ suggestion was a calculated maneuver, designed to corner Cornell into a position of vulnerability, especially with Katie and Luciana adding to his pressure.
Cornell remained stoic, his face a mask of impassivity, as the room’s atmosphere grew cold with tension.
The once-hidden fissures within the Clement family were now exposed, compelling the shareholders to declare their allegiances. Alexis’ move was clearly aimed at the convincing undecided.
Witnessing the shift in the room’s sentiment buoyed Alexis’ confidence. With a he concluded the “We commanding tone, meeting shall adjourn for now.”
As everyone began to stand up, Cornell’s voice halted everyone in their tracks. “Wait a moment.”
The authority in Cornell’s tone was undeniable, prompting everyone to swiftly resume their seats, a reflexive response to his leadership.
Alexis, curious, wondered what Cornell was poised to reveal.
Cornell, with an icy demeanor, inquired, “Is that everything?”
Alexis confidently responded, “Yeah.”
“Then, I have a few things to add Cornell announced, his finger rhythmically tapping on the table, signaling the entrance of Matteo along with several individuals.”
Alexis’ smug expression faded instantly, replaced by concern as he turned to Cornell, his tone laced with accusation. “What are you scheming?”
Cornell, nonchalantly spinning a pen, retorted without even granting Alexis a glance, “I believe you’re acquainted with these gentlemen.”
Alexis hastily refuted, “I don’t recognize them!”
But one of the newcomers contradicted, “How could you forget me, Alexis? Weren’t you the one who referred us to Miss Glyn for the Clement Group projects? You assured us she could guarantee our success in securing bids.”
Another added, “Right! That’s what you told us!”
Alexis paled, vehemently denying, “That’s absurd. I’ve never met any of you, never!”
However, another voice joined the chorus, challenging Alexis’ denial.
“But, Alexis, you introduced me to Miss Glyn at the Ardlens International Charity Gala two years ago. Why deny it now? Mr. Hammond from the Prosperous Group was present. He witnessed your introduction. You can’t refute that!”
Reluctant to admit it, the man found himself cornered. To deny these allegations would risk significant credibility and financial repercussions. Moreover, Cornell’s move, though aggressive, wasn’t compelling him toward any unlawful admissions but rather to acknowledge the truth.
The room buzzed with murmurs and speculation as the shareholders absorbed the unfolding drama.
Alexis, now visibly shaken and enraged, accused Cornell of betrayal, “You conniving little snake! You’re setting me up!”
Alexis, seething with anger, lashed out with the metal corner of the folder in his hand, aiming it straight at Cornell.
This move caught everyone off guard.
Cornell dodged smoothly, just tilting his head at the right moment.
Without missing a beat, Matteo sprang into action, grabbing Alexis’ arms and twisting them behind his back, then pinning him against the table.
Caught in a tight grip, Alexis exploded in rage, yelling at Cornell, “You ungrateful brat, thinking of killing your own dad? I regret ever raising you, you disgraceful creature!”
The room went silent as the shareholders watched, their expressions turning dark. Hearing Alexis lash out at his own son with foul words was too much, and it only made Alexis look more guilty.
Henley quickly intervened, urging in a low voice, “Dad, let’s not do anything we’ll regret!”
That was when Alexis caught himself, realizing he almost walked right into the trap set for him. If he denied all accusations, who could lay a finger on him?
Seeing Alexis regain his composure, Henley turned his frustration toward Matteo, reprimanding, “Why are you disrespecting a director like this!”
Matteo ignored Henley, his hold on Alexis unyielding.
Henley, visibly upset, clenched and unclenched his fists, trying to regain his calm. He then addressed Cornell directly, “Cornell, what’s going on? He’s our dad. Acting this way could turn the shareholders against us.”
Henley stressed “our dad” to get under Cornell’s skin, twisting the story to make it look as though Matteo’s protective move was Cornell’s display of disrespect for Alexis. Such an accusation was a serious charge.
Cornell’s lips curled into a slight smirk, his eyes dancing with sarcasm. “Matteo, let’s show the shareholders what my dad has up his sleeve, shall we?”
Matteo then stepped back, cueing up the presentation on the large screen.
Before long, Alexis’ voice filled the room. “Mr. Douglas, Mr. Potter, Mr. Faulkner, if you back my son Henley and help him rise to power, you’ll have your pick of our projects. We’ll go seventy-thirty on the profits.”
Those three gentlemen Alexis addressed to didn’t seem keen. The Clement Group had a history of going twenty-eight, making the seventy-thirty split less appealing, especially with the risk of crossing Cornell.
They knew what Cornell was capable of. His competence was not to be underestimated.
Alexis, seemingly unfazed, continued to leisurely pour himself a drink. “You’ll get seventy, and the Clement Group gets thirty.”
“What? Seriously?” Those three were astounded. Usually, the Clement Group would take an eighty-twenty split in their favor.
Given the quality and reliable payments from the Clement Group’s projects, even a twenty percent share was highly coveted.
Securing final payments was notoriously tough these days. A high profit share didn’t mean much if one couldn’t get that final paycheck.
But Alexis’ proposal was unexpectedly generous. They didn’t hesitate to accept.