Filed to story: My Husband Regrets Divorcing Me (Audrey & Cornell)
At that moment, Alexis felt dwarfed by Cornell’s authority, recognizing that the balance of power had shifted profoundly in favor of Cornell, who stood before him not as the young lad he once belittled but as a formidable adversary.
Cornell then stated, “In case some of you might not fully grasp the significance of Beuford’s position, let me make it clear. To my grandfather, Beuford was much more than a butler.”
Alexis, already simmering with anger from the unexpected confrontation, found himself at a loss for words, dwarfed by Cornell’s imposing presence.
Cornell elaborated on the depth of Beuford’s loyalty and bravery. “In times of danger, it was Beuford who stood between my grandfather and harm, enduring wounds in his stead. My grandfather himself regarded Beuford not just as a loyal aide but as a brother, in both life and peril.”
This narrative, familiar to the elder shareholders of the company, underscored the deep bond Kyler and Beuford shared, highlighting Alexis’ disrespectful treatment of someone his father esteemed as family.
This revelation caused a stir among the shareholders, leading to whispers and glances that left Alexis exposed and humiliated, his prior contempt now turned against him.
Cornell, seizing the moment, said to Alexis, “Let’s see that letter from my grandfather you mentioned. Why not show it to us?”
Cornered, Alexis found himself between a rock and a hard place. His refusal to reveal the letter would imply culpability. In a desperate bid to evade scrutiny, he dramatically shoved the letter into his mouth, feigning a breakdown while accusing, “You’re all trying to corner me to death! If you mistrust your own dad to this extent, no evidence will ever satisfy you!”
In his haste, Alexis sought to cast himself as the wronged party, but the dry paper proved difficult for him, a man used to the finer things, to swallow.
As Alexis struggled, Matteo acted swiftly, applying pressure to a specific point on Alexis’ neck, which led Alexis to cough up the letter.
Matteo secured the letter before Alexis could make another attempt at its destruction.
A brief inspection by Beuford was enough for him to declare, “This is not penned by Kyler!”
The room buzzed with disbelief and indignation at the lengths to which Alexis would stoop, fabricating even Kyler’s handwriting in his scheme.
In response to Beuford’s conclusion, Alexis snapped, “What do you know with those eyes of yours? How can you claim it’s a forgery? You’re merely Cornell’s pawn in this charade!”
Yet, Beuford remained unruffled, advising Cornell, “Let’s compare this letter with known samples of Mr. Kyler Clement’s handwriting.”
Following Cornell’s directions, both the questioned letter and authentic samples of Kyler’s handwriting were projected for all to see.
Alexis, scrutinizing the comparison and finding the forgeries indistinguishable to the untrained eye, gloated. “See, even you must admit your mistake. They’re perfectly matched.”
Alexis had invested heavily in the forgery, confident in the forger’s promise of an undetectable imitation. And indeed, at first glance, the duplication seemed flawless, leaving the shareholders in a state of confusion.
The question hung in the air. Could this truly be a fake, when it mirrored Kyler’s handwriting so precisely?
Beuford gently touched his beard, “Its exact likeness is the reason I declared it fake.”
Alexis responded, “Keep making things up. I can’t wait to see how you will twist this story!”
“Mr. Kyler Clement wrote the manuscript, copying his grandfather’s handwriting. He even added a handwritten note at the end to say it’s an imitation. But you, in your careless attempt at forgery, didn’t even bother to look at the last page. You just picked out bits and pieces to replicate.” Beuford flipped to the final page, announcing, “Here lies the genuine work of Mr. Kyler Clement!”
Kyler’s genuine signature radiated a commanding presence. It was vastly superior from what had been presented before.
Alexis was speechless. He never expected his scheme would come back to bite him with a copy made by Kyler himself. He muttered in disbelief, “This can’t be!”
“Mr. Alexis Clement, being Mr. Kyler Clement’s son, it’s shocking that you fail to recognize your own father’s script after all these years!”
Beuford’s face was stern, as cold as the timeless forests on a mountain peak. “What a disappointment you are.”
Alexis’ failure as a son was evident, explaining Kyler’s preference for Cornell and sending Alexis overseas. Without integrity, a man could not stand proud. Kyler’s discerning eye had spotted Alexis’ shortcomings.
“This can’t be!” In a fit of anger, Alexis charged at Beuford, choking the latter while shouting, “You cunning old man! You’re after me, aren’t you?”
Alexis had completely lost his bearings. With his good name ruined, he had nothing left.
Without wasting a second, Cornell jumped in, shoving Alexis aside with all his might.
Alexis fell to the floor, groaning in pain.
“Did you catch that?” Alexis growled at his guard, who had failed to act.
Alexis’ bodyguard nodded, quickly concealing his phone.
Gloating, Alexis boasted, “How dare you lay a hand on your father, you ungrateful child? I’ll let everyone know what a disloyal son the prestigious leader of the Clement Group is!”
Everyone around was left speechless. They were shocked by Alexis’ audacity.
Right then, Beuford suggested, “Mr. Cornell Clement, may I speak with Mr. Alexis Clement in private?”
Cornell agreed, understanding Beuford’s wish to deal with family issues away from public eyes. With Alexis acting irrationally, it was best to avoid giving onlookers more to gossip about the Clement family.
Cornell dismissed everyone, promising to update everyone once the family matter was sorted out.
As the shareholders left, the vibe in the air was kind of all over the place. Some were feeling pretty relieved about being smart ahead of time, while others were regretting sticking with the wrong team.
Today, everyone got to see Cornell’s sharpness and decisiveness. Any of Alexis’ supporters in the company would undoubtedly face the consequences. It belatedly dawned on them that Cornell’s quietness was all part of a bigger plan in the game.
Alexis’ bodyguards was dismissed, leaving Alexis powerless. Henley was also escorted out.
Now it was just Beuford and Alexis inside.
Cornell was the last one to exit the room.
Breaking the silence, Henley asked, “What could they be talking about?”
Cornell, composed and distant, showed no interest to chat.
“Do you really think so little of me, Cornell?” Henley asked half-jokingly, “Is it because your mother is seen as more ‘honorable’ than mine?”
Cornell turned to face Henley, speaking with calm authority. “It’s not about being born better or worse than anyone else. It’s our actions and intentions. Some people are always up to no good.”
Henley’s expression shifted, his hands clenched.
Cornell added, “And save your drama. I’m not interested in entertaining it.”
Henley couldn’t stand Cornell’s distant and arrogant attitude like he owned the world. Plus, to him, Cornell stole away the only kindness and warmth he had ever received.
Even though Henley was plotting something deep, he feigned innocence, saying, “Why do you think I’m acting? We’re brothers, and nothing can change that, no matter how much you deny it.”
Cornell seemed indifferent, as if Henley was invisible to him.
Still, Henley pressed on, “I’ve heard Miss Glyn is pregnant. Looks like you’ll have an heir soon, enjoying life with two women. You must be feeling pretty fortunate. How did you manage to win over Audrey? Could you give me some advice on winning the heart of the lady of my dreams?”
Henley’s question seemed genuine, but his voice was filled with sarcasm, his mention of Audrey deliberate.
“I’m married only to Audrey!” Cornell responded, his tone turning cold. “She is my rightful wife. I better not hear you mention her name again, or you’ll have no place in Ardlens.”
Henley held his position. “No matter how superior you act, you can’t change the fact that I’m your half brother. It doesn’t matter if I’m not in the family records. A fact is a fact.”
Henley convinced himself it was no biggie even though the well-planned schemes didn’t work out. Patience was his virtue, believing in he had all the time to scheme against Cornell until he had the desired results.
“Do you seriously not get what it means to be excluded from the family records?” Cornell glanced at Henley dismissively. “It means you have no claim to any of the Clement Group’s assets, including any inheritance from our father, which will only be mine. I can even take back any assets Alexis transferred to you.”
Henley’s complexion went white. He had thought only his reputation would suffer, which didn’t bother him much. But he never expected Kyler to disinherit him entirely, leaving him without a dime.
Before Henley could say anymore, the door opened.
Beuford stepped out first, and Cornell quickly walked over to assist him.
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Beuford announced, “Alexis has promised to stay out of the company’s business for good. This applies to you, too, Henley. You’re no Longer part of the Clement Group.”
Henley’s face turned ghostly white, exclaiming, “No!” Without the support of the Clement Group, every step he took would be a struggle.
And his plans to sabotage Cornell from within would be impossible.
Alexis, stripped of his earlier arrogance, seemed defeated. “Yes, that’s my decision.”
Henley stood frozen, in disbelief.
Suddenly, a disheartened Alexis, without even looking at Henley, commanded, “Gather your belongings. We’re leaving now.”
Henley stood there, stunned, trying to process Alexis’ unexpected surrender. His eyes narrowed, and his fists tightened. He was not ready to concede.
“Is your last name Brooks?” Beuford suddenly asked.
Henley went pale, trying to speak but unable to make a sound.
Beuford offered some wisdom, saying, “Here’s a tip for you, young man. If it’s not yours, don’t wish for it, or you’ll just end up living a miserable life.”
Even though Beuford spoke slowly due to his age, Henley felt a strong caution in his words.
Indeed, Beuford’s youthful days were not to be taken lightly.
Henley objected, “Why shouldn’t I claim what’s mine? I share the Clement blood, and by law, I’m entitled to my share!”
Beuford just smiled, dismissing him. “You still have a lot to learn.”