Filed to story: My Husband Regrets Divorcing Me (Audrey & Cornell)
Jarrod remained unfazed by Wayne’s words, displaying no hint of intimidation. He knew Wayne would undoubtedly recognize an opportunity and make use of it should any signs of being intimidated appear on his part.
Jarrod’s countenance remained composed. “Mr. Hampton, should anything unfortunate befall you during your visit around the Schultz Group, be assured that I will ensure a fitting farewell for you. I will also ‘attend to’ your family.”
Jarrod’s words were a veiled threat, delivered with precision and clarity. Normally speaking, he eschewed empty threats and prolonged debates, favoring direct business strategies and decisive actions.
Wayne’s expression shifted. “Mr. Schultz, what precisely do you imply? Are you insinuating a threat against my family? What exactly do you mean by ‘attend to’? That’s absurd!”
Wayne knew very well that Jarrod was threatening him with his family, his threats tinged with surgical precision.
Wayne’s fury was tangible as he bellowed, “Do you think I still care about my aging vessel? If you’re willing to forsake everything just for that woman, I’ll batter my head against the gates of the Schultz Group! Let’s see how the public reacts to the lavish funeral you said you would hold for me!”
Jarrod’s composure only deepened. “Feel free to try. But can you ensure the welfare of your offspring, especially those out of your wedlock? Are you truly that confident?”
“What nonsense are you uttering!” Wayne’s voice quivered.
Jarrod, unfazed, replied, “I’m aware of your three children in Ardleng alone, not to mention those in Melver and Nicholsy. Your grandsons are studying abroad, three of them, if memory serves. Do you truly wish to abandon them, to miss their weddings and the births of their children?” He smirked. “That’s a prospect you’d come to regret, wouldn’t you?”
Wayne was astonished by Jarrod’s intimate knowledge of his personal affairs. It dawned on him that Jarrod had been anticipating this confrontation all along.
“Jarrod, are you truly prepared to engage in conflict with the Hampton family over that crazy woman? Have you thoroughly considered the consequences? Is she truly worth it?”
“Mr. Hampton, mind your language. She’s the mother of my child,” Jarrod retorted, his expression frosty.
Jarrod’s tone cut like ice. “I’ve always shown you respect. Please extend the same courtesy to her. Otherwise, there will be no further interaction between the Schultz and Hampton families.”
Jarrod’s stance had evolved. Had Wayne not resorted to threats, he wouldn’t have been concerned about financial repercussions. Wealth could always be regained. But Wayne’s opportunism and lack of gratitude were unbearable.
After all, his compensation was a considerable fortune. The nerve of Wayne resorting to threat after taking that hefty sum of money!
Wayne’s complexion paled, and he began coughing uncontrollably, rendered speechless. His pitiful state almost evoked sympathy.
Jarrod, maintaining a frigid demeanor, activated the intercom with a decisive push. “Alec, kindly guide Mr. Hampton out.”
Alec entered, observing Wayne’s frail state. Taking charge without hesitation, he summoned two security personnel. “Escort Mr. Hampton out with utmost care. Should any harm befall him, I will ensure accountability rests with you. Is that clear?”
The two guards approached Wayne, each providing a supportive hold on an arm. Protesting, Wayne thumped his chest and proclaimed, “Jarrod Schultz, mark my words! You shall rue this day! Treating the Hampton family thus shall bring you remorse!”
The bodyguards swiftly shut the door, cutting off Wayne’s voice entirely.
However, Wayne persisted, his furious roar echoing, “Jarrod, you owe us an apology! You owe Vicki an apology! She’s an exceptional girl, and she’s been mistreated by that woman… You owe her an apology…”
Wayne’s voice gradually diminished, likely due to the bodyguards dragging him away, though his muffled cries remained audible.
The guards couldn’t cover Wayne’s mouth completely. Wayne’s age made them cautious, fearing they might accidentally suffocate him. That would be disastrous.
Employees on the same floor as the president’s office began to murmur.
“Wayne is really pitiful. Mr. Schultz is too heartless.”
“Keep your voice down, or you’ll be in trouble if Mr. Schultz hears you.”
“I’m not afraid. If he dares to act this way, why should he fear people’s opinions? I refuse to work for such a ruthless boss.”
“Exactly. The Hampton family has always been loyal to Mr. Schultz and the Schultz Group, particularly Vicki. She devoted herself to him, and now look at her… It’s truly tragic.”
“Mr. Schultz lacks any appreciation. You are not aware of the internal discussions about our organization. They’re saying that our boss is a ruthless and heartless tyrant, and the employees are suffering…”
These conversations were based on external perceptions. They were unaware of the situation, and everyone assumed Jarrod was at fault. However, no one mentioned the numerous benefits Jarrod had provided for the Hampton family over the years.
At this moment, a different perspective arose. “But isn’t Vicki also problematic? I saw that video where she was with Jarrod’s relative, that socialite Doreen, and they were bullying someone together. Her brother is even more despicable…”
“Was Vicki truly driven to madness by that woman’s provocation?” inquired someone.
“Who can say? We lack the full narrative. It’s prudent to refrain from idle chatter, as we might inadvertently aid the opposition,” the person who raised the objection said.
Alec, positioned discreetly behind the gathering, wore a visibly troubled expression. Though unbeknownst to others, he possessed clear insight. The Hampton and Schultz families engaged in reciprocal exploitation, with Wayne capitalizing on Jarrod’s downfall to enhance his own reputation.
In the realm of business, fluctuations were commonplace, with many experiencing both success and failure. However, what motivated Wayne to target Jarrod? It was Jarrod’s evident personal prowess that drew Wayne’s focus. This affair reeked of a meticulously orchestrated plot, much to Alec’s lack of surprise.
The whispers circulating outside all traced back to the Hampton family. Even the incident involving Vicki’s alleged assault on Nicole had been spun into a narrative, portraying Nicole as a relentless suitor who publicly challenged Vicki, providing a convenient justification. Vicki, overwhelmed, finally made her escape.
Alec couldn’t suppress a laugh at the absurdity of the rumors. It appeared that Wayne was resolute in pulling the Schultz Group down alongside him.
While Alec had never harbored animosity toward Vicki, he had never held a particular fondness for her either. Initially, Alec believed partnering with the Hampton family was advantageous, given their perceived influence.
However, witnessing their actions now, it seemed that abstaining from an alliance was a fortuitous decision. Considering the Hampton family’s cunning, aligning with them would likely yield disloyalty and trouble for the Schultz Group in the future.
Alec cleared his throat, halting the employees’ conversation with a firm, low voice. “Return to your tasks. Anyone caught gossiping will face termination.”
Fixing his gaze on the dissenting employee, Alec delivered a frigid remark. “The Schultz Group doesn’t coerce loyalty. If you wish to depart, do so now. Let’s see if anyone obstructs your exit.”
The employees fell into a hush, refraining from uttering a word out of caution. Given the Schultz Group’s superior benefits within the industry, securing a commendable position in this economic climate posed a formidable challenge.
Under normal circumstances, Alec would have handled individuals harboring hidden agendas, but his current time constraints demanded undivided attention on the Hampton family affair.
Alec entered Jarrod’s office, finding him engrossed in work, his countenance grave and concentrated.
“Sir, Wayne’s been dispatched, yet his persistence remains formidable. Moreover, the rumors circulating originate from the Hampton family,” Alec reported.
“Alright,” Jarrod replied without diverting his gaze from the computer screen.
Alec lingered, torn between voicing his thoughts and remaining silent.
Unable to suppress his curiosity any longer, Alec ventured, “Shall we simply allow the rumors to proliferate?”
“Have you devised a superior strategy then?” Jarrod raised an eyebrow.
“They’re not disseminating accurate information! This tarnishes our company’s reputation, and it’s eroding the confidence of our employees…” Alec lamented.
“This presents an opportunity,” Jarrod stated calmly.
Perplexed, Alec inquired, “What do you mean?”
Jarrod’s gaze shifted from the monitor as his slender fingers rhythmically tapped the desk. “We can seize this moment to purge our internal ranks, eliminating any ties to the Hampton family.”
Alec’s comprehension dawned suddenly. Over time, the Schultz and Hampton families had collaborated on numerous projects, raising the possibility that certain employees had clandestinely accepted bribes from the Hampton family or engaged in collusion with them.
This presented the ideal chance to remove all employees associated with the Hampton family. This was an important task.
“And what’s the plan regarding the Hampton family?” Alec asked.
“They have squandered their opportunity, failing to seize it.” Jarrod’s countenance exuded an icy, uncompromising demeanor. “Since this is the case, I shall address our internal issues foremost. Subsequently, there shall be no need to entertain any other considerations.”
“Understood, sir. You’re in charge,” Alec affirmed, his confidence bolstered. Jarrod’s words assuaged his concerns. Alec held Jarrod in high regard. After all, in all the years of following Jarrod, he had never witnessed a misstep. While emotional matters might not be Jarrod’s forte, Jarrod consistently made astute business decisions.
“Oh, sir, there’s one more thing…” Alec hesitated, reluctant to depart.
“What is it?” Jarrod inquired.
“I encountered your wife at the hospital, attending to the woman who resembles her, the one known as Melissa at the club. It appears Melissa has attempted to take her own life.”
Jarrod maintained his stoic expression, prompting Alec to speculate that he might be displeased. Recalling Jarrod’s prior warning against trailing Nicole, Alec hastened to clarify, “I wasn’t tailing your wife. I coincidentally encountered her at the hospital. I was receiving treatment for a stomachache.”
Jarrod responded with a silent nod.
Alec, feeling uneasy, added, “And there’s another matter…”
Impatiently, Jarrod interjected, “Spit it out.”
“Alright. I also encountered Roscoe at the hospital.”
Jarrod’s face hardened briefly, but he quickly composed himself.
Jarrod’s silence left Alec wondering what he could be thinking, but years of working together had made Alec forthright.
He didn’t hesitate to speak his mind, even at the risk of consequences. “‘Sir, I saw your wife talking to Mr. Watts. Their meeting was probably not planned, but she appeared genuinely worried about him.”
Alec added, his tone tinged with disapproval, “Sir, you’ve been so kind to her, but she doesn’t seem to appreciate your efforts. She’s still involved with Mr. Watts. It looks like…
“1t was a mere chance encounter,” Jarrod abruptly cut in.
Alec was taken aback by Jarrod’s defensive reaction. He pressed his lips together. “Maybe you’re right. They did nothing inappropriate. But I believe that since she is married to you, she should stay away from Mr. Watts. “
After all, Roscoe’s case was different. He had once eloped with Nicole, and they shared a deep, albeit complicated, past. Nicole’s marriage to Jarrod wasn’t out of love but necessity. Alec feared old feelings might resurface, causing Jarrod pain.
“Also, sir, I’ve noticed something strange about Mr. Watts. His eyes are cold and distant, and he always wears the same expression. I once thought perhaps, he had a problem with your wife, but he seemed to look at everyone that way.
Once, he even bumped into a cleaner’s cart and simply ignored the latter. The woman; who was with him had to apologize on his behalf, like she’s always cleaning up his mess.”
Jarrod’s face grew tense. He recalled Roscoe as being polite and well-mannered. What had happened to change Roscoe?