The next day, Whitney strode into Skye Gem to preside over the shareholders' meeting.
Monica was a no-show. Meanwhile, the news of her being beaten to a pulp, with three broken ribs and a fractured leg, was trending all over social media.
Whitney's lips pursed lightly, recognizing this as L's handiwork.
A slight sense of satisfaction curled in her heart; the man had exacted revenge for her. At the meeting, she decisively cut Monica out of the picture, firing her cronies as well.
With the company reeling from the scandal of purchasing counterfeit gemstones, Whitney called for an urgent overhaul. She spent the morning laying down new policies and procedures, effectively conducting a corporate blood transfusion.
The shareholders witnessed Whitney's decisive action and dared not object to her authority.
Her capability was, after all, evident to all.
"Moving forward, I'll personally oversee the raw materials procurement department. The entire team is being replaced, and I'll be taking charge. Any objections?" Whitney tapped her pen and lifted her chin, her gaze sweeping the room.
It was common knowledge that the cornerstone of any jewelry company was its raw materials.
Its reputation could be ruined if the raw gemstones were substandard, even with the finest design and craftsmanship.
The shareholders unanimously agreed to entrust the procurement division to her.
Whitney smiled, "Meeting adjourned!"
Monica, incapacitated in the hospital, was fuming with rage when she received the news. Her face was a mess, a tooth missing, and her body ached unbearably. She wailed to Yvonne, "Mom, she dared to sideline me when I was down. Why isn't that wretch behind bars? Should we go to our cousin for help?"
"Who do you think had you beaten up? Who else but Mr. Lippert?" Yvonne spat resentfully, "Your cousin may have the connections, but we're the ones who end up paying the price. We can't even hint at a threat towards her. We still need her for the upcoming jewelry contest..."
Only then did Monica realize they were at the mercy of a ruthless woman, and a chill ran down her spine.
Yvonne's heart ached; they were now firmly in someone else's grip, and her days were no longer peaceful.
Bitterly, she hissed, "Your grandma, Violet, bringing the love child back to the Valentine family, always cross with me. I'll destroy them."
...
Whitney stepped out of the Skye Gem building, having received a call.
Across the street, at the coffee shop, Violet was waiting for her.
Whitney was a bit surprised; it was not every day this matriarch sought her out. Still, she made her way over.
Violet's expression was dour, but she managed a strained thank you. "Thanks for your suggestion. I've brought my grandson back to the Valentine family. You were right that day. That snake Yvonne, riding high because she's got a protector, even tried to assassinate your brother! Instead of letting her push you to the brink, I took the risk and brought the kid back to stir the pot."
Whitney's eyes narrowed; her suggestion that day had been self-serving. Monica had wanted her in jail, so she instigated Violet to return home with the child, hoping to cause Yvonne some trouble.
Firstly, it might push Yvonne and Monica to desperation, possibly revealing their benefactor.
Secondly, with Violet in the Valentine family, she might learn something about this mystery protector.
"Grandma, has Yvonne's benefactor shown up at home?"
"No, Yvonne's cautious. But you helped me, so I'll keep an eye out for you," Violet answered, her steely gaze fixing on Whitney.
Whitney had grown into a striking image of her mother, dangerously intelligent. Violet thought about the deaths of Whitney’s grandfather and mother; Preston was just a small player in the grand scheme, but even he could not escape.
A flicker of fear crossed Violet's eyes. Worried Whitney might uncover something, she probed, "Whitney, has your uncle been in touch?"
Her uncle...
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