Chapter 3

Everyone on my team expressed their support for me. Lilian did not know this, but the Roy family’s position today had nothing to do with their so-called prestigious legacy. It was all built by me, Maxine Roy.

Still, I would attend her welcome banquet.

The Roy family had spared no expense. The event was held at Stone Ridge Manor.

Anyone of status was there.

The moment I arrived, I saw a few socialites I used to be close with. There was a trace of mockery on their faces.

“Maxine, the audacity of you to show up! You’ve been kicked out, and you are still putting on airs. Don’t you feel embarrassed?”

“Exactly. Look at this party; it’s obvious who the real daughter is. And you? You spent years building their empire for nothing. You’re left with nothing.”

“Why not ask me for help? Maybe I can get you a job. Our company happens to need a receptionist. You have a decent face. Stand at the front desk for eight grand a month. What do you say?”

I glanced over at them and said in disdain, “No wonder your families would rather raise their illegitimate children than let you take over the company.”

The moment I finished speaking, their faces twisted with anger. They were about to come at me when Lilian appeared.

They had no choice but to hold back.

“Everyone, thank you for taking the time to attend our family’s welcome party. We’ve finally found our daughter, Lilian Roy, who was separated from us many years ago. From now on, we’ll do everything we can to make it up to her.”

Lilian stepped onto the stage in an elegant gown. She looked noticeably more refined with makeup, but the whole performance still felt a little forced, like she was drowning in clothes that did not quite fit.

When her eyes met mine, Lilian lifted her chin.

“Although Maxine isn’t my parents’ biological daughter, she has worked at the company for many years. I’m willing to let her continue working there. Max, you should stop being upset with our parents.”

As soon as she said that, every head in the room turned to me. Eyes glittered with both amusement and disdain.

I curled my lips into a sneer. “That won’t be necessary. I don’t lack money.”

“Oh, I’m sure you do. Unlike me, I survived out there in the real world with nothing, but I never stopped learning. So I’ll make you an offer, Max. Please stay and work for the company. Consider it working for me.”

My parents came over to me as well.

“Max, I won’t argue with you about moving out. But your sister is right. Our family has raised you for so many years. It’s time for you to repay us.”

I sneered. “Ten years. I brought the Roy family from a third-rate name to the top. Is that repayment not enough? Work for you? I only work for myself. If a boss isn’t good enough to manage me, then they shouldn’t expect commitment. You taught me that, Mr. Roy.”

At that, his face turned dark with anger.

The Roy family relatives began piling on.

“Look at how arrogant she is. She still thinks she is part of our family!”

“Without our family, what is she? And she still dares to talk like that!”

“Jack, you’re too soft. Cut ties with her already. She took Lily’s place for so many years and still doesn’t know how to be grateful!”

Lily stood there like a queen on a throne, her eyes dripping with smug satisfaction. I laughed. This fool really thought these people were on her side.

I snorted. “There is no need for you to push me out. I’ll leave on my own. But remember this, once I walk out that door today, I’ll have nothing to do with the Roy family from that moment on.”

“Maxine!” My father was furious, but in the end, he let out a sigh. “Don’t say we were cruel to you. You need to learn to tone down that temper of yours.”

“Fine. Then go ahead and announce it. Publicly confirm that Lilian is now in charge of the Roy family. As for me, I’m done.”

With that, I turned and left. At the same time, I sent out a statement to declare that I had no further ties with the Roy family.

As soon as I walked out, Lilian stomped her foot. “Dad, Max is being so petty. She…”

Before she could finish, Jack’s phone rang.

Not just his. Phones started ringing one after another among the Roy family members.

“What? MC will only work with Maxine? The contract is void?”