Chapter 3

When Jana heard what Leah said, she frowned almost imperceptibly and cast a reproachful look at me.

My gaze swept past her and moved to those who were stepping on us while flattering others, the very people who had spewed the cruelest curses at Leah and me.

I looked at each of them, calling them out individually.

"The Osborne family, in the aluminum business. The Dawson family, in the cement business. The Mooney family, in the bean processing business."

As I calmly and clearly named each one, those parents couldn't help but freeze, because I had gotten every single one right.

Brighton Group had its hand in a vast range of industries, and every single one of those families relied on the company's goodwill to make a living.

I announced in a firm, resonant voice, "As of today, Brighton Group is terminating its partnership with all of you."

They were first startled. But then, they burst into laughter and crowded around Jana.

"Everyone, look. This guy's snapped. First, he claimed to be Ms. Webster's real husband, and now, this is even more insane. He actually thinks he can speak for Brighton Group and terminate our partnership."

One scoffed and said, "Who the heck do you think you are? Ms. Webster hasn't even said a word, and you're losing your mind? Does anyone have the number for a mental hospital? Someone, get this man admitted!"

Jana's gaze grew darker, her face clouding over with menace.

She stepped forward and said to me in a low voice, "Lamont, I've already secured my position at Brighton Group. Do you really think you can stir up any waves? Are you still the one in charge? Just go home already."

I gave her a meaningful look. But instead of answering her, I turned to those who were mocking me and to Barton.

"Everyone has been mistaken about one thing. It's true that Jana is the general manager of Brighton Group, but I'm the one who calls the shots!"

Barton was first stunned, then laughed so hard tears came to his eyes.

"He's really lost it. After all these years at Brighton Group, I only ever knew Jana as the general manager and have never seen this lunatic around. He probably doesn't even know where the company's main entrance is."

I smiled and said nothing, as my people would be arriving soon.

Given Barton's position, he'd never made it past the tenth floor. So, how could he have ever seen me on the 35th floor?

Everyone else joined in the laughter, but Jane's gaze toward me had turned downright venomous. I knew it was because she was afraid.

Just then, Leah's phone rang. The moment she answered, she let out a piercing scream as if struck by a huge blow.

The phone was on speaker.

"Look at you, barely grown and already pulling scams with your deadbeat dad! Just how shameless can you get?"

I quickly hung up. Only then did I realize someone had posted today's events online. Some had even twisted the facts to slander Leah and me and leaked Leah's phone number and school.

I turned toward Barton.

He was smirking at me provocatively, mouthing, "My gift for you. Do you like it?"

Leah had already begun to tremble all over.

A torrent of online abuse flooded in, along with one harassing phone call after another.

Those parents, eager to show off in front of Jana, surrounded Leah and me. Harsh insults and vicious curses came out of their mouths.

"See? The public sees right through you. You and your daughter belong in the gutter!"

"You dare impersonate a Brighton Group executive? Just wait until they sue you into bankruptcy! The company's legal department is famously relentless. You won't even have a place to cry later, because you'll have lost your house!"

Someone winked and sneered. "That's easy enough. This guy looks like a pretty boy. Maybe he'll just crawl into some rich woman's bed. Then, he'll have a place to cry."

At that moment, two luxury black minivans came roaring in.

Someone with sharp eyes couldn't help but shout, "That's Brighton Group's logo! Senior management is here!"

Those sycophants puffed up with pride, stepping closer and closer to Leah and me. Their mouths opened and closed like venomous snakes baring their fangs.

"You and your daughter are done for now. Ms. Webster really doesn't mess around. This wasn't just an empty warning—she's playing for keeps. You're gonna lose your shirts on this one!"

Someone even raised their phone, staring at Leah and me with a predatory gleam in their eyes.

"Hey, everyone. We have the latest update on the 'mooching man tries to scam female CEO' saga, now trending at number one. Hit that follow button, and I'll go live for you.

"You won't want to miss how this business mogul tears that arrogant loser apart!"

Barton cast an affectionate glance at Jana, his face lighting up with surprise. When he looked at me, his arrogance and smugness were completely unconcealed.

Beside him, Trenton puffed up with pride.