Lost Me, Gained Regret (Jane and Bryant Ferguson)

The room was thick with tension, eyes darting around in disbelief, some mouths gaping wide open in shock.

After all, Gregory and Bryant were giants in their own right, titans that commanded respect and fear in equal measure. It was clear to everyone present: the Harvey family was in deep trouble.

Judie was visibly shaken, glancing between Gregory and Bryant like they were the grim reapers themselves. Barely able to muster the courage, she turned to me, her face pale as a ghost, desperation clear in her voice, "Ms. Webster...I'm so sorry!! I shouldn't have judged a book by its cover, I shouldn't have insulted you... Can you, maybe, slap me instead? Would that work?"

Her voice was close to breaking, all pretenses of dignity lost, "I truly realize my mistake. Please, I'm begging you, ask Mr. Ford and Mr. Ferguson to spare my family... I came here hoping to partner with Ms. Taylor, but instead, I've doomed us. My dad will kill me!!"

And I knew she wasn't exaggerating.

In families like hers, where privilege and power were handed down, a heavy price was expected in return. Failing to be an asset, and instead dragging the family name through the mud, well, the consequences were unimaginable.

Gregory glanced at me, perhaps sensing my soft spot, and then smirked at Judie, "Ms. Harvey, trying to guilt-trip my fiancée, really? Did you think someone as ruthless as me would settle for anyone less formidable?"

I was taken aback. Was that really necessary?!

Sure, people say birds of a feather flock together, but opposites attract too, right?

Judie, realizing her fate was sealed, was trembling.

Her phone rang, and the look on her face upon seeing the caller ID was one of sheer terror, "Hello, Dad..."

"Get back here now!"

It seemed someone who knew Larkin Harvey had already filled him in, his voice booming with fury through the phone.

Judie left in disgrace, leaving Dorothy, who seemed unfazed, chuckling, "What, you're going to bankrupt the Myers family next? I'm not scared!"

Of course, she wasn't. Gregory and Bryant, for all their might, weren't the type to take such drastic measures.

Gregory's gaze hardened, his tone biting, "You've been a disgrace to the Myers family for over twenty years, no better than a street thug."

Dorothy clenched her teeth, "Gregory!"

"Ms. Myers, is it?"

One of Gregory's security approached, "Ms. Taylor has asked you to leave immediately. Otherwise, we'll have no choice but to call the police."

The room's gaze shifted to Dorothy, now with a hint of disdain.

As Dorothy passed by me, she hissed, "Watch your back, Jane. My mom says she has ways to deat with you. Don't think you and Gregory will last forever. Cherish the

time you have now."

I was momentarily stunned, but by the time I collected myself, she was already walking away.

Watching her leave, a sense of unease settled in my heart...

Pearl Myers was no pushover.

But what could she possibly have up her sleeve now?

Gregory furrowed his brow, "What did she say to you?" "Nothing important."

I masked my concerns with a smile, "Just some harsh words."

With the issue of the chip already

no

eavily on him, there wat

with

to burden himont

this unresolved matter.

Bryant seemed to notice my discomfort, "Jane, are you alright?"

"I'm fine, thanks for stepping in, Mr. Ferguson!"

I shook my head and maintained a polite distance as I thanked him. Then I noticed a woman standing by his side.

She wore an elegant white dress, hugging her figure perfectly, her features delicate yet distant.

Something about her dress seemed familiar.

As she caught my gaze, she looked momentarily flustered, moving closer to Bryant for comfort.