Revenge is best served cold

By the time I got home, the delicious aroma of dinner had already filled the air. Mom hurriedly called for us to wash up and have dinner.

As we took our seats, Beata was sitting directly across from me. Next to her sat Jeremiah, who looked at me with obvious disdain.

"Mrs. Cornell, long time no see."

Even though I was about to divorce Jeremiah, I still had to show the proper respect to my elders.

Upon hearing me call her that, Beata's eyes flashed with a hint of hurt. She furrowed her brows and asked, "Why are you calling me Mrs. Cornell now? Jane, you've always been like family, so why don't you just call me Beata like you used to?"

I shook my head. "I can't do that. I'm divorcing Jeremiah anyway. It's just a matter of when. It's better to get it over with sooner than later to avoid any awkwardness."

Upon hearing this, Beata quickly nudged Jeremiah. "I've spoiled him too much. Marriage is all about working through the tough times, right? As long as you don't divorce him, I'll make sure to discipline him properly from now on."

I picked up a piece of pork rib and placed it on her plate. "Mrs. Cornell, no matter how you dress up a pig, it'll never be a gentleman."

I had considered using a more refined metaphor, but after thinking it over, the comparison to a pig seemed the most fitting.

"Jae!" Dad couldn't stand it and called out to me while Mom also looked at me with concern.

They knew Beata wasn't in the best of health. Even though they supported my decision to divorce, they were still worried about her condition.

Beata coughed a few times before waving her hand. "It's fine. I'm alright. Jeremiah's actions are indeed excessive. Using a pig as a metaphor is just right."

"Mom!"

Jeremiah glared at Beata, but she shot him a look that shut him down immediately. He had nowhere to vent his anger, and he turned to glare at me.

"I know Jeremiah has disappointed you. Can't you give him another chance? Besides, we've been working together for so many years. If you two divorce, it'll complicate things in our business... This..."

I looked up at her, my expression calm. "Mrs. Cornell, didn't Mr. Cornell tell you? We won't be working together anymore."

Upon hearing that, Beata didn't seem very surprised. She just sighed deeply. It looked like she had been pretending not to know.

However, her face went pale, and even I couldn't face her like I did with Quinton.

"Let's eat first," I suggested, seeing the awkward atmosphere around the dinner table. I tried to shift the focus back to dinner.

After the meal, Beata pulled me aside. "Jane, is there really no chance for you to give Jeremiah another chance?"

I shook my head. "No, Mrs. Cornell."

"Even if you can't be together, what about our companies working together? We've been allies for so many years, and you know that I've always believed in you."

Beata tried to persuade me with heartfelt words, but I remained unresponsive. "Mrs. Cornell, I'm sure you understand the reason we can't collaborate. Before anything, I Reed to protect Brown Group. I can't be stepping into a disaster.

"Cornell Group might look

impressive on the outside, but in reality, the company is just an empty shell. If I allow Brown Group to work with Cornell Group, it'd be like pushing Brown Group into a pit. The Browns have worked hard for everything we have, and I won't let them fall in front of my eyes."

Beata's face stiffened. She hadn't expected me to be so ruthless even when facing her.

Her expression darkened, and the softness in her tone disappeared. "Although I don't know where you heard

all these rumors, the Cornell family aren't facing the issues you think we are. You should avoid believing in hearsay.

"The cooperation between Brown

Group and Cornell Group has always been mutually beneficial. If Browne Group ends this partnership, the losses would be enough to damage your family. Are you sure you want to go through with this?"