Back From Prison, Built For Revenge - Chapter 13: Chapter 13

In Peter's study, the light was dim, and the air was thick with tension.
Zaiden sat in the corner of the sofa, holding a cup of coffee, yet he hadn't taken a sip. He lowered his head slightly, his posture respectful, but his eyes quietly observed the situation.
Peter sat behind the desk, his brow furrowed, his fingers tapping on the table, producing a rhythmic light sound.
"Hayden has gone too far this time," Peter's voice was deep and angry. "To lose control at the company meeting. His actions will only make others think he's emotionally unstable and not fit for the role!"
Zaiden slowly placed his cup down, raised his head, his voice calm yet serious, "Mr. Stone, don't worry. This matter has been mostly handled. As for public opinion, I will arrange for the PR department to control the situation as soon as possible."
Peter snorted coldly, "You make it sound so easy. Do you understand the impact this event has had on the company? Those shareholders have long been dissatisfied with Hayden, and now they have something to hold against him!"
Zaiden nodded slightly, "That's why we need to shift the focus as soon as possible. As for Hayden, I suggest we keep him low-key for now and avoid him appearing in public."
Peter took a deep breath, his gaze complex as he looked out the window. "I've devoted so much to this family throughout my life, but in the end, I don't even have someone capable of taking over," he said, his voice carrying a hint of weariness.
Zaiden silently watched Peter. After a moment of silence, he stood up and spoke in a firm tone, "Mr. Stone, rest assured. I'll take full responsibility for this matter and make sure it doesn't affect the development of the group."
Peter nodded, "Alright, I'll leave you to it. But remember, you must calm the situation as quickly as possible."
Zaiden bowed slightly and turned to leave the study. The moment the door closed, the polite demeanor on his face disappeared, and he became utterly indifferent.
In the living room, Yolanda sat on the sofa, her face pale. She held a handkerchief to her mouth, coughing weakly, looking fragile.
"Dad, Mom, this time Hayden just acted on impulse. He didn't mean it," Her voice was soft, seeming like she was defending Hayden, yet also expressing her own helplessness.
Phoebe lovingly held her hand, "Yolanda, don't say that. Your health has never been good, and if this continues, you'll wear yourself out."
"But," Yolanda bit her lip, her eyes reddening, "Hayden is really not a bad person. He's just... just too tired. Please, don't blame him anymore, okay?"
As soon as she finished speaking, Hayden staggered down the stairs, his face dark. "Yolanda, you don't need to beg for me," his voice was low and cold. "I made a mistake, and I should bear the consequences."
"Hayden!" Yolanda suddenly stood up but stumbled due to her weak body.
Phoebe hurriedly supported her, "Yolanda, calm down, speak slowly."
"I'm fine, Mom." Yolanda steadied herself, then looked at Hayden, "Hayden, I know you're doing this for our family, but you also need to take care of your health!"
Hayden didn't answer. He merely shot her a cold glance before heading toward the door. His figure exuded an indifference that sent a chill down one's spine.
In the office, Chloe stood by the window, gazing at the bustling street outside. Her face was expressionless, but her deep eyes carried a coldness.
The door was suddenly pushed open, and she turned to see Hayden walking in. Their eyes met, but neither spoke. Finally, it was Hayden who broke the silence, "Chloe, I... "
Chloe didn't want to hear his explanation, cutting him off, "If you're here to apologize, save it. I don't need your apology."
Hayden frowned, "I know I wronged you before, but this time, I really want to make it right... "
Chloe sneered, "With what? Those fake concerns? Or a simple sorry?" Her words were like a sharp knife, each one stabbing into his heart, making him feel the pain.
"Chloe," He suddenly raised his voice, "I really want to help you. Why won't you believe me just this once?"
"Believe you?" Chloe raised an eyebrow. "Who made me take the fall and go to prison for three years? Who stood by and watched me suffer, but wouldn't say a word to help me?"
She stepped closer to him, each word like a heavy blow, shattering his pride and dignity. "Tell me, how can I believe you?"
At night, a young woman in business attire knocked on the door of Chloe's residence.
She introduced herself as a secretary sent by Stone Group, handing Chloe a contract, saying, "This was sent by Mr. Roberts. He hopes you can sign it soon and report to work on time."
Chloe looked at the contents of the contract, then raised her head and asked sarcastically, "He wants me to be a cleaner?"
The secretary didn't answer, simply lowering her gaze, placing the file on the table, and leaving the room.
Chloe picked up the contract, reading it carefully again. Each word seemed to mock her.
The next morning, she appeared in the lobby of Stone Group, slamming the contract on the front desk and saying to the person waiting for her, "Thank you, Mr. Stone, for finding me this job. I'll make sure to cherish this opportunity and not disappoint your expectations."
Her words were filled with sarcasm and disdain, instantly silencing Hayden, who had hoped for a different outcome.
Employees in the lobby looked over, some whispering, some gloating, but most simply lowered their heads, not daring to get involved.
In a café, Demi held Chloe's hand, speaking with anger, "Miss Quinn, why do you endure this? They're humiliating you."
Chloe gave a faint smile, not answering, but simply looked out the window, her gaze difficult to read.
Demi sighed, trying to comfort her, "Miss Quinn, no matter what happens, I'll always be by your side. If you want, I can help you collect evidence and expose the truth about those who harmed you!"
Chloe turned to look at Demi's angry face, patted her shoulder, and said, "Thank you. But I'll handle this myself."
Late at night, she sat alone in her room, tearing the contract into pieces before throwing it into the trash can. The faint sound of the paper tearing in the silence was jarring, yet it strengthened the unwavering resolve in her heart.
From today on, she would no longer rely on anyone, nor would she allow anyone the chance to humiliate her.
The moonlight poured through the window, filling the entire room. At that moment, her deep and stubborn eyes were filled with unwavering determination and resolve.