Chapter 181: The Chains of the Past
Merry’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “Wow, it feels like our design firm is finally on track! Does that mean we’ll be hiring soon? Am I considered a founding member?”
Sienna felt a warmth spread through her chest. After being stripped of everything and losing her family’s wealth, this was the first time she had truly smiled again.
In the afternoon, Summer, Sienna, and Merry arrived at Fletcher Construction Group’s headquarters to attend the results announcement for the GloryPath Construction project. Merry was bubbling with excitement, sharing all the insider information she had gathered. “There were fifteen firms competing for this project, but GloryPath will only select three to provide design plans. I have faith in you, Sienna!”
Merry continued, “Plus, since this project involves designing major resorts around Havenbrook, it’s backed by several big investors. Their votes will carry the most weight, so we don’t have to worry about any shady tricks being played.”
Despite this reassurance, Sienna still felt nervous. Back when she studied abroad, she had worked on numerous large-scale design projects and was even recognized as one of the most promising designers. But ever since returning home, repeated setbacks had dulled her former confidence and boldness.
An assistant led them into a grand conference room, already packed with attendees. They could only find seats toward the back. In the front row, Mason lounged in his chair, one leg crossed over the other. When he spotted them, he smirked with undisguised disdain. Sienna clenched her fists, barely restraining herself from marching over and punching him.
Merry was furious. “I can’t believe that scumbag is here too!”
Sienna took a deep breath, gritting her teeth. “We, the Monroe family, used to be one of the top three design firms in Havenbrook. After Mason stole everything, he even changed the firm’s name. Of course, he’s here to compete for the GloryPath project.”
Summer grasped her hand firmly. “One day, we’ll build a new design firm that shines even brighter than before.”
Sienna nodded, not wanting her emotions to affect their chances. She got up to freshen up in the restroom. Unfortunately, when she exited the restroom, she ran into Mason.
He was smoking, but upon seeing her, he casually stubbed out his cigarette. Clicking his tongue, he sneered, “Sienna, the way you’re looking at me is almost scary.”
“Mason, you’re a scumbag,” she spat.
His smirk widened. “Go ahead, curse me. Weren’t you in love with me once? Remember how you said you’d rather die than leave me?”
Sienna’s eyes turned bloodshot. “I wish I had been blind. Then I wouldn’t have been fooled by you!”
“Fooled?”
Mason let out a cruel laugh. “Your Monroe family was always looking down on people like us. It’s about time you experienced what it feels like to be at rock bottom. My father was one of the original members of the Monroe Group, but what happened? Your father kicked him out! What I’m doing now is just payback.”
It was only after Mason’s betrayal that Sienna learned his true motives. His father had indeed been a founding member of the Monroe Group. Sienna’s father had appreciated his talents and…
…spread quickly in the industry. Other firms blacklisted him, and he ended up being merged. Unable to bear the humiliation, he allegedly took his own life.
From that moment on, Mason resented the Monroe family. He spent years manipulating Sienna, aiming for revenge and taking everything from them.
Sienna’s expression was cold. “I used to pity your father, but now I see he got exactly what he deserved. His downfall was caused by his own pride and cowardice. What right do you have to blame my family?”
Mason suddenly grabbed her in a painful grip. She flinched, staring into his dark, menacing eyes. “If your firm gets chosen today, back out quietly,” he warned, his voice low and threatening. “Of course, I don’t think you’ll convince them.”
Sienna struggled against his grip. “Let go, you bastard! I don’t take orders from you! And even if the firm were mine alone, I still wouldn’t…”
Mason patted her chest condescendingly. “Then go ahead and try,” he sneered. “But don’t forget, I still have those compromising photos of you and… they’ll be all over Havenbrook by tomorrow.”
Then, he shoved her roughly against the wall and strolled away. Sienna slid to the floor, her vital energy trembling.
Back in the conference room, Summer waited anxiously. Sienna had been gone too long.