Chapter 16
“Joshua, can Tiran kick you out of the Smith family with just a word?” Racquelle looked at me with an air of arrogance, threatening me sharply.
Vernon laughed, looking smug as he said coldly, “Where’s that arrogance from earlier? Are you rattled? There’s no place for you to speak with Racquelle here.” He deliberately embraced her as if she were his greatest support.
Seeing this, I felt nothing at all. Instead, I replied calmly, “If you insist on giving the project to Vernon, I will call Dad immediately and ask for his decision. If he agrees, I will sign it. The company belongs to Dad, not a playground for Racquelle and Vernon. I had no intention of entertaining them, since Dad had to make every decision.”
“Shut up!” Racquelle was indeed furious, stamping her foot and angrily pointing at me. “Joshua, you’re just a lapdog. You can only follow commands. You have no right to resist. Do you understand?”
I answered calmly, “Since I am the general manager of the Smith Group, I have the responsibility and obligation to undertake every company task. I will not sign this contract. If you insist on signing, I will consult Dad tomorrow. As for your threats to fire me, you must discuss that with him first. After all, my position is determined by him, and only he, as the chairman, has the authority to dismiss me.”
I couldn’t let anything happen to the company while I was in charge; even if she forced me to, I wouldn’t compromise.
“How dare you!” Racquelle was stomping her feet in anger, clearly not expecting that I wouldn’t be intimidated by her threats! I, who had always been subservient to her, was now unwilling to comply with her demands, showing a determination to stand my ground. She was furious but helpless. Deep down, she knew her request was unreasonable. If Dad found out, he certainly would disagree.
“Josh, you really are getting bolder, huh? How dare you ignore the words of the Smith family’s heiress?”
Seeing her at a disadvantage, Vernon immediately stepped in to comfort her. “Racquelle, don’t get angry. If a lapdog doesn’t behave, just train it a bit more. After all, it’s just an animal, and…” He smiled gently as he eased her. Racquelle enjoyed this attention, leaning into his embrace and playfully pouting.
“Vernon, you’re right. There’s no need to waste words on an animal like him!” After all, he’s just a lapdog; it’s normal for it not to understand human language!” She deliberately kissed Vernon before me and then looked at me with provocation, her cold laughter echoing in the room.
“Joshua, your refusal to let Vernon and I sign the contract is just jealousy that I’m with him, isn’t it? Listen here, if the man I like wants the stars from the sky, I’d be willing to snatch them.”
“No matter how much you’re green with envy, it won’t matter. I’d never consider someone like you as worthy of being my fiancé. Do you understand?”
I remained silent, finding Racquelle’s self-absorbed attitude laughable. She was an arrogant woman who utterly disregarded others. Even if she threw herself at me, I wouldn’t spare her a glance. Only someone like Vernon, who was greedy and lustful, would treasure someone like her.