Chapter 149
Austin slammed his palm against the bedside table so forcefully that the decorative items trembled. His eyes narrowed coldly. “The Yates family—do they really think no one is onto them just because I haven’t made a move yet?”
He had already taken the land they coveted, yet they still didn't know when to stop. Since that was the case, they shouldn't blame him for being merciless.
Suzanne knew Austin was angry, but she didn't want him to intervene just yet. She set down her cup and looked at him, shaking her head. “I’ll handle the Yates family myself.”
Austin regarded her disapprovingly. “You don’t know how to be ruthless.” Suzanne was too soft-hearted. That was why she had been bullied by Henry and his family for so long. Even now, after everything they had done, she still hesitated to retaliate.
She shook her head and rose from the bed, slowly walking toward the window. Her cold, steady voice broke the silence. “Yates Corporation only exists today because of my grandparents’ support.”
But Henry seemed to have forgotten that. The moment wealth and status came into play, so did greater temptations, and eventually, he lost his original values.
Turning back, Suzanne met Austin’s gaze with a rare, sharp glint in her eyes. “Yates Corporation was everything to my mother. I’ll take it back with my own hands. I won’t show them any mercy.”
Henry’s actions over the years had already shattered any hope of reconciliation. This time, he had severed their ties completely.
“Then I’ll take care of the Lloyd family,” Austin offered. That was already a compromise. If Gabriel were here, he would recognize this as Austin reaching his limit of patience.
But Suzanne shook her head. Seeing Austin’s expression darken, she softened her voice. “Sometimes, it’s more satisfying to let dogs tear each other apart. They’re just stepping stones for me.”
Austin studied her for a long moment before finally relenting. “Alright. If you need anything, just tell me.”
This time, Suzanne didn’t refuse. Seeing her agreement, Austin’s tense expression eased slightly. He stood up. “Get some rest. I need to head to the company.” He grabbed his coat and put it on.
Suzanne knew she was delaying his work, so she didn’t stop him. “Go ahead. Drive safely.” Austin nodded knowingly.
Watching him walk out the door, warmth flickered in Suzanne’s cold eyes.
Meanwhile, in a luxurious ward at Riverdale General Hospital, Todd lay sprawled on the large white bed, groaning incessantly. Each groan echoed in Frankie’s ears as he sat on a wide black leather couch, his expression dark and ominous as he glared at the three members of the Yates family. Henry, Seline, and Mandy all stood humbly before him, their faces full of forced smiles and apologies.
Henry set a fruit basket down on the table, his voice full of flattery. “Mr. Lloyd, I sincerely apologize.” He peeled away the colorful wrapping paper, revealing a bank card beneath it. “Here’s five million dollars—a token of my sincerity. I hope you won’t find it insufficient.”
Henry’s heart bled as he spoke. He hadn’t even secured the land yet, and now he was parting with five million dollars. Inwardly, he cursed Suzanne countless times. If that wretched woman had just been obedient, none of this would have happened.
Seline and Mandy stood beside him, too afraid to say anything. They could only force themselves to smile.
Frankie leaned forward slightly and took the bank card from the basket. He looked up at Henry, his lips curving into a smirk. “Five million dollars?”
Henry, who thought he had succeeded, brightened instantly and nodded eagerly. “Yes, Mr. Lloyd, I hope you—”
Before he could finish, Frankie flung the bank card back at him. The card struck Henry’s face with a dull thud. Frankie shot to his feet, his fury barely contained as he glared at Henry, whose face had turned ashen.