Chapter 15 (Remove the nonsensical beginning)
After all, Stanley was their common enemy because of his frequent bullying of her family. She was well aware of this.
At this time, the old lady also looked at Stanley. "Do you think I've been oblivious to your actions these past few years? Everything has gone downhill in the last three years, and you've even falsified accounts! What do you take me for—a senile old woman? Our family has lost a significant amount of money in the past two years, and if this continues, we might lose our third-tier upper-class status!"
Stanley instantly lowered his head, his earlier confidence gone. His silence spoke volumes. He hadn't expected the old lady to secretly investigate the company accounts, uncovering his fraudulent activities.
"Grandma's the wisest! Our family company thrived when Diane was general manager!" Megan immediately chimed in.
After a moment's thought, the old lady said, "You are all my family, and I don't want our future ruined by personal interests. Wouldn't it be a joke if we couldn't even maintain our third-tier status?"
"You're right. We must secure the Shanahans' future!" Felicia, sensing a chance to reclaim past glories, continued, "Mom, don't worry. Severin will handle it. At worst, he'll have to be a little shameless, but I believe Mr. Henry will still show him courtesy."
Suddenly, several bodyguards burst in. "Bad news! Bad news!"
"What's the matter? Why the commotion?" The old lady, already upset by Severin's seemingly forced hand—she'd had to ask him to help secure the Liberty City project because of Stanley's incompetence—was further irritated. Replacing Stanley as general manager had been considered, but a suitable candidate was lacking. Diane's return presented an ideal opportunity. She was also acutely aware of Diane's business acumen.
Just as she felt her anger rising, the bodyguards arrived, and she glared at them impatiently.
"The head of the Chavezes is here with Mr. Rufus. They demand Severin and Miss Diane, or they'll attack the Shanahans!" a bodyguard stammered.
"What?!" The old lady was stunned. The Chavezes, a second-tier family, were ones the Shanahans wouldn't normally offend. "Why are the Chavezes here?" she wondered, then looked at Severin. "Did you offend them, Severin?"