Chapter 391 Powerful Backing
“Just as I suspected, it was you!” Janessa’s voice was thick with fury as she confronted Cheryl.
“Please, don’t be so upset, Janessa,” Cheryl responded with a sugary smile that barely masked her smugness. “We’re sisters, after all. Isn’t it all for the good of the company, no matter who ends up handling the clients?”
She was resolute in her intention to provoke Janessa. After all the recent schemes Janessa had directed her way, it was only fair she received a taste of her own medicine.
“Cheryl, you’re utterly despicable!” Janessa seethed, her eyes burning with deep-seated resentment. She had poured immense energy into securing those clients, navigating countless obstacles to win their trust. And just when the deals were almost finalized, they were snatched away. The frustration was so overwhelming that Janessa felt like she could throttle Cheryl.
Watching Janessa simmer with rage, Cheryl’s laughter grew more unrestrained.
“All right, let’s cut to the chase since we’re family. I promise I’ll take very good care of these projects for you,” Cheryl said, her tone dripping with faux concern.
After making her point, Cheryl casually covered her mouth, muffling her giggles as she sauntered away in her high heels, leaving a trail of self-satisfaction.
Janessa watched Cheryl’s retreating figure, stamping her foot repeatedly in frustration. “Bitch! What a f*cking bitch! She took what belonged to me and had the audacity to act so smug. Does she have any shame? If she was really that capable, why didn’t she secure her own projects instead of snatching mine! Wait…”
A thought suddenly struck Janessa, pausing her tirade. How did Cheryl manage to take these projects from under her nose? It’s well known that Cheryl had little business acumen. Aside from occasionally offering advice to their father, what could she really achieve? Janessa had only landed those clients with Aunt Rachel’s help. Considering their commitment, it seemed implausible they would back out without a compelling reason. And for Cheryl to sway them? It seemed impossible!
Reflecting on this, Janessa quickly dismissed the idea that Cheryl alone could wield such influence. Could it be that Cheryl had powerful backing? The more she thought about it, the more her suspicions grew. Could it be Madelyn? She remembered rumors about Madelyn fueling Cheryl’s actions. Perhaps this time she was pulling the strings.
With this realization, Janessa became even more vigilant. It seemed clear that aside from Madelyn, no one else would have the motive to disrupt her dealings.
Though she harbored these suspicions, Janessa needed confirmation. She grabbed her phone and dialed Javier.
“What can I do for you, Ms. Sherritt?” came Javier’s cool, emotionless voice.
“Understood!” Javier responded, quickly setting to work. He started by contacting the clients who had switched sides. However, his inquiries led nowhere; the clients were unforthcoming, clearly reluctant to cross whatever arrangements Madelyn had influenced.
“We just felt that Ms. Cheryl Sherritt’s proposals were a bit more comprehensive than Ms. Janessa Sherritt’s,” they explained vaguely before abruptly ending the call.
“F*ck…”
All leads in Javier’s investigation reached a dead end. Consequently, he had no choice but to report this to Janessa.
“This is nonsense!” Janessa exploded. “Cheryl and I work for the same company; our proposals were practically identical. They’re just making excuses!”
“Um…” Javier hesitated. “It seems they might have been influenced by someone.”
“Of course, they have!” Janessa fumed. “If I find out who’s behind this, they’ll regret ever crossing me!”
The mere thought of someone daring to challenge her authority sent Janessa into a mental tirade, silently cursing that person countless times. Yet, her anger was far from quelled.
Fuming, she barked into the phone, “I don’t care what it takes, you must continue the investigation by any means necessary. If you fail to uncover who is plotting against me, be prepared to face severe consequences.”
With that, she slammed the phone down, ending the call in a surge of fury.
Javier, ever cautious not to provoke Janessa’s wrath, sighed and redoubled his efforts, determined to uncover the truth.
Meanwhile, at Thornton Corporation, Madelyn sat comfortably in her office, a slight, satisfied smile curling her lips as she listened to Cyrus’ report.
“Janessa must be quite agitated by now, right?” she inquired with a twinkle in her eye.
“Indeed,” Cyrus replied, nodding.
Madelyn’s smile broadened. “Well, she should have thought twice before provoking me. I generally avoid trouble unless it comes looking for me. But let it be known—I am no pushover,” she declared firmly.
“This time, she chose to meddle with our company from the shadows, so it’s only fair that she experiences firsthand what it feels like to be targeted covertly,” Madelyn continued, her tone turning serious. She glanced at Cyrus strategically. “Everything’s kept confidential, right?”
Cyrus, with a reassuring smile, nodded. “Absolutely, Ms. Thornton. Rest assured, I’ve handled everything cleanly. There will be no trail leading back to us.”
“That’s good then,” Madelyn expressed, sighing with relief. A mischievous grin spread across her face. "Septimus's network is notoriously complex, and they’ve likely funneled additional assets her way over time. Find out what you can, and contact this individual for me. His assistance might be crucial in teaching her a proper lesson.”
Madelyn pulled a business card from her pocket and handed it to Cyrus, who accepted it with a nod. He glanced at the card, noting the name “Septimus” inscribed boldly.
“Make sure this lesson is one she won’t soon forget,” Madelyn stated, her eyes narrowing.
“Understood,” Cyrus affirmed, promptly leaving to carry out his instructions.
Left alone, Madelyn leaned back, a look of complete satisfaction etched across her face. “Janessa, don’t hold it against me for working against you in the shadows. All of this is merely the consequence of your own ruthless actions. I’ve always been someone who clearly distinguishes between friends and foes; I don’t stir up trouble for no reason. However, since you’ve decided to be merciless, then I don’t see why I should hold back. After all, there’s no point in being overt with someone who has shown themselves to be as underhanded as you.”