Chapter 425: Seizing Power
Sebastian immediately put down his fork. In a swift motion, he scooped Madelyn into a bridal carry and tossed her onto the lounge bed. When Malcolm entered to deliver files, he heard laughter from the lounge. He chuckled softly before quickly leaving to stand guard outside.
Meanwhile, at Ingram Manor, Rachel and Janessa grinned broadly in the living room.
“Janessa, you did a great job. I commend you,” Rachel said.
“You flatter me, Aunt Rachel. It was the right thing to do,” Janessa replied, smiling modestly. Rachel was pleased. “This time, Rupert will be out of commission for a while. With the will in your hands, Scarlet can’t touch you. Janessa, you’ve reclaimed what should belong to your mother!”
“This isn’t all,” Janessa declared, lifting her chin defiantly. “I plan to reclaim my mother’s inheritance and seek revenge.” She added, “Aunt Rachel, while living at the Sherritt residence, Scarlet and her children bullied and insulted me. I was powerless then, but now, with my foothold in the company, I will repay them for that humiliation!” A maniacal gleam glinted in her eyes. The thought of their retribution filled her with satisfaction.
“Okay! It’s time to show them what we’re made of!” Rachel declared supportively.
Janessa immediately began her move. That afternoon, upon joining Sherritt Group, she wasted no time retaliating against Cheryl and Caleb. Rupert’s former assistant was now at her beck and call. Perched on her father’s desk, Janessa efficiently sorted documents. “Is Caleb currently holding any position or managing any projects?” she asked.
Her assistant nodded. “Ms. Sherritt, Mr. Caleb is in charge of—”
“Wait!” Janessa suddenly raised her index finger. She drawled, “Don’t you think you should phrase that differently?”
Her assistant continued, “Mr. Caleb holds the position of business manager, responsible for external business development.”
“Business manager? Him?” Janessa snorted coldly. “Isn’t he biting off more than he can chew?” In her opinion, Caleb was utterly useless. The business department was crucial; having him as manager was dismissive. Janessa immediately ordered, “His capabilities don’t qualify him. Find a replacement.”
“But…” her assistant hesitated.
“What’s wrong?” Janessa asked, puzzled.
Her assistant explained, “Mr. Caleb was placed there by Mr. Sherritt, who wanted him to learn more.”
“Shut up!” Janessa snapped. “Remember, I’m your boss now!”
“Understood…” Her assistant, frightened, said nothing more.
Seeing his silence, Janessa composed herself. “Since Father wanted him to learn, so be it. However, we can’t allow an incompetent manager. Otherwise, the staff will object.”
“So, what are you suggesting?” her assistant asked.
“I’ll evaluate a capable manager for promotion. Then, let Caleb assist the new manager. He can still learn,” Janessa suggested.
“Uh, understood…” Her assistant, inwardly baffled, remained silent. Rupert, though dissatisfied with his son’s incompetence, had previously valued his heir. Janessa, however, planned to sideline Caleb by reducing him to an assistant.
“Also, Cheryl is deputy CEO, yes? She’s too young and unsuited. Dismiss her,” Janessa instructed.
“Huh?” Her assistant was taken aback. “Ms. Sherritt, is this appropriate?”
“Why wouldn’t it be? Cheryl’s a university student. I’m looking out for her best interests. Distraction hinders her studies, and poor grades will prevent her future takeover of the company,” Janessa retorted.
Her assistant followed her instructions regarding Caleb and Cheryl’s positions. Janessa, gratified, laughed heartily. “This is great! Karma’s a bitch! They bullied me for years; now it’s my turn!”
After much waiting, her wish had finally come true. Meanwhile, Cheryl, in class, received her dismissal notification and immediately left. She contacted her brother and mother. By the time she reached home, the family was in tears.
“How dare that despicable woman!” Scarlet raged, nearly bursting a blood vessel. “I was dismissed for no reason! Caleb’s been demoted! Janessa wants to destroy us,” Cheryl seethed.
Unfortunately, they could think of no way to retaliate. However, things didn't proceed as smoothly as Janessa had expected. The Sherritt Group was a major company, and this incident’s industry-wide impact was significant. News of the leadership change instantly hit the headlines, drawing media attention and bolstering Janessa’s confidence. Thus, twenty-two-year-old Janessa Sherritt overnight took over Sherritt Group.