Chapter 7
In the past, under my leadership, Collins Corporation might have been able to hold its ground.
But after three years under Gavin’s mismanagement, the company was nothing more than an empty
shell.
On the first and second days, Mr. Hudson gritted his teeth and stayed put.
But by the third day, as the stock prices continued to plummet, he finally caved and sold all his shares.
I acquired them at a bargain price.
Afterward, I told my friend to back off.
Once the pressure eased, the company’s stock prices rebounded to a certain extent.
But compared to before, the company had suffered significant turbulence.
Initially, the shares had been distributed to mitigate risks.
But now, I preferred to shoulder the burden alone–after all, this was my company.
Without delay, I began implementing swift adjustments.
I reduced the number of idle employees and increased the workload for those who remained.
However, wages did not decrease.
I knew that if salaries were cut, employee motivation would plummet.
Reducing the workforce, on the other hand, motivated the remaining employees to work harder, as if injected with adrenaline.
Under my leadership, several successful projects helped the company navigate through this crisis. Coupled with the support of my trusted friend, the company began to show signs of recovery.
I’believed it wouldn’t be long before Collins Corporation had a chance at international expansion.
As the company started to improve, Gavin Braxton appeared once again.
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He Regretted It After Realizing My Fortune
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His eyes were bloodshot, and he slammed his hands heavily on my desk, his expression a mix of Confusion and grievance.
“Why? Why are you so outstanding that it makes people jealous and leaves them in the dust? Why couldn’t you just stay at home as a housewife while I went to work? Wouldn’t that have been fine?”
“Why must you be so strong, making me feel worthless?”
I took his words as compliments.
“So, Gavin, you’re just a pathetic, insecure man with a toxic sense of masculinity. I told you from the beginning–I have never been someone to be held in the palm of your hand. I have my dreams, my
career.”
“No one, not even family or lovers, can stop me from pursuing my path.”
I would be the leading lady of my own life, not confined to a tiny kitchen.
Hearing my response, Gavin’s face turned pale, as if plastered over with white paint.
“But women have always needed men to succeed throughout history! You’re no exception!”
Listening to his stubborn words, I finally realized something after knowing him for so many years.
His ingrained sense of male superiority ran deep, likely shaped by his upbringing.
I, on the other hand, was raised with the belief in gender equality and an open–minded education.
Had I realized back then how vastly different our mindsets were, I never would have been with him.
“Then go find a woman who’s willing to be a gentle housewife,” I replied curtly.
There was no point in continuing this conversation.
“Today is the last day of your deadline. Tomorrow, the only place we’ll meet is in prison.”
“Then go ahead and send me to jail. But even the darkness of a prison cell is less terrifying than losing you.‘
I hadn’t expected Gavin to be so obstinate.
Before I could reply, a woman suddenly burst into the room, rushing straight at Gavin.
When I saw her face, I was momentarily stunned.
He Regretted It After Realizing My Fortune
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was Ellie Johnson.
Her expression was twisted with rage, and she was clutching a sharp knife in her hand.
Recalling everything Gavin had done to her, I wasn’t entirely surprised.
Ellie’s eyes burned with malice as she screamed, “You scumbag, go to hell!”
“If it weren’t for you, my life wouldn’t have been ruined like this! I wouldn’t have been expelled from school!”
Since that incident, I had stopped sponsoring Ellie Johnson.
And without me, Gavin didn’t have the extra money to give her either.
Everything happened so quickly.
By the time Gavin realized what was happening, the knife was already inches away.
Instinctively, Gavin grabbed me, pulling me in front of Ellie.
When I snapped back to reality, I wasn’t panicked like Gavin was.
Instead, I calmly and swiftly kicked the knife out of Ellie’s hand.