<b>Chapter </b>255


    Susan slid a chair back and sat <b>down</b>, lifting her chin and looking at me with a gaze that screamed wealth and power.


    “The current predicament of the Ferguson Group will be a thing of the past once news of a partnership with the Myers family gets out. But you, meddling in our business, are only holding Bryant back.


    Indeed, he’s among the finest men around, looks, family background, capabilities, and character. Not only in RiverCity but also nationally, there’s hardly a match. Clinging to him is understandable.


    “But, let’s be real. Shouldn’t you consider what you deserve? Without a respectable family name, how do you n to secure your position as Mrs. Ferguson?”


    Seemingly trivial, her words cut through me like a knife.


    I clenched my fists, maintaining an even tone. “Susan, I respect you, but if <b>you </b>can’t discern right <b>from </b>wrong for your daughter, don’t expect me to be nice.”


    The audacity to suggest I step aside for her daughter, cloaked in righteousness, was new to me. As ifcking parental backing or a notable family name meant anyone could trample upon me.


    Susan scoffed as if hearing a joke, “Td like to see how you n to be ‘not nice to me.”N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.


    “The decision to stay married to Bryant, when to divorce, or whether I even want to, that’s my call to make.” Under her increasingly sour expression, I asked coldly, “Who is the Myers family to pressure me daily<b>?</b>”


    That was totally out of line, making cheating sound like something to be proud of!


    ?? ?? ????


    Susan’s face twisted into a grimace. “You’ve changed your tune quickly, haven’t you? You were timid as a rabbit just days ago, and now, you’re baring your teeth? Speak, then. If you have anything else to say, out with it!”


    “Nothing more to say.” I shrugged, my voice cold, “It’s rare to see a family that not only condones their daughter being ‘the other woman‘ but also teams up to bully the rightful partner. I’ve leamed quite a bit about the Myers family values today.”


    Bang!


    Susan mmed her hand on the table, ring at me furiously. “No wonder Dorothy told me you were an orphan, utterlycking in manners!”


    I suppressed my anger, my smile not quite reaching my eyes. “Still, that’s preferable to Dorothy’s skewed morals!”


    With that, I had no desire to engage further, turning to leave.


    “Stop.” Susan gritted her teeth, “I own a prime office building in Vista Townparable to this one. If you’re thinking of starting <b>your </b><b>own </b>business, pick any floor. It’s yours, free of charge.”


    “And the catch?” I asked, smiling.


    There was no such thing as <b>a </b>free lunch<b>, </b>and everyone knew that.


    Susan stood up, clutching her purse. “You have to leave RiverCity and never return. Or else, no one will rent space to you, and your business will never get off the ground!”


    That was a mix of threats and temptations. As Margaret said the day before, ordinary people are no different from ants in the face of power.


    I had no doubt the Myers family had the power to ruin my prospects. Yet<b>, </b>I refused to give in. “Never <b>return</b>? Susan, remember, I haven’t signed the divorce papers yet.”


    “That won’t be necessary for you to worry about. Just disappear, and I’ll handle the divorce.”


    She pulled a check from her purse, tossing it lightly on the table. “Consider it a startup fund from me!”