Revenge is best served cold

Upon seeing Eric walk out with me, Jack looked slightly surprised but quickly masked his reaction.

Half an hour later, we arrived at the Brown residence. When we stepped inside, I saw my parents sitting on the living room couch, looking utterly miserable. As I approached, they gave me an apologetic look. "Jae..."

I smiled and shook my head, then followed them upstairs.

Jack knocked on Elsa's door, his voice dripping with gentleness. "Elsa, come out, okay?"

From inside the room came a muffled voice. "Jack, I just want to be alone for a while. I know everyone thinks badly of me right now. I just want some time to myself to atone."

I let out a mocking laugh. Atone? What a joke.

The sound of my laughter immediately displeased Jack. He shot me a glare before continuing in a soothing tone, "No one blames you. You were only trying to help me and the company. Everyone just misunderstood you-especially Jane. She's here to apologize to you."

A brief silence followed before Elsa's voice came again, filled with cautious hope. "Really?"

I fought back the urge to kick the door down and replied coldly, "I'm here."

The door creaked open the next second, and Elsa peeked out timidly.

The moment she saw me, a flash of triumph flickered in her eyes. It had flashed by so quickly that if I weren't paying attention, I might've missed it. But she buried it beneath an innocent facade just as fast.

She bit her lip, looking pitiful. "Jane, I'm sorry. I misunderstood you. But I swear I never meant to set Jack up. Brown Group is Mom's and Dad's legacy. I just want to protect it too."

Before I could say a word, Jack beat me to it, his expression full of distress. "No one blames you. Don't worry, everyone knows it was just a misunderstanding. Jane came here to make amends, didn't she?"

I stared at Elsa in silence.

Sure, I came. But that didn't mean I was actually going to apologize.

Elsa hesitated for a moment, then slowly opened the door. She stood there with an obedient expression.

"I know Jane still has some misunderstandings about me." She lifted her head and glanced at the others, her tone laced with a soft plea. "Can I have a moment alone with her?"

I tilted my head slightly, watching her with amused patience.

Here we went again.

Eric placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder from behind. I turned to glance at him, offering a smile that said, "It's fine."

Then, shifting my gaze to the others, I said calmly, "It's okay. You all can head downstairs. We'll just talk here for a bit."

Soon, the second floor was left with just the two of us.

Since Elsa's room was right by the staircase, the people sitting on the couch downstairs had a clear view of us.noveldrama

Eric was seated there. He looked up to keep a watchful eye on our every move. The rest of them remained silent, the atmosphere thick with tension.

Elsa, as always, wore that signature frail expression. But when she saw the wariness in my eyes, she took a small step closer.

"Jane..." she murmured. "Why don't you want me to join Brown Group? I already left Cornell Group."

I met her gaze, unfazed. So, this was what this was about.

"So, you want my approval to join Brown Group," I stated flatly.

Elsa nodded. Her brows were furrowed, making it seem as though I had just said something deeply hurtful.

She said in a delicate voice, "I'm part of the Brown family too. Why can't I be part of the company? Jane, you're deliberately targeting me."

I arched an eyebrow. "You got that backward. You're the one targeting me."

Elsa immediately shook her head, and her eyes welled up with tears. "Jane, when have I ever targeted you? I just want to join the company."

I scoffed. "As long as I'm in Brown Group, you can forget about stepping foot inside. You don't deserve it. Let me give you a piece of advice-don't get too greedy. Otherwise, one day, you'll face the punishment you deserve."

Elsa suddenly moved at my words. She stepped backward and positioned herself with her back to the staircase.

No one could see her expression from downstairs, but I had the perfect view. Her face was twisted with mockery, her tone laced with provocation.

"Then let's see who gets punished first."