Chapter 273

Chapter 273:

“This woman is merely a fledgling actress. How dare she aspire to be the second female lead in Victor’s TV drama? Doesn’t Victor abhor when newcomers bite off more than they can chew?”

“Precisely. Victor once invested copious time and effort in guiding a new actress, yet she proved adept at portraying only a single character type. He still harbors deep regret over this. Kiley might have the chops for the second female lead, but this woman? I don’t even know her name.”

“Surely, stardom isn’t just a gift for the good-looking, right? She’s clearly got an inflated view of herself. Victor won’t pick her.”

Since no one knew Milly, the fact that she had sparked such a discussion made it easy to speculate about the instigator behind the scenes.

As the workday drew to a close, Madisyn made her way downstairs to leave. Upon reaching her parents’ villa, she encountered Rowan.

“Glenn, don’t you think your actions border on cruelty?” Rowan’s expression was tinged with sadness.

Glenn responded icily, “Compared to your family’s deeds, my actions scarcely qualify as cruel.”

“I acknowledge Courtney overstepped, and I’ve made her introspect. But we’re family. Surely, no one would agree to strip me of my dividend,” Rowan argued.

With a derisive snort, Glenn presented the vote result. “Everyone consented.”

Rowan, though not employed by the company nor a shareholder, had always received a dividend, which had sparked some displeasure among the shareholders. Now, everyone had agreed to its revocation.

Rowan’s complexion blanched. He hadn’t anticipated such overwhelming opposition.

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“Glenn, we’re brothers. How am I expected to sustain my lifestyle without that dividend? Transport is expensive,” Rowan protested. He hadn’t anticipated his brother being so ruthless.

“Rowan, think about it. What Courtney did hurt Madisyn deeply,” Glenn said, fixing him with a steady gaze. “Don’t worry. As long as you don’t cause us any more trouble for a year, I’ll reinstate your dividend.”

Rowan remained reluctant, his pride wounded. He knew he depended on the Johns Group. Deprived of his dividend, he would now need to spend every penny carefully.

Glenn, having delivered his verdict, shifted his gaze away from Rowan and immersed himself back into his work.

After a moment of contemplative silence, Rowan rose and made his way out.

Madisyn watched his departure with a heavy heart, then turned to her father, her voice tinged with uncertainty. “Dad, are you sure this is the right thing to do?”

“They’ve been leaning on the Johns Group as if it were a crutch for far too long, feeling invincible because of it. Once that financial crutch is gone, they’ll come to see the reality,” Glenn explained, his tone resolute.

Madisyn nodded. However, a thread of worry lingered. She was concerned that Rowan might retaliate against her father in some way. This worry gnawed at her, a premonition she felt deeply, though she was unaware it would happen soon.

When Rowan arrived back home, Sarai and Courtney were in the living room, their faces etched with anxiety. They were stricken with fear when they learned of Glenn’s decision to revoke their financial lifeline that very day. How were they supposed to manage in transport on their meager earnings alone?

“What did Glenn say? Did he change his mind?” Sarai asked, her voice laced with desperation.

Rowan exhaled deeply, the weight of defeat in his tone. “No.”

“How could this have happened?” Sarai’s brow furrowed in frustration and disbelief. “You should talk to him again. If that doesn’t work, we can go to the Johns Group ourselves!”

“What are you planning?” Rowan asked.

“The Johns Group was founded by your father. Why should Glenn hold the reins all alone? Half of the company rightfully belongs to you. If we stir enough trouble within the company, Glenn will be forced to reconsider!” Sarai suggested.

“Are you out of your mind?” Rowan exclaimed, visibly shocked.

“That will never work!”

“Why not?” Sarai pressed, her frown deepening with her growing impatience. “Do you have a better plan?”

It seemed they were devoid of alternatives. With Glenn staunchly refusing to reinstate their dividend, they felt cornered.

Rowan exhaled a deep, weary sigh. “Let’s not discuss this further. My brother has assured me that as long as we don’t cause any trouble for a year, our dividend will be restored.”

“Rowan!” Sarai seized his shoulders, her gaze intense and piercing. “He’s manipulating you. Can’t you see that? Both of you are your father’s sons. Why is he the high and mighty CEO, yet he isn’t even willing to give you the dividend?”

“That’s all because of you!” Rowan snapped, his irritation palpable.

“Are you saying Courtney did something wrong? Yes, she made a mistake, but wasn’t Madisyn also at fault? Your brother is merely exploiting the situation,” Sarai countered sharply, her words aimed to provoke. “He has no right to cancel your dividend!”

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