Chapter 436

Chapter 436:

Esteban promptly announced, “Jada, you’re suspended until we finish investigating this matter. We’ll discuss further once we have all the facts.”

Jada glimpsed Esteban’s stern demeanor and realized that arguing would be futile. The meeting concluded, revealing that Jada had once more masterminded the entire drama on her own.

With Ecstasy’s apology, the online debate gradually subsided. People shifted their criticism towards Ecstasy for the plagiarism and expressed sympathy for Natural Beauty and apologies to Susan.

Susan created a Twitter account and made her debut post: “Pour your heart into crafting the product.” Many people left apologies in the comments. The post garnered over 100,000 likes.

“Susan, I deeply regret what happened. Your talent is truly impressive.”

“My mother, who is a perfumer, mentioned how challenging it is to create such a scent.”

“Following you now. I can’t wait to be among the first to purchase your next fragrance.”

As Susan returned to the office, she noticed a mix of emotions in the way people regarded her—guilt, sympathy, and discomfort. Several individuals approached Susan to offer their apologies.

Lɒtєst cнαptєrs ιn g𝒶lnovєls.𝒸𝑜𝑚

Susan responded, “There’s no need to apologize to me; I won’t hold a grudge. Just keep pouring in your best effort for the company.”

Observing that she genuinely didn’t harbor any resentment, some felt even more remorseful. Those who had once underestimated Susan now recognized her as someone genuinely dedicated to the company’s welfare.

Considering what Jada had done, inheriting the company had become a far-off dream for her. Susan had emerged as the most likely heiress. Everyone knew it, even if they didn’t say it out loud.

In the meantime, Jada was summoned to the office. She anticipated a scolding and disappointment from Esteban, but to her surprise, he remained calm and composed.

“Pack your things and leave.”

Jada was about to speak, but when she noticed Esteban’s complete disregard as he focused on his work, her heart sank. Had he shouted, it might have indicated that he still cared. The reality of his silence was even more chilling; it signaled his utter disappointment.

“Dad, I know I made a mistake.”

Jada fell to her knees before Esteban, her sobs uncontrollable and heart-wrenching.

Esteban didn’t even give her a glance. “You said the same thing last time. Are you intending to faint again?”

Jada, about to pretend to faint, was taken aback. Surprised and embarrassed, she couldn’t bring herself to fake a fainting spell this time. Instead, she clenched her teeth and looked at Esteban with reddened eyes. “This isn’t entirely my fault. Madisyn came up with the idea. You’re familiar with Madisyn, right? She’s Susan’s friend, and since her best friend betrayed her, there must be something wrong with Susan, Dad!”

“So, rather than tell your sister about her friend’s betrayal, you chose to help frame her?”

Jada found herself without any defense this time. She had never anticipated that her schemes would be revealed once again.

“I acknowledge that I didn’t handle things properly,” she said, looking at Esteban. “But Dad, we had agreed that I would take over the company when I returned. But now Susan joined the company. If Susan ends up running it, what will happen to Mom and me?”

“Are you the only one who matters in this family?” Esteban retorted. “If you were in charge of the company, what would happen to Susan?”

Jada bit her lip and remained silent, deeply reluctant to accept the situation. When had Esteban become so concerned about Susan?

“Now, gather your belongings and go.” Esteban’s tone was icy.

Jada’s eyes filled with frustration and tears as she pleaded, “Dad, if I leave the company, I’ll be the subject of ridicule. How can I face that? Please give me another chance. I promise to work diligently, enhance my skills, and never compete with Susan again.”

Esteban remained indifferent to her pleas.

Jada wept for a long time without receiving any response. Eventually, Esteban broke the silence with a curt command. “Leave.”

Jada realized that he was resolute in his decision to expel her. She had no option but to gather her belongings and prepare to leave. Before she went, she cast a final glance at Susan.

The entire office watched Jada in silence; no one stepped forward to speak with her. Once admired and popular, she was now completely ignored.

Jada exited the company and headed directly home. She recounted the events to Mara, who was shocked and nearly fainted.

They had always occupied influential roles within the Riggs family. With Esteban’s mother gone, Mara had been flattered by everyone and had no cause for concern. They had anticipated a future of uninterrupted success, inheriting the company, ousting Susan, and enjoying the life they believed was rightfully theirs.

But now, Jada found herself stripped of her right to inherit.

“Jada, you’ve been so naive. Madisyn must be up to no good. Susan wasn’t this formidable before. It’s as if she anticipated all your moves,” Mara said, grasping Jada’s hand.

Jada had her doubts as well. “Perhaps Susan has simply grown more cautious. I have no concrete evidence linking Madisyn to Susan’s actions.”

“Proof isn’t necessary. Madisyn is unquestionably a bad influence,” Mara asserted firmly.

Jada felt torn. In the past, a few well-chosen words from her could sway everyone to her side, but now, she found herself on the receiving end of that same opposition. This situation required thorough investigation.

“But Mom, that’s not the pressing issue at the moment. What really matters is what I should do now that I’ve left the company,” Jada said, overwhelmed with distress.

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