Chapter 586:
Jeffery’s frustration deepened at her tears—not from sympathy, but sheer exasperation. “Carol, can you please stop causing more chaos? I’m already buried under the weight of the company’s problems, and now you’ve decided to add to my stress at the worst possible time.”
Carol opened her mouth to defend herself. “I didn’t mean to—”
Jeffery cut her off sharply. “Stop. I’m not interested in your excuses right now.”
His dismissal stung Carol. Excuses? Was that how he saw her? When had Jeffery—once so loving and protective—turned so cold?
Confusion and despair swirled in her mind as she struggled to comprehend her brother’s sudden change, her heart heavy with bewilderment and pain.
A police officer approached them. “Both of you, follow me. The jewelry store manager has filed a damage report. You will need to arrange compensation.”
Jeffery’s agitation was plain as he nodded grimly. “Understood.” The officer studied Jeffery’s disheveled appearance with surprise. Could this really be Jeffery Lawson, heir to Lawson Group? The family’s downfall seemed all but certain.
Carol’s tears spilled over as she pleaded in a trembling voice, “Jeffery, do I really have to go back? I can’t face them again…”
“Carol!” Jeffery snapped, disbelief and anger flashing in his eyes. “Now is not the time to act spoiled. You must apologize.”
Carol’s defiance flared. “No! I will not apologize to them, Jeffery. I simply can’t—”
Before she could finish, Jeffery’s hand struck her cheek in a swift motion. The world seemed to halt for a moment. His breath came in ragged gasps as he stared at his palm, the redness still visible.
Carol reeled from the blow, her hand flying to her stinging cheek. Pain and shock filled her eyes, tears welling anew.
“Jeffery… you’ve never hit me before…” she whispered, voice trembling.
Jeffery’s hand curled into a fist, knuckles whitening. Despite her tears, he felt no remorse. In his mind, the slap had been deserved—perhaps long overdue.
He looked away, his voice cold as he said, “Carol, your selfishness and arrogance have contributed to the company’s downfall. It’s time you faced consequences to prevent further recklessness.”
Carol’s lips quivered as she fought back a sob, then she laughed scornfully, tears streaking her cheeks. “I’ve never worked at the company. Its fate is not my concern. Why are you projecting your failures onto me?”
Jeffery’s rage was evident; he struggled to understand how Carol could remain so shameless. Was this really the sister he once adored? He pointed at her, each word delivered with precision. “The way you treated Linsey at your birthday event cost us our partnership with CR Corporation. If we had retained the founder’s support, any problems within our company could have been mitigated.”
