Chapter 25
Jonathan had once used ruthless means to avenge Anna, mercilessly suppressing the families of a few “brothers” who had insulted her.
Now that those families finally had dirt on him, how could they not retaliate?
Isabella didn’t care that she was being used as a pawn. As long as she could get her revenge, nothing else mattered.
If she couldn’t live well, why should Jonathan?
Merely reporting him wasn’t enough. Isabella created a new social media account, live- streaming her sob story and exposing every detail of her relationship with Jonathan to the public.
In no time, the Texas Consortium’s reputation, which had just started to recover, collapsed once again.
Even Jonathan’s personal image took a significant hit.
He was forced to return home to face investigations, temporarily halting his pursuit of Anna.
Back in the country, chaos reigned.
To make matters worse, several traitors emerged within the company, pushing the Texas
Consortium further into turmoil.
Many rival companies eagerly waited for a chance to claim their share of the spoils.
Even if the Texas Consortium survived this ordeal, it would come at a great cost.
For such a giant corporation, even the smallest losses could empower smaller competitors to rise significantly.
Many were circling like vultures.
Jonathan, beset by internal and external crises, went three consecutive months without proper sleep.
He eventually had Isabella arrested on charges of defamation.
After a prolonged investigation, authorities discovered financial irregularities within the Texas Consortium. The company was fined 70 million, and the matter was settled.
However, the consortium suffered significant damage–many employees left, partnerships dissolved during the investigation, and the company was left severely weakened.
Jonathan’s grandfather, who had retired long ago, was drawn back into the turmoil.
Seeing his once–vigorous grandson now reduced to a frail shell of himself, Jonathan’s
Chapter 25
grandfather heaved a deep sigh.
Once the company’s situation stabilized somewhat, he summoned Jonathan back.
Thud!
The cane struck the ground, emitting a dull thud.
“Kneel!”
Jonathan knelt with a pale face, his emaciated frame barely holding together.
“Jonathan, is this how I raised you? How many times have I warned you to stay true to yourself? A loving husband prospers, and yet, what did you promise me before? And how have you acted now?”
His grandfather’s chest heaved with fury, his breathing ragged. He struck the cane against the ground several times in his anger.
Jonathan lowered his gaze slightly, his voice hoarse as he spoke:
“I was wrong. I… I let Anna down…”
Seeing him like this, his grandfather shook his head repeatedly.
“Bring the family rod!”
The butler brought forth the family rod.
The black, gleaming stick, studded with sharp spikes, could tear the skin with a single strike.
With a strong swing, the butler brought it down. Jonathan let out a muffled groan, and blood immediately began to flow.
He gritted his teeth, trying to endure, but his weakened body betrayed him.
After just one strike, he swayed and fainted.
In the past, as a teenager, Jonathan had endured over ten strikes for a mistake without
flinching.
Now, his grandfather panicked and quickly ordered the family doctor to tend to him.
After receiving medication, Jonathan finally managed to sleep soundly.
In his hazy dreams, he seemed to return to the past.
He was back on the day Anna accepted his proposal.
Dressed to the nines, he poured out his love for her, brimming with anticipation.
“Anna, will you marry me? I promise to love you forever. For the rest of my life, you’ll be the only one I love!”
Chapter 25
Holding the intricately designed ring, his hands trembled, his heart pounding with nervous excitement.
Jonathan’s lips unconsciously curved into a smile.
He knew she would say yes.
But in the next moment, Anna turned away without hesitation.
