Chapter 10 Step family plotting
IN THE WILLIAMS ESTATE...
"Now that she's gone, what next, Mom?" Malcolm asked, sprawled across the leather chair in his father's study like he already owned it, one leg draped over the armrest, his expensive watch catching the afternoon light.
Margaret stood by the window, arms crossed, staring out at the Williams Estate gardens with the satisfied smile on her face.
"Now, darling, you step up. You'll be handed the position of CEO on a silver platter, don't make me regret fighting for you."
"Fighting?" Malcolm snorted. "You mean destroying Dandelion."
"It’s the same thing, regardless of what you call it." She said waving her hand dismissively, She turned to face him. Her perfectly styled hair didn't move neither did her expression.
"The point is, she's gone and disinherited. Everything that should've been hers is now yours." She paused, her smile sharpening. "The board meeting is scheduled for next week. Your father will make the announcement official. So act like you deserve it."
Malcolm grinned, smugly. "Don't I deserve it in the first place?"
Her expression changed, becoming cold. "Malcom this is very important, so for once in your useless life, pretend to be competent. Study the reports sent over, Memorize the quarterly projections, Smile at the board members and make them believe you're not a complete imbecile."
His grin faltered. "Jesus, Mom—"
"I'm serious, Malcolm." She crossed the room in three sharp strides, leaning down until they were eye level.
"Dandelion worked for years to build her reputation. So you have one chance not to embarrass me. Don't you dare waste it."
He held her gaze for a beat, then shrugged. "Fine. Whatever. I'll play CEO. How hard can it be?"
Margaret straightened, smoothing her skirt. "It's harder than you think. But you'll manage. You have to."
The door suddenly burst open.
"Guess what?!" Mildred practically skipped into the study, waving her phone like a victory flag.
Her face was flushed, eyes bright with triumph. "You're not going to believe this!"
Margaret raised an eyebrow. "What now?"
"I just got a call from my agent." Mildred's grin stretched ear to ear. "All of Dandelion's roles—the ones she was confirmed for? The big-budget dramas, the endorsements, even the international collaboration—they're all mine now!"
Malcolm let out a low whistle. "Damn. They moved so fast."
"Of course they did." Mildred spun in a circle, laughing. "Why would they keep a scandalous actress when they can have me? I'm younger, cleaner, and I didn't sleep my way to the top." She paused a bit, but continued smiling.
Margaret's smile widened, pride gleaming in her eyes. "See? This is what happens when you remove obstacles. Opportunities open up."
"God, I can't wait to see the look on her face when she finds out." Mildred dropped onto the couch, kicking off her heels. "By the way, Has anyone heard from her? or seen her?"
"No." Malcom said as if realizing she had been gone for days now.p
Margaret returned to the window, gazing out with faint amusement. "And they won't. I made sure of that."
Mildred sat up straighter. "What do you mean?"
"I had a chat with Leona, Dandelion's darling manager." Margaret's tone dripped with satisfaction.
"Or rather, former manager. Leona was very cooperative once I reminded her where her loyalties should lie."
"What did you do?" Malcolm leaned forward now, intrigued.
"I asked her to Freeze her accounts. All of them." Margaret turned, her expression sharp as glass. "Leona had access to Dandelion's banking details. One phone call, and every penny she earned from her little acting career is locked tight. No access. No withdrawals. Nothing."
Mildred gasped, then burst into laughter. "You didn't!"
"I did." Margaret's smile turned vicious. "And I also ensured her passport was flagged. She can't leave the country, not without drawing attention she can't afford. So wherever our dear Dandelion is hiding, she's trapped. Broke and Alone." She paused, savoring the words. "Exactly where she belongs."
Malcolm let out a low chuckle, shaking his head. "Damn, You are ruthless, Mom. and I mean that as a compliment."
She scoffed, "I know you do." She moved to pour herself a glass of wine from the crystal bottle on the desk. "Dandelion made quite a fortune from her acting career. Endorsements, film contracts, awards... she was set for life. But money means nothing if you can't access it. So let's see how long she survives without it."
Mildred stretched out on the couch, sighing contentedly. "This is the best day ever."
"Don't get comfortable." Margaret's voice sharpened. "This is just the beginning. Dandelion is down, but she's not gone. People like her are stubborn, dramatic, pathetic, they have a nasty habit of clawing their way back if you're not careful."
"How?" Malcolm scoffed. "She has nothing. No money, no career, no support. What's she gonna do, crawl back and beg?"
"Maybe." Margaret took a slow sip of wine. "Or maybe she'll find someone foolish enough to help her." Her eyes narrowed. "Which is why we stay vigilant. If she resurfaces, we crush her again. Permanently this time."
Mildred waved a hand dismissively. "She won't. Trust me, chase made sure of it, gosh I almost felt bad for her."
Margaret set down her glass. "She brought this on herself."
"Did she though?" The words slipped out before Malcolm could stop them.
Both women turned to stare at him.
He shifted uncomfortably. "I mean... yeah, she was stupid for getting involved with Chase. But didn't we kind of... help that along?"
Mildred's smile vanished. "Excuse me?"
"Come on, Milly." Malcolm rolled his eyes. "You leaked those photos. We all know it. Chase didn't do it alone."
Mildred's face flushed red. "I didn't—"
"Save it." He stood, stretching. "I'm not judging. I'm just saying, let's not pretend we're innocent here."
"Innocent?" Margaret's voice dropped to ice. "This isn't about innocence, Malcolm. This is about survival. Dandelion had everything handed to her. Daddy's precious little girl, Mom's golden child, the chosen one to inherit Williams Corp. Meanwhile, you and Mildred were treated like afterthoughts. So yes, it's not bad if we leveled the playing field. And yes, Mildred gave Chase a little... encouragement. So what?"
Mildred lifted her chin seeing that her mom supported her. "She deserved it. She always acted so perfect, so untouchable. I just... helped her fall."
"Exactly." Margaret's gaze swept between her children. "And now we reap the rewards. Malcolm, you're CEO. Mildred, you're the new rising star. I finally have control over this family and the company. Everything is as it should be."
Malcolm hesitated. " What if she comes back?"
Margaret's smile returned, cold and razor-sharp.
"Like I said before, if she ever dares to return, we'll have to deal with her permanently."