Chapter 57 Bert's Madness

Daniel hesitated, pulling back at the mention of Vera's rough past. Didn't she hate it the most? Why was she willing to bring it up now?

The room went dead quiet, but someone sneakily recorded the whole scene.

Feeling everyone's eyes on him, Daniel said, "Vera, is this how you treat me? Spreading lies about me? You were..."

Vera's brow furrowed, sensing Daniel was about to say something nasty.

"If it's money you want, just take it and go," Vera cut him off.

Daniel looked down, thinking about his next move.

He'd only come to the company because Bert promised him a grand. But this gig wasn't a long-term thing, and he wasn't sure what Bert was really after.

If Vera gave him what he wanted, she might keep supporting him financially. Just by causing a scene, he could get some cash from her. It seemed more profitable than a one-time payment. So Daniel grinned, "I'll leave right now."

Ignoring the curious onlookers, Vera asked, "Have you all finished your work?"

The crowd quickly scattered, but the gossip was sure to spread like wildfire.

They thought the drama would end there. But the next day, Vera was all over the trending list. In the video, her face was clear, while Daniel's was blurred. The footage was edited to make it look like a high-ranking executive's daughter was insulting her former stepfather.

Normally, such incidents might not gain much attention, but it seemed like someone was pushing this story, making it trend non-stop.

The comment section was flooded with harsh words. Most people condemned Vera, calling her heartless and selfish, a devil in disguise. Even Vera's personal life was exposed.

[I know her. She's being kept by someone.]

[She is really disgusting.]

Protests were being organized at Constance Corporation, demanding Vera's resignation. A minor incident was blown out of proportion, time and time again.

Victor said to Vera, "Stay away from the company for a while."

"You brought him here, didn't you? And those protesters, did you pay them?" Vera stared at Victor.

She used to think he was ruthless, but now she found her biological father even more terrifying, willing to do anything for profit.

"What nonsense are you spouting?" Victor slammed his hand on the table and shouted, "How could you even think that?"

Seeing Victor's genuine reaction, Vera turned her gaze to Shirley, who looked oddly pleased. Could clueless Shirley be behind this? There was only one person left.

Victor said coldly, "Your influence on the company has been too negative. Hand over the project proposal. It's not just my call, it's what the shareholders want. I'm not taking away your shares. These projects will also be good practice for Shirley."

Vera instructed her assistant, "Give her the project proposal."

With that, she walked away without a second glance. Victor seethed, "I told you to help Shirley."

Vera stopped, turned back with a smirk, "Help her with what? To prove she's useless? I'm busy, ain't got time for that."

Shirley's face twisted in anger, but she wasn't backing down. "Do you know who's pulling the strings here?"

Shirley continued, "It's Bert. He's doing this for me. Look, what you crave, I can get in a snap!"

"Trash belongs in the trash can! I have no regrets," Vera shot back coldly.

Shirley's face darkened again. Vera had just called her trash can.

Shirley shouted, "Just wait and watch, I'll marry into the Pierce family one day! And you, a reject ruined by your stepfather, will never be a part of the Pierce family. Arnold is just toying with you."

Before she could finish, a sharp slap landed on her cheek!

Holding her face, Shirley pointed at Vera, shouting, "How dare you hit me!"

"I warned you, if you speak like that again, I'll shut you up for good," Vera declared, then decisively shut the elevator doors, ignoring Shirley's screams and tantrums.

Inside the elevator, her hands trembled once more. Those words felt like a curse, echoing in her ears. She tried to convince herself not to care.

But Vera couldn't stop the memories from replaying in her mind, over and over again.

Leaving the office, she felt the weight of everyone's eyes on her, prying, suspecting, mocking her.

Vera struggled to contain the nausea in her stomach. A Ferrari pulled up in front of her, and a pair of sleek black shoes stepped out.

"Vera, see, only I will take you back."

Bert's voice sounded like a sinister whisper in Vera's ear. She gazed up at the man she had once loved sincerely.

"Is this all your doing?" Vera asked, trying to keep her emotions in check, but her quivering voice betrayed her.

Seeing Vera's teary eyes, Bert suddenly grinned. This was his plan. "Yes, it's me. Only I will accept you. Come back with me, return everything you took from Shirley, and I'll look after you."

Before he could finish, Vera's hand met his cheek with a resounding slap. The force left five red marks on Bert's face.

Rubbing his cheek, Bert looked incredulous, screaming, "How dare you hit me?!"

"Even if I marry a beggar, I'd never be with you!" Vera almost shouted with all her might.

She had never despised anyone as much as she did Bert.

Truly, the person who knew one best knew exactly how to wound them!

Bert clenched his fists, glaring at Vera. "Do you even understand what you're saying?"

"Vera, do you even know your place? You're just a plaything for everyone. No one but me will want you!"

With that, Bert brushed off Vera's resistance, gripping her wrist tightly as he tried to pull her into the car. Just then, a phone call interrupted.