Chapter 90 Wrong Target
When Zack heard that Olivia wanted to go find Molly, his heart sank.
His current employer was going after his former employer's family, which wasn't going to end well. What made it worse was that the man who signed his paychecks had connections to both women.
"What are you waiting for? Drive to the Howard Manor."
Olivia's voice was heavy, her chest rising and falling as she clearly struggled to contain her fury.
"Yes, Mrs. Howard. We'll head there right away."
Zack started the engine and drove toward the Howard Manor. But as they traveled, he discreetly sent their location to Matthew.
Meanwhile, Matthew was reviewing documents in his office, with several department heads standing before him.
"Why haven't those people I mentioned last time been fired yet? Do you expect me to handle this personally?"
Matthew slammed the files onto his desk, glaring furiously at the executives.
One of them wiped sweat from his forehead and replied quietly.
"Mr. Howard, these employees hold key positions and haven't finished transitioning their work yet. Firing them now could cause disruptions."
"Is it really about incomplete transitions, or are you holding onto some fantasy that if you delay long enough, I'll change my mind about removing your friends and relatives from the company?"
Matthew shot to his feet, pounding the desk.
"Don't worry, Mr. Howard. We'll make sure those people are gone today."
The executives quickly bowed their heads in submission. Matthew was right; the employees being fired were all their allies.
They hadn't expected that Matthew's priority upon returning from abroad would be purging the company's internal staff.
They'd hoped to weather this storm by waiting it out, but now it was clear that wasn't an option.
"Fine, everyone out."
Matthew waved them away, and the executives scurried from the office.
Shortly after the door closed, another figure entered.
Matthew heard the click of high heels and looked up with a frown to find Scarlett standing in the doorway.
Scarlett smiled as she walked in.
"I could hear you shouting from outside. What's got you so angry?"
"Nothing important."
Matthew straightened his tie and composed his expression before looking up at Scarlett.
"Why are you here? I already ate lunch."
"Do you think I'm here to bring you food?"
Scarlett's expression turned resentful. Yesterday, she'd personally cooked and brought him a meal, only to have John eat everything instead. John had even texted her saying the food was delicious.
"I'm actually here for work today. Your company and I have a commercial endorsement deal. I'm here for a photo shoot."
Scarlett's wounded tone made Matthew feel somewhat embarrassed.
"Is that so? For business, then. How's the shoot going?"
Matthew followed her lead in the conversation.
"We've finished part of it. The remaining scenes need to be rebuilt, so I took a break to come see you."
Scarlett settled onto the office sofa, crossing her legs and leaning back against the cushions.
Her shapely legs extended from beneath her skirt as she deliberately straightened her posture, accentuating her curves and elevating her entire presence.
But Matthew only glanced at her once before returning to his documents.
Scarlett felt another pang of resentment and changed the subject.
"John mentioned you've been in a bad mood lately. It's not just business issues, is it?"
Matthew frowned. Why did John tell everyone everything?
"There's nothing else. Just business matters."
Matthew remained stubborn, unwilling to admit that this all related to Olivia. After all, this was the Howard family's scandal, and Scarlett, as an outsider, shouldn't know about it.
Scarlett's eyes flickered; she knew exactly what Matthew was worried about. This was all part of her plan.
She sighed softly and rose from the sofa, walking gracefully to stand before Matthew.
"Actually, even if you don't say it, I can probably guess. It's about Olivia, isn't it?"
Scarlett's gaze locked onto Matthew's face, but he only frowned without responding.
"Matthew, haven't you noticed that you used to get along wonderfully with your family, but ever since Olivia arrived, your entire family has become complicated? You and your mother never used to fight."
"What exactly are you trying to say?"
Matthew looked up at Scarlett with displeasure, assuming she was about to suggest divorce again.
But Scarlett shook her head and smiled.
"I was once fascinated by mysticism. In mystical studies, there's a concept about fate and destiny. Everyone's life path is predetermined from birth, and some people's destinies clash with others, causing negative changes to their family, wealth, or even life."
"Are you suggesting Olivia is causing all this?"
Matthew looked at Scarlett calmly, his steady gaze making her heart sink because she saw unwavering determination in his eyes, not a trace of doubt.
Matthew gathered his documents and stood up.
"I don't believe in so-called fate. My mother and Molly's arrogance has been ingrained for years. Even without Olivia, our family would still decline due to that arrogance. If my marriage can help my family recognize their flaws, then it's actually a good thing."
After Matthew finished speaking coolly, he pulled out his phone. He'd felt it vibrate earlier, and after reading the message, his brow furrowed deeply.
Scarlett was still seething over Matthew's words when she noticed him rushing anxiously toward the office door.
"What happened? Why are you in such a hurry?"
"Olivia seems to have gone to the Howard Manor. She might be looking for Molly. I'm worried they'll get into a fight. I need to get home immediately."
Matthew stopped at the door, noticing Scarlett seemed inclined to follow, and quickly said.
"You don't need to come along. Stay here and finish the commercial shoot."
Matthew prevented Scarlett from following, and after he left the office, he didn't notice the cold smile on her face.
'Olivia went to find Molly; what excellent news. Too bad she's going after the wrong person.'