Chapter 9

I said coldly, “I’m not your sister. My parents only had one child. Since you can’t even wait a single day, let’s just get it over with today.”

I had Kaylee notify the lawyer and the board of directors. I had made preparations for this a long time ago, so within an hour, almost everyone had arrived.

The lawyer formally stated my decision.

The board’s response was unanimous. It all went so smoothly it felt almost surreal.

By the time the meeting ended, Archie was still caught up in his excitement. Grandma’s smile was equally obvious.

Back in my office, I packed up my things. My resignation had already been submitted to HR.

Just then, the door swung open. Evie helped Grandma inside, with Archie following behind them. The excitement on his face had yet to fade.

I had long lost any expectations for these people, so I had no intention of being polite. “What do you want now?”

Now that the company was in their hands, even Grandma’s tone toward me had softened. “Jillian, why don’t you vacate this office for Archie?”

I scoffed. They really never showed up unless they needed something.

“Don’t worry, Grandma. This office will be empty by tomorrow.”

Grandma finally noticed the boxes I had packed. Her smile grew even wider. “That’s good. Don’t worry, Jillian. I’ll have Archie pick out a bigger and better office for you. You won’t be mistreated.”

“That won’t be necessary,” I said flatly. “I already submitted my resignation.”

Archie was stunned. “You’re leaving?”

“Yeah.”

He hesitated. “But-”

Evie quickly grabbed his arm, as if afraid I would change my mind. “Archie, since Jillian wants to leave, let’s not stop her. Maybe she just doesn’t want to interfere with you as you get used to running the company. If she stayed and kept making decisions for you, how would you ever grow?”

Her words were carefully chosen, subtly implying that if I stayed, I might try to take the company back. After all, there could only be one king. How could a company possibly have two people in charge?

Just as expected, Archie said nothing after that.

I smiled. “If you keep standing around and delay me from packing, don’t blame me if the office isn’t empty by tomorrow.”

“We’ll leave now,” Archie said.

Once the door shut behind them, I leaned back in my chair, exhausted.

Kaylee came in, her eyes red with frustration. “Ms. Houghton, this is so unfair! This company only got to where it is today because of your hard work, and now they’re just taking it away from you like this?”

Her concern warmed my heart.

“Silly, are you worried I’m not exhausted enough? Now I finally have a chance to take a break. I haven’t had a proper vacation in forever.”

It took some effort to calm her down and send her away. Then, someone even more troublesome walked in.

Logan strolled in wearing a casual suit with his sleeves rolled up. He picked up a book from my hands, glancing at my wrist as he did. Casually, he asked, “Why aren’t you wearing the bangle?”

Logan started packing up the rest of my things while I stopped bothering altogether.

“Wearing it means I have to be careful all the time to avoid scratching it. That’s too much trouble.”

He chuckled. “You’re still as stubborn as ever.”

Then, he swiftly packed everything into boxes and called for people to move them. A few moments later, a group of men arrived and carried everything away.

From start to finish, he didn’t even ask me where I wanted my things taken.

I turned to him and said, “Don’t let them take the things to where I’m living now—”

I hadn’t even finished saying “Take them to Meadowlark Heights” when Logan nodded seriously.

“Yeah, they’re taking them to my place.”