Chapter 2

"Corporate audits are strict right now. Recommendation letters are useless," I said smoothly. "Besides, the board made it clear that they won't issue any special endorsements this quarter."

Before they arrived, I had already phoned my friend Julian Bennett, the company's executive.

Though Julian was puzzled, he knew I always had my reasons.

Refusing to pave the way for my future daughter-in-law could only mean one thing: the girl had crossed a serious line.

Fiona froze in shock.

"B-but I heard my rival already secured an executive endorsement! If Mr. Harrison won't sign it, can't you ask someone else?"

"Mom, you have to help me! This promotion means the world to me. I've worked there for three years; I can't let it all slip away at the finish line!"

Ethan looked at me pleadingly. "Mom, she really works her tail off. She stays late, attends every dinner meeting... If she loses this chance, she'll be devastated."

I cut him off sharply.

"I know she works hard. That's why I wanted to talk to both of you today. A recommendation letter is just a bonus."

"What matters most is your performance. A letter helps, but it’s not an absolute requirement."

Fiona's face darkened, and Ethan went silent.

Ethan knew better than anyone that our industry ran on high-level networking.

My sudden refusal meant an issue had arisen, even if I wasn't spelling it out.

I had raised Ethan myself; he was sharp enough to read between the lines.

He understood. Fiona, however, was spiraling.

"What am I supposed to do now?"

Watching her panic, I found it almost comical. Only now was she realizing she was powerless without me.

I took a slow sip of water. "Don't panic just yet, Fiona. There’s an elite private dinner tonight. You can come along."

Her eyes lit up instantly. "I get it, Mom! Thank you! I’ll head to the office right now and prep my portfolio!"

I gave a curt nod. As for Ethan, I called him back just as he was about to leave.

"Ethan, stay. I need to talk to you. Fiona, go ahead."

Fiona had no idea what was coming, though she probably suspected it had something to do with the condo's paperwork.

She hesitated, but under my cold stare, she reluctantly turned and walked out.

Once the door clicked shut, I pulled out my phone, opened the burner Twitter account, and laid the screen in front of Ethan.

Ethan’s face drained of color as he read the posts.

"Could... could this be a misunderstanding?"

"I had someone verify the IP and digital footprint," I said coldly. "It’s her. What do you think now?"

Realization hit Ethan like a physical blow. "No wonder you called me back... I understand now."

"What about the wedding?" I asked.

Ethan clenched his fists so hard his knuckles turned white. After a long silence, he choked out, "Mom, we’ve been together for nearly five years.”

“Everything she has, our family gave her. If I just let this go without a word, I won't be able to live with it."

"I need to test her myself. If she really is this ungrateful, heartless leech... I won't marry her. I swear."

"Please, just give me a little time."

I nodded. I instructed him to lock up the condo deed, gather all his personal assets, and install security cameras in his apartment. Having a viper like that in our home was too dangerous.

Ethan looked miserable.

He knew that while I was usually warm, patient, and generous with the younger generation, once my line was crossed, hell would freeze over before I forgave them.

Fiona had pushed me too far. I would not forgive her, nor would I ever offer her another ounce of grace.

The job I handed her? I would take it back.

The $3 million home? She wouldn't touch a single brick.