He Left Me For His Pregnant Ex, So I Took Everything Chapter 07

He Left Me For His Pregnant Ex, So I Took Everything Chapter 07

I started cutting Garrison Group’s loss-making projects.

The first batch of suppliers were called into the conference room.
Resentment was written all over their faces.

One of them, a Mr. Lucas, opened first. “Chairwoman Stirling, Mr. Vance personally approved a three-year contract. You can’t just terminate it.”

I said, “The contract specifies quarterly reviews.”

He sneered. “You’re new here. Business isn’t about paper.”

“Then what’s it about?”

“Relationships.”

I slid the reports across. “Your relationship with the Vances cost Garrison Group twelve million extra last year.”

Mr. Lucas’s face tightened. “What’s twelve million to a company like this?”

I looked at the others. “Anyone else feel the same?”

No one answered.

I said, “Those willing to renegotiate at the new rate—sign the addendum today. Those who aren’t—finance will settle up through this month.”

Mr. Lucas slammed the table. “You think we can’t survive without Garrison Group?”

“That’s not what I said.”

He stood up. “Fine! Let’s see you find replacements in three days.”

The door swung open.

Two new suppliers walked in.

“Chairwoman Stirling, we’re here.”

Mr. Lucas’s bravado evaporated.

I said, “I found them where timely delivery actually happens.”

The new suppliers dropped their quotes—thirty percent lower than Mr. Lucas’s rates.

Chairs shifted around the table. Someone spoke up. “Chairwoman Stirling, we’re willing to talk.”

Mr. Lucas shot him a look. “Have you no backbone?”

I looked at Mr. Lucas. “Backbone doesn’t pay the bills.”

One of the new suppliers chuckled.

Mr. Lucas’s face went beet red. He grabbed his folder and stormed out.

One by one, the rest sat back down.

Half an hour later, the addendums were signed.

Summer texted me: [Mr. Vance is outside.]

I stepped out.

Garrett stood at the end of the hallway.

“You had replacements ready all along?”

“Yes.”

“When did you meet these people?”

“While you were having your wedding with Ruby.”

The words hit him hard.

After a long moment, he said, “Scarlett, I never knew you were capable of this.”

“There’s a lot you don’t know.”

He looked at me. “Can we start over? Talk again?”

I asked, “About what?”

“About us.”

I laughed. “Garrett, you can’t even hold on to your own company, and you want to talk about feelings?”

He dropped his head.

“I know I messed up.”

I started walking.

He called after me, “Ruby isn’t what you think.”

I stopped.

“What is she, then?”

Garrett didn’t answer.

I turned back. “You should probably figure out where her cousin’s three million went first.”

He looked up. “What else do you know?”

“More than you.”

Ruby threw a christening reception for her son.

The invitation landed on my desk, complete with the baby’s full name.

Summer frowned. “She’s doing this on purpose.”

“Yes.”

“Are you going?”

“Yes.”

The reception was at the Vance family estate.

By the time I arrived, Mrs. Vance was holding the baby, accepting congratulations from guests.

Ruby was dressed in festive red.

She spotted me immediately. “Scarlett, I didn’t think you’d actually come.”

“You went to all this trouble. It would be rude to miss it.”

Her smile flickered.

Mrs. Vance cut in. “Since you’re here, at least give a gift.”

I pulled out a red envelope.

Mrs. Vance took it, squeezed it. “So thin?”

I said, “There’s a card inside.”

Her expression softened as she opened it.

Then it froze.

The card read: May this child grow up never learning how to lie from the adults around him.

A few guests nearby saw it. Someone snickered.

Mrs. Vance flung the card onto the table. “Scarlett, did you come here to cause trouble?”

I asked, “Didn’t you invite me?”

Ruby rushed to mediate. “Mrs. Vance, don’t be upset. Scarlett just can’t let go of Garrett.”

I turned to her. “Still putting words in my mouth?”

She lowered her voice. “If you’d really moved on, why are you always coming after the Vances?”

“Because the Vances always owe.”

Ruby’s eyes welled up. “I know you don’t like me. But the baby is innocent.”

“Then stop using him as a shield.”

The crowd around us went quiet.

Garrett walked over. “Scarlett, this is the child’s day.”

“So I didn’t bring the account books.”

His face darkened.

Mrs. Vance wouldn’t let it go. “What account books?”

I looked at Ruby. “Are you sure you want me to say it here?”