Chapter 2 Sooner Rather Than Later

Roseanne looked at him coldly. “I won't stay with Graham Group, nor do I want your shares. I own a four percent share in Graham Group, which is currently valued at about one point five billion. I'll only take what's rightfully mine.” Brandon was stunned. “Four percent? How did you manage to own so many shares in Graham Group?” “Two years ago, when Graham Group was facing a financial crisis, I invested five hundred million.” Brandon frowned, utterly unconvinced. “Five hundred million for a four percent share? Since when did the Graham Group shares become so cheap?” Brandon was aware of the crisis in Graham Group and her involvement in the company. However, nobody informed him about Roseanne's five-hundred-million investment. Acquiring four percent of shares for five hundred million was practically a giveaway. Thinking that she must have infiltrated the corporation and deliberately bought at a low price, he couldn't help but feel irritated. Roseanne found it ironic and didn't want to say anything more. Just as Brandon was about to speak again, she abruptly shut the door on him. His expression was terribly grim as he headed to Yvonne Scott's condominium overnight. Upon hearing Brandon's relay of Roseanne's words, Yvonne furrowed her brows. “Graham Group is enormous. A minor crisis two years ago wouldn't have shaken it to its core. The shares couldn't have possibly dropped that much. How could an investment of five hundred million secure her four percent of the shares? Most importantly, where did she get five hundred million from? I thought she was a woman of clear intentions, someone who dared to love and hate. Seems like I misjudged her. I didn't expect her to be so greedy.” Yvonne possessed a strikingly intense appearance, marked by deeply set features. Her cold, piercing eyes gave the impression that she had everything under control, as though nothing could evade her scrutiny. Brandon's eyes revealed his irritation. Two years ago, Roseanne had a gentle and dignified presence that seemed to complement him perfectly. However, in just two years, her luxurious lifestyle had altered her tastes. She even demanded an astounding sum of one point five billion. “Forget about one point five billion. She'll never even get five hundred million.” Yvonne cocked an eyebrow. “She was raised in the countryside and has lived a life of luxury for two years. It's normal for her to be a bit greedy. You two don't share any emotional bond, so if she agrees to divorce without making a fuss, I can give her ten million.” Brandon's heart softened. He pulled her into his embrace and said, “Yvie, you are truly kind-hearted. Meeting you has been my greatest fortune.” Yvonne let out a soft humph. “She lacks education and skills. As a fellow woman, I won't make things difficult for her.” Their eyes locked briefly before Yvonne looked away. Intrigued, Brandon scooped her up and headed toward the bed. “Yvie, it's been a while since we've been intimate.” Without any hesitation, Yvonne shed her clothes and offered a passionate kiss. Roseanne owned a house in the city. After deciding to divorce, she quickly packed her things and left. She took a bath and lay in bed. The thought of not having to wake up early for Graham Group the next morning brought her immense relief and comfort. She thought it wasn't so bad that the marriage ended. At that moment, a new message popped up. Roseanne tapped on it. It was a message from Arthur Xanthos. It read: Roseanne, I've reviewed the proposal. It's quite impressive. I agree to collaborate with Graham Group. Roseanne lightly tapped the screen, typing: Old Mr. Xanthos, I'm leaving Graham Group. Please consider whether or not you wish to continue our collaboration. I can't guarantee the smooth progress of the project after my departure. There were plenty of scoundrels in Graham Group, yet Kayden trusted them and wouldn't allow any action against them. All she could do was forcefully suppress their restless hearts. In her absence, those lying in wait would undoubtedly lose their patience. On the other end of the phone, an elderly man with snow-white hair rose from the couch. His once-cloudy eyes began to clear, and a smile slowly crept onto his lips. Seeing that, the butler rushed over in a state of panic. “Old Mr. Xanthos, what's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?” With a firm grip on the butler's hand and eyes gleaming, Arthur excitedly exclaimed, “Quick, find out if Roseanne is considering a divorce!” The fact that Brandon had returned to the country was not a secret. He had known about it not too long ago. Something major must have occurred for Roseanne to consider leaving Graham Group. “Old Mr. Xanthos, Brandon just returned to the country. It's unlikely he could have divorced Ms. Roseanne, right?” Arthur waved his hand dismissively. “What do you know? I've met that young man from the Graham family. He's a fool. Once Roseanne gets divorced, Calvin will have his chance. There's no time to waste. Go and find out more.” The next day, at the crack of dawn, Roseanne received a call from Kayden and drove to the Graham residence. She encountered Brandon and Yvonne at the main entrance. They walked hand in hand and looked just like a newlywed couple, deeply in love and inseparable. Their eyes met, and it was as if sparks were flashing in the air. With a beaming smile, Eileen Ziegler emerged, cheerfully taking Yvonne's hand into hers. She gently patted it and said affectionately, “Yvie, you're here. I've missed you dearly.” “Hello, Mrs. Graham.” Eileen praised Yvonne before turning her attention to Roseanne. “Rosie, you've made substantial money working for Graham Group these past two years. Think of it as compensation from us. It would be best for everyone if you got your divorce papers sooner rather than later.” Ever since Roseanne became part of the Graham family, Eileen had never made things difficult for her. It wasn't that she didn't want to, but rather, she didn't dare to. She had thought that the girl who grew up in the countryside would be gentle and obedient, easy to handle. Yet, as soon as Roseanne joined the family, she held the reins of power and even became the vice president of Graham Group. Eileen, despite her myriad thoughts and concerns, had to suppress them all and, ironically, ended up trying to please Roseanne instead. To say she wasn't frustrated would be a lie. Every day, she yearned to regain the authority she once had as a mother-in-law. Now that her son had returned to the country and was planning to divorce Roseanne, she was wholeheartedly in favor. Eileen lifted her chin as she commanded, “You won't need to buy the anti-aging cream for me anymore. Just give me their contact information.” A sarcastic smile curled at the corners of Roseanne's lips as she ignored Eileen. She strode through the door and headed straight for Kayden's study. Eileen's pride was wounded, and her expression darkened instantly. “Just as expected from a country girl. She lacks manners.” Soothingly, Yvonne said, “Mrs. Graham, don't stoop to her level. What's the brand of the anti-aging cream you mentioned? I can find it for you.” Eileen's expression softened at the mention of the anti-aging cream. “You're always so considerate. I'll send you the picture later.” Eileen came from a small family. Even after being married to the Graham family for over twenty years, she still couldn't fit in with the high-society ladies. Roseanne had somehow acquired a no-brand anti-aging cream with a distinct scent of herbs. At first, Eileen dismissed it. However, after developing a pimple one day, she decided to give it a try on a whim. To her surprise, the results were remarkably good. Eileen, always eager to build good relationships with everyone, regularly recommended the cream to the high-society ladies. Initially, the high-society ladies turned their noses up at anything without a brand name. But when they noticed Eileen's increasingly smooth and delicate skin, with her wrinkles diminishing over time, their curiosity got the best of them. They began to seek her out, eager to uncover her secret. This exclusive anti-aging cream was unavailable on the market, which helped Eileen build a solid reputation within her social circle. Each month, she requested about twenty boxes from Roseanne. Eileen feared that if Roseanne didn't disclose the source of the anti-aging cream, she would be reproached by the high-society ladies. With Yvonne's assurance, Eileen's spirits were lifted. Without further ado, she bid them farewell and headed off to join a gathering. Brandon took Yvonne's hand, leading her upstairs. Kayden was already in his twilight years, having spent most of his life navigating the business world. Despite his age, his prestige remained intact. Seeing them enter the study hand in hand, he couldn't contain his anger any longer. He grabbed a cup and hurled it with all his might. With a swift, deft motion, Brandon pulled Yvonne away just as the cup whizzed past their faces. The cup shattered with a loud crash, sending fragments flying everywhere and nearly injuring Yvonne's foot. Brandon's expression turned stern as he directed his anger toward Roseanne. “Roseanne, what did you tell Grandpa?” Roseanne's lips twitched, but before she could speak, Kayden slammed his hand down on the table in fury. “You good-for-nothing! Rosie waited for you for two years. How dare you bring back some random woman and even talk about divorce?” Random woman? Yvonne's brow furrowed, and a flicker of anger crossed her face. Brandon immediately retorted, “Grandpa! Yvie is the eldest daughter of the Scott family. She's always been a model for the women of Yolham. You used to adore her. How could you misunderstand her just based on Roseanne's one-sided story?”