Family discipline will be applied!
The Harper family rules were harsh: at best, a severe caning that left someone bedridden for days; at worst, broken fingers.
Emily immediately called Jeff.
"What is it?" Jeff answered right away.
Emily: "Grandma wants you to come over."
"I'm not coming." Jeff hung up without hesitation.
Emily hadn't expected such a quick refusal. She set the phone down and told her grandmother, "He's not coming."
Seeing the tension, Susan quickly interjected:
"Mom, it's your eightieth birthday today. Let's handle the important things first and leave that good-for-nothing out of it."
But Old Madam Harper was stubborn as stone.
"Anything raised by the Harper family—whether it's a person or a dog—comes when I call it!"
She turned to Brandon. "Brandon, go bring him here."
"Got it."
Brandon cracked his knuckles. He'd bullied Jeff plenty over the years, and this was a perfect chance to let loose.
After Brandon left, Old Madam Harper returned to her mahogany chair, stroked her poodle, and composed herself.
Then she addressed the room. "I called you all here early because there's something important I need to discuss."
Michael, Robert, and the others sat up straight, waiting for her words.
Old Madam Harper continued, "Just yesterday, a new chairman was parachuted into Horizon Group. No one knows his name or background."
"As you all know, Sterling Real Estate has partnered with Horizon Group for years. We're currently negotiating a 70 million dollar financing deal. The contract isn't signed yet, so building a relationship with this new chairman is our top priority right now!"
Sterling Real Estate was the Harper family's company, and the Riverfront Residences where Emily lived had been one of their developments.
But Sterling Real Estate was facing cash-flow problems and desperately needed that 70 million dollar investment from Horizon Group.
Everyone immediately understood: whoever built the best connection with the new chairman and secured the funding would earn Old Madam Harper's favor—and that favor could mean a promotion, greater control over the company, or even a bigger share of the family fortune.
Robert spoke first. "Mom, leave this to me. I'll do whatever it takes to get close to the new chairman of Horizon Group."
Michael shot back sarcastically, "Why hand it to you? I've always handled financing. Brandon and I will take care of it."
Seeing both sons eager, Old Madam Harper smiled.
"Today is my eightieth birthday. The guests arriving later are all influential figures from Riverforge's business circles. While you're entertaining them, ask around about this new chairman. Whoever gets solid information first will lead on this deal."
"Yes, Mom!" Robert and Michael replied in unison.
...
Brandon left the villa, hopped into his Maserati, and sped down the freshly watered asphalt road.
He lit a cigarette and dialed Jeff's number.
"What is it?" Jeff asked.
Hearing Jeff's voice, Brandon laughed.
"Haha, Jeff, Emily just told us all about your little affair. Didn't think you had the guts!"
Jeff was caught off guard. "Emily... told you everything?"
Brandon said, "She sure did—crying her eyes out. Honestly, it's partly her fault too. What's with the high-and-mighty act? So what if she's pretty? Her figure isn't even as good as Jessica's. Why couldn't she just give you one night?"
Jeff assumed Emily was crying from guilt and sighed. "Let bygones be bygones."
Brandon suddenly asked, "Where are you? Let's talk face-to-face."
Jeff: "I'm delivering in the Evergreen Gardens area."
Brandon: "Perfect. I'm on my way. Wait there."
Brandon floored the accelerator and reached the entrance of Evergreen Gardens in minutes, just as Jeff was riding out on his motorcycle.
Brandon didn't get out. He rolled down the passenger window and called over.
"Get in the car. Grandma wants to see you."
Jeff figured Old Madam Harper wanted to beg on Emily's behalf.
He said firmly, "Even if your grandmother pleads for Emily, it's useless. I'm divorcing her."
Brandon looked stunned. "You lost your mind? My grandma pleading with you? She's going to punish you with family discipline!"
The bright sunlight made Jeff squint.
Jeff was genuinely surprised. "Punish me with family discipline? On what grounds?"
Brandon snapped angrily, "On what grounds? You're fooling around with other women outside, and you're asking why?"
"Yeah, I'm thrilled Emily's getting cheated on, but she's still a Harper. You betrayed the family—you deserve whatever's coming!"
Jeff was floored.
"I'm seeing other women? Emily said that?"
Jeff never imagined that Emily—who had cheated on him—would turn around and accuse him of the same thing!
That shameless woman!
There had to be a limit to how far someone could go!