Too Late to Hold Me Back novel Chapter 1068

Owen seemed exceptionally generous today, serving up yet another brilliant idea.

The tension would have been manageable if Owen hadn't dredged up the past, but the moment he did, the veteran executives in the room shot Jocelyn looks of pure disgust.

Years ago, when the Lance patriarch let Richard briefly manage the empire, Jocelyn had manipulated him into embezzling corporate funds to bankroll her lavish lifestyle.

To cover the massive deficits, Richard relentlessly squeezed the corporation.

He routinely slashed salaries, laid off staff without warning, and delayed payroll for weeks just to keep the ship from sinking.

That era was a living nightmare for the Lance employees. Job security was a myth, paychecks shrank, and payday was merely a suggestion.

Quitting wasn't an option in a brutal job market, and the senior executives who had bled to build the company couldn't bear to walk away empty-handed...

"Owen! The Lance Group sits on trillions in assets and dominates Mavaria. There are thousands of positions, yet you want me to pawn my jewelry to fund my son's startup?

How black is your heart? Are you trying to swallow the Lance empire whole?"

Jocelyn shrieked hysterically.

Owen remained casually unhurried. "Don't get so worked up, stepmother. My heart could never reach your level of darkness. And as for swallowing the empire whole? If I am, I merely learned a fraction of your tricks.

If I possessed even half of your lethal viciousness, do you honestly think any of you would still be breathing?"

"What... what do you want?"

Jocelyn's eyes widened in terror.

"I don't want much. Just for karma to run its course.

Instead of screaming in my office, you should all go home, place your hands over your hearts, and take a long, hard look at the blood on your hands.

Then pack your bags. Oh, and you might want to bring some snacks so you don't starve while sewing license plates."

A razor-sharp smirk tugged at the corner of Owen's mouth.

Pummeled by wave after wave of sheer terror, Jocelyn's meticulously preserved face began to sag and twist.

Do you think I ever would have married you if you hadn't killed Grace Valerius?

You paid that mechanic to rig Grace's car. If I hadn't bribed him to keep his mouth shut, you'd be rotting in a cell right now!"

The second voice belonged unmistakably to Richard.

Instantly, the family of three stood paralyzed, completely turned to stone.

"You... you planted bugs in our house..."

Jocelyn pointed at Owen, her entire body trembling uncontrollably.

"About what happened back then..."

Richard tried to force an explanation, but the words died in his throat.

"Get the hell out. Like I said, go home and prepare for prison."