Rise From Prison: Taking Over the Business Empire

Chapter 5: The New Chairman’s Order

"Freya, this is what real connections look like."

Isaiah Harris exhaled a puff of smoke, wearing a smug expression.

"That country bumpkin Anthony will never be able to compare."

Freya Mitchell felt a slight sense of relief. She made no effort to defend Anthony as Isaiah mocked him.

"Thank you, Mr. Osborne, for giving the Mitchell Family this opportunity!"

Richard Osborne squinted, his gaze lingering on Freya’s exposed legs, his desire surging.

With a smirk, he waved his hand dismissively.

"No need for thanks—we’re all on the same side. If you really want to be grateful, you should thank Mr. Harris instead. I only agreed to this because of him."

Richard Osborne wasn’t blind. He could see that Isaiah Harris was pursuing Freya Mitchell, so he simply pushed all the credit onto Isaiah, making it seem like he had done her a favor.

Freya tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and turned to Isaiah.

"Mr. Harris, thank you."

Isaiah grinned, waving it off.

"Freya, with the relationship between us, who else would I help if not you?"

His words were bold, the implications unmistakable.

Just then, Richard Osborne’s phone rang.

He glanced at the screen, his expression shifting slightly before he stood up.

"Excuse me for a moment."

With that, he strode into the adjoining room.

A few minutes later, he reemerged—his face visibly grim.

Sensing something was wrong, Isaiah frowned.

"Mr. Osborne, what happened?"

Richard Osborne’s brows knitted together as he forced a smile.

"There’s been a change, Mr. Harris. I just received a notification—the head of the Silverhaven City project has been replaced. All bidding companies must reapply and compete fairly. No backdoor dealings will be allowed."

Isaiah’s expression darkened instantly.

Freya’s face paled as she blurted, "Mr. Osborne, what’s going on? Everything was already arranged—why did it suddenly change?"

Richard’s expression was equally displeased.

"To be frank, three days from now, Horizon Group’s Chairman will officially take over. This is his directive. If Miss Mitchell wants to secure this contract, she’ll need to persuade the CEO or the incoming Chairman."

"In fact… your company still has a good chance."

Isaiah clenched his jaw.

"Mr. Osborne, is there really nothing you can do?"

Richard shook his head, his expression one of helplessness.

Freya’s heart sank.

She had staked everything on this partnership with Horizon Group—she valued it more than her own life.

"Is there really… no other way?" she asked through gritted teeth.

Richard sighed. "I suggest you both leave. At such a critical moment, it’s best if we don’t meet again for now."

Realizing they were being dismissed, Isaiah had no choice but to get up.

"Freya, let’s go."

Just as they were about to leave, Richard hesitated before adding,

"Miss Mitchell, this information is confidential, but I can tell you one thing—our Chairman’s last name is Jones."

Jones?

Freya’s mind immediately flashed to Anthony Jones.

That can’t be right…

Shaking off the thought, she followed Isaiah out of Horizon Group’s doors.

Once outside, Isaiah’s face twisted with rage.

"Fuck! Could this be Anthony Jones’ doing? That bastard—does he even have the power to pull this off?"

His eyes narrowed.

"And this Chairman of Horizon Group—what the hell is going on? I’ve never even heard of Horizon Group having a Chairman!"

Now that things had fallen apart, Isaiah needed someone to blame—and Anthony was the perfect target.

Freya hesitated before shaking her head.

"It can’t be him. I know Anthony—he wouldn’t do something like this."

After years of marriage, she understood Anthony’s character.

There was no way he would deliberately sabotage her.

Isaiah scoffed.

"Freya, you're too naive. Do you even know what kind of people he was exposed to in prison? Three years is enough to change a man. Maybe he was kind before, but now? He probably hates your family. A man with nothing left to lose is capable of anything."

Hearing Isaiah’s reasoning, Freya wavered.

Three years… is enough to change a person.

Could he really be seeking revenge because of their divorce?

She looked at Isaiah.

"What should I do now?"

She had sacrificed everything for this deal with Horizon Group—including her marriage to Anthony.

But now, everything was crumbling.

Isaiah took a deep breath.

"My father has some close connections inside Horizon Group. Let’s go back—I’ll figure something out."

Freya nodded.

Right now, that was their only option.

Back home, Freya locked herself in her room, hesitating for a long time before finally dialing Anthony’s number.

She needed to know—was he behind this?

The call connected quickly.

"Miss Mitchell, to what do I owe the pleasure?"

Anthony’s voice carried a hint of amusement.

Freya took a deep breath.

"Anthony, tell me the truth—why did you go to Horizon Group today?"

The moment the words left her lips, an inexplicable surge of resentment rose within her.

Was it really him?

Otherwise, why would he have been there?

Anthony had never been involved in business affairs, and he had only just been released from prison.

He had no connection to Horizon Group.

So why had he shown up there today?

Her mind quickly painted the worst-case scenario.

He must have gone there to ruin her deal—to destroy her chances of working with Horizon Group.

Her initial guilt toward Anthony twisted into anger.

She had thought she owed him something.

But now?

She hated him for this.

At that moment, Anthony had just arrived at the gates of Crystal Haven.

Freya’s voice suddenly sharpened through the phone.

"Anthony, you’ve truly disappointed me… It seems divorcing you was the right decision!"

Anthony’s expression darkened instantly.

"I disappointed you?"

His voice turned icy.

"Freya Mitchell, tell me—what have I ever done to wrong you?"

"When I was part of the Mitchell Family, I worked tirelessly, never once complaining!"

"When I took the fall for your worthless brother, spending three years in prison—did I ever blame you?"

"And when I was released, only to be greeted with betrayal and divorce—did I beg you to take me back?"

His voice grew colder with each word.

"Freya Mitchell… if anyone should be disappointed, it’s me."