The Scorned Heir

Chapter Eight

Cassie couldn't take the mockery her parents were inflicting on Ethan. He had only urged her to undertake the task because he believed in her. Unfortunately, he was the only member of the family who still had faith in her.

"Ethan made no mistake in telling me to accept the task. I have a few days to plan my efforts and pitch the offer to the Buddy Industry. Why can't you all trust me? Isn't this the most effective approach to end the humiliation? If I win this offer, our family will be revered once more, and I will be appointed as the company's director. Wouldn't you appreciate it if that happened?"

"Listen, Cassie, the bid for the casino project will include many well-known and reputable companies. If you believe you can bargain with Buddy, you're wasting your time. Even your granddad is helpless in this battle. That’s why he pitched others to do it. You are making a very terrible decision."

Ethan stood beside Cassie, silently listening to what they said. He continued to smile inside as he listened. They had no idea what was going on. They still thought he was the unemployed son-in-law with nothing to give the family. But he was no longer that. He was the owner of the corporation about which they were all arguing about. Cassie would win the bid for his project, and they would treat her respectfully.

A tap on the door at that precise moment jolted Ethan out of his reverie.

"Hold on, please…" Lilian replied as she stepped slowly to the door.

When the door was opened, Ethan's gaze followed her movement and settled on a young man. He immediately recognized him as Mason Stitch, the man who had been obsessively chasing Cassie even though she was married.

Mason donned an Armani gray suit that emphasized his handsome features. He also owned a pair of black oxfords and a million-dollar Audemars Piguet. He enjoyed dressing up to impress Cassie, but she was uninterested in him. His flashiness didn’t move her.

Grandpa Ronan Rogers, on the other hand, was captivated by the articulate display of his wealth.

"What brings you here, Mason?" You didn't tell us you were coming over.” Lilian exclaimed, plastering a phony smile on her face.

She had always favored Mason to Ethan and hoped Cassie had married him instead. He would have been a better son-in-law, this she thought.

"I learned of Cassie's interest in Buddy Industry's bid for the casino project. It's a big event, and I came here to give her some new techniques and ideas that might help her.” He replied with a smile.

Lilian excitedly clapped her hands over her mouth. "Oh my goodness! Mason, you are a lifesaver. What would we do without you?" She took a step back, allowing him to enter the house fully. “Please come in, and you're always welcome here."

Cassie rolled her eyes as he walked in. She disliked having him around. He was very arrogant and egotistical towards her spouse, Ethan.

"Good day, Cassie. How are things going today?" He inquired, stopping before her. "It must have been a difficult decision for you to agree to take the bid. But, I'm very impressed." As he tried to discuss with her, he completely ignored Ethan, standing beside her.

"No, No. It was not her idea in the least. Ethan dragged her into it." Mark, Cassie’s father, remarked while staring squarely at Ethan.

Mason laughed. "He knows nothing about business; why would he get involved in the family business?"

“I have no idea.” Lilian scoffed.

Mason continued. “Anyway, Cassie, I'm here now to assist you in brainstorming some excellent ideas. I can also discuss the deal with my father. Because our organization is associated with Buddy, I can assist you in obtaining the contract." He spoke as if Ethan was not present, and this irritated Cassie.

She couldn't stand him and did not attempt to hide it. "Thank you, Mason, but I don't need your assistance. I will work on my bid strategy and plans."

"What?" Lilian cut in. "Mason came here to assist you, and you're rejecting him? Why are you suddenly acting strange when his father can easily get you the deal? Mason's fantastic offer is one you should take. Are you out of your mind?”

"I can handle everything on my own, Mom. He is under no obligation to assist me in winning the proposal." Cassie responded gently, and her mother looked at her as if she were nuts.

Ethan looked at Mason. "How come you're sure you can get her the deal through your company? Do you realize that if Stitch's Company isn't truly tied to Buddy, it could jeopardize her chances of obtaining the bid?"

Mason scoffed, slightly irritated. "Well, I believe you have no knowledge of business and corporations in this city. If you do, you won't doubt my abilities to assist Cassie in getting this. Buddy Industry has worked with Stitch's Enterprise for many years. It is much easier for us to win the deal, and once we do, my father can arrange for Cassie and our company to collaborate."

"So, you're implying that Cassie wouldn't wholeheartedly win the bid but will be allocated a percentage of the stake in a partnership contract?"

"Yes."

"Well, that takes care of it. I don't think Cassie would want that. She plans to collaborate with Buddy Industry directly and wholly.” Ethan clarified.

"And how would you know? Why are you now attempting to make decisions for her? Cassie, not you, should make the decision." Mason muttered as he moved closer to Ethan.

Ethan could see a fight brewing, and while he would have loved to throw a punch, he restrained himself and took a step back.

"My husband is correct, Mason. I want to deal directly with the Buddy Industry because it would give our company the essential exposure. I cannot guarantee that your company will win the bid, so I prefer to conduct my business privately." Cassie acted quickly to remedy the situation because she knew Mason was an arrogant man.

That didn't stop him from speaking negatively about Ethan. "Because he's your husband, you always defend him. You sometimes let him drive you to make bad decisions. Everyone knows how powerful and successful my family is. We are your best chance of winning the bid. Stop listening to this illiterate man."

"The man you're referring to as an illiterate is my husband, and if you can't respect him, I'll ask you to leave. It is none of your concern what decisions I make." Cassie grumbled bitterly. "The fuck!”

"You've made a bad decision, Cassie. Everyone but you sees that he isn't good enough for you. His family has little reputation, and he is unemployed. Consider how much better your life would be without this jerk." Mason said, his upper lips twisted in mockery.

"I don't care what other people think or say. I adore my husband and would never leave him for another. He's not a loser, and I suggest you stay out of my business." Cassie responded forcefully.

"All right, then, suit yourself. I hope you win the casino bid and receive the deal. But if you don't listen to my counsel, I don't think you'll be able to win it. Our enterprise will eradicate all competitors, and you will realize too late that you should have followed my advice." He was enraged as the words flew out of his mouth.

"Don't go, Mason. Please remain calm." Lilian stated this to deter the young, arrogant man from going, but he ignored her.

However, just as he was about to walk out the door, he came to a halt. He returned his gaze to Ethan, a bitter expression on his face. "I'm not sure how a loser like you got into this family, but it's never too late to divorce. Cassie needs to be with someone more qualified than you. If you know what's best for her, you'd give that to her." Then he stormed out of the flat, outraged.

Lilian turned to face her daughter, who appeared unconcerned. "What happened just now? How could you have let him go? "How could you let this scum you call a husband jeopardize your chances of working with the Stitch family?"

This time, it was Ethan who spoke up. His voice was firm and unafraid. "Mason is simply making a suggestion that may or may not work. I believe Cassie should concentrate on winning the bid herself."

"And what offer or proposal do you have to help her chances? Are you just going to stand there and make ignorant comments?" Mark extended his support to his wife.

"This task was assigned to me, Mom. Could everyone just let me figure out how to win this bid? Nobody should tell me what to do with my life." Cassie spat.

"But…"

"Please. Allow me to do my thing." Cassie interjected, and without further word, she stormed out of the room, closely followed by Ethan.

With a smirk, Ethan was relieved that Cassie did not accept Mason's offer of assistance, nor did she even pause to consider it. Oh, but he had big ambitions for all of them. For Mason Stitch's family in particular, the first thing he would do would be to kick them out of the company and cancel any existing contracts they had.

He just couldn't wait!