Chapter 165
165 Repaying Every Debt
Martha snatched Franklin’s phone from his trembling hands. The moment she saw the notifications, she felt the sky fall in on her.
Her legs nearly gave out. There was no coming back from this.
Oliver’s heart skipped a beat. For the first time, he truly saw the full picture of his downfall..
The moment Owen revealed the acquisition, he’d felt a chill down his spine. But now, staring at the notifications on the phone that confirmed the truth–frozen accounts, shattered status–he finally understood just how badly he had failed.
Everything he’d once possessed–admiration, wealth, reputation–was gone. And worse, he had been reduced to a powerless nobody.
And this was the true meaning of revenge.
He remembered how he’d once stood silently by as Scarlett was dragged into the family under false pretenses, solely because her kidney matched Rebecca’s. He could have stopped it. But he hadn’t.
Back then, he was in control–one of the high and mighty.
But today? Scarlett was the one standing at the top.
And the humiliation they now faced was poetic justice.
It didn’t matter if their current situation looked no worse than that of an ordinary worker. The weight of the fall was what crushed them. Oliver had been one of the brightest stars in Trenwyn–praised, admired, envied. Now, to be reduced to a servant of the Lane family… even if he found a way back up one day, the shame would never wash off.
The assistant handed over the contracts–standard labor agreements.
All the Joyner family had to do was sign. The debts were so large that they would spend the rest of their lives repaying them through labor.
In short: the Joyners would lose everything.
Sophia’s expression was icy.
“Oh? You had no problem making Scarlett your unpaid worker–dragging her into your plans, forcing her to lift you higher while you stood proudly on her back. And now that it’s your turn to repay your debt, suddenly no one’s in a rush to sign? ”
The Joyners didn’t dare speak.
Even though, deep down, many of them still resented this outcome.
They were Scarlett’s brothers, elders even. In their minds, she should be showing respect to her family, not forcing them to bow to her.
They refused to believe these were equivalent.
But even so, none of them dared voice that belief.
165 Repaying Every Debt
Because no matter how they argued, they couldn’t win.
The Lane family’s power towered above them.
Even if the world knew the Lane family was forcing this outcome, they still couldn’t fight it, Power didn’t . need justification.
Scarlett looked at them with cold eyes.
The way they stood now–beaten, helpless–reminded her of the days when the Joyners had just completed their biggest project, proudly rising to the top of Trenwyn’s social ladder.
They had been so proud. So radiant.
But as the saying goes: when power exceeds virtue , disaster follows .
Then Franklin, suddenly desperate, grabbed Connor by the arm.
They were both from Trenwyn. If the Joyners fell, Connor would be next.
Connor did feel the punishment was excessive. But he didn’t dare overstep. So he chose his words carefully.
“Mr. Lane… ma’am… I understand that the Joyners have been acquired, but they’re still free citizens. Making them work as servants … isn’t that…”
He stopped short of saying “too much.”
Instead, he pivoted. “What I mean is, this is a significant matter. Perhaps it would be better to discuss after the banquet–calmly, and with all parties present.”
Taylor’s expression turned dark.
“Oh? Mr. Connor thinks our decision is too harsh?” His voice dropped several degrees. “Well, I suppose it makes sense–you and the Joyners are close. Perhaps you’d like to help repay the debt yourself? Thirty million. Cash or card?”
Jack let out a loud laugh nearby.
“I actually think working off the debt as servants is perfect. Let them feel what it’s like to live under someone else’s roof. See how they enjoy being sneered at, insulted, ignored. I’m really curious whether they’ll still walk around acting all high and mighty.”
Jack’s words shut the room down. No one dared to oppose him. Not in Jalindale. Not when doing so meant going against the Damian family.
The Joyner family exchanged uneasy glances. Their expressions were complicated.
Because they hadn’t responded yet, the whole room went quiet. Every guest watched them, waiting for their
answer.
Eugene stood still for a long time,
He’d always enjoyed the benefits of being a Joyner. He didn’t care much about money or company operations.
Finally , he spoke, voice low. Sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ (F)indNƟvᴇl.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access s of novels early and in the highest quality.
165 Repaying Every Debt
“ If we agree … does that mean everything before is erased? That the Lane family won’t pursue this further
Taylor’s gaze turned razor–sharp.
“Dream on.” His words cut like knives. “You don’t get to escape that easily.”
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