Chapter 16 I Can Handle It

• Leah had pretty much said everything, and she had finally revealed her reason for being here. "If you are willing to transfer the shares in your possession to Mitchel and abide by all of Mitchel's instructions, there may still be hope for you." Leah smiled coldly, her face set on victory.
• "You should be aware that your father, Richard, had previously been where you are now. However, because he was too conservative and lacked any business acumen, the Brigham family had many gripes. Not only did the Brigham family not make any money, but neither did our Forger family. I hope you don't follow in your father's footsteps. No matter how bad Mitchel is, he still knows how to make money." Leah sneered and continued to speak.
• "You are too materialistic. Is Brigham Corporation merely a cash cow to you?"
• Austin could tell Leah was concerned that she would be unable to take money from Brigham Corporation anymore, and that was why she forced him to hand over his shares to Mitchel.
• After all, Leah had complete control over Mitchel, and Mitchel’s shares were essentially Leah’s.
• Leah did not dispute Austin's assertions and calmly remarked, "You’re right. To me, Brigham Corporation is nothing more than a cash cow."
• Austin's smile vanished. After a brief moment of silence, he asked Leah in a menacingly low tone, "My father's intention in establishing Brigham Corporation was not to feed you money-grubbing assholes. I will not give Mitchel the shares. A word of advice to you: If you insist on your way, you'll regret it. Your Forger family will not go so far as to live like beggars. You’re counting on Brigham Corporation to assist you. Remember that Brigham Corporation is not your toy, let alone anything related to your Forger family. I never reprimand women, but I thought I should let you know. Are you done?  You can exit through that door when you're done.”
• Austin spoke indifferently with no disdain in his eyes, only impassiveness as usual.
• "You!" In rage, Leah jumped up from her chair. She did not expect that good-for-nothing from the Brigham family, who had always been quiet, to give a speech to her. The words made her flush with agitation. She wanted to respond, but couldn't think of anything.
• "Very well, Austin. If this is the path you choose for yourself, I'd like to see how you end this!" Leah spat those harsh words through gritted teeth, then walked away and slammed the door angrily.
• The office was completely still until someone pushed the door open and walked in.
• Deborah was the one who came in through the door this time. She was frowning.
• "I noticed Leah leave your office. What brought her to see you?" Deborah inquired, concerned. She knew Leah's appearance could only spell trouble, and she wondered what Leah did to Austin this time.
• "She wants to coerce me into following Mitchel's instructions. She’s on Mitchel’s side, and she had always hated me for taking his place,” Austin said indifferently.
• Leah was merely an inconsequential buffoon. She could not make much of a wave on her own, and she was merely borrowing Mitchel's power to do so.
• Austin did not care about Mitchel, and Leah was much more insignificant.
• Deborah, on the other hand, was used to being cautious. She was worried that Austin would lose out because of Leah.
• "So what are your plans? Do you want to give Mr. Sawyer a call?"
• Deborah appeared worried. She considered Mr. Sawyer's status, believing that if he came forward, Austin would not be so troubled.
• "Nah, never mind."
• Austin shot down the idea because he knew the Cheetah guy was a good fighter, and he understood Cheetah’s personalities and abilities very well, but military tactics would not work in a social setting.
• One could not point a gun at someone's head whenever they were in a bad mood or being dishonest.
• "Are you going to handle it yourself?"
• Deborah frowned when Austin rejected her proposal without even considering it. She felt Austin was too conceited.
• "Yes. This issue is beyond Mr. Sawyer’s abilities," Austin responded truthfully.
• "I don’t care what you tell other people, Austin, but what’s the point of boasting to me? If Mr. Sawyer can’t solve the problem, what are you going to do? Can you solve this problem on your own? Other than the Brigham family and me, no one has heard of your name."
• The disappointment in Deborah's beautiful eyes was palpable.
• She came to believe what her mother said was right. Austin was far too self-righteous, and his arrogance had reached insurmountable proportions. He overestimated his ability to handle the problem by himself.
• "Deborah, I understand your concerns, but I can’t say if I will act recklessly. Will you stand by me this time? I can really solve the problem."
• Austin's smile gradually faded, and his expression became more solemn than ever.
• Deborah fixed her gaze on Austin's determined eyes. She sighed after a brief moment of silence. Austin was her husband, and if she didn't stand by him, who would?
• If something goes wrong, let's bear it together.
• Deborah did not want to continue this never-ending argument with Austin, so she said, "You're free now, aren't you? I'll take you somewhere."
• …
• The literati of Fairville city frequently congregated at the Evergreen Tea House.
• This tea house not only had an elegant name, but the proprietress was also a charming young lady. It was no surprise that customers lingered at the tea house because she was appealing.
• That lady's name was Pearl Swanson, and she was Deborah's uncle's eldest daughter.
• Pearl sipped her tea and occasionally glanced out the window in the private room on the second floor.
• Guests usually used that space, and only when there were important guests would she personally welcome them.
• Those who came here to taste tea were either elderly people or intellectuals interested in learning the tea ceremony.
• Today, Pearl's cousin Deborah abruptly announced that she would bring her husband, who had been missing for four years, over to the tea house.
• Pearl did not know how to feel.
• She could not say she was angry, but she knew she felt uneasy.
• Pearl considered personally greeting them at the door, but she was bitter because Austin had abandoned her poor cousin for so many years. She made no effort to welcome them at the entrance.
• More than ten minutes later, there was a knock on the door.
• "Please come in," Pearl said softly.
• "Pearl." Deborah called out as soon as she opened the door.
• "Deborah, it's been a long time since I've seen you. Come and take a seat." Pearl rose and greeted Deborah warmly, but her smile faded when she saw Austin trailing behind her.
• "Is he your missing husband of four years, Deborah?"
• Deborah wore an awkward expression. She looked at Austin and nodded.
• The Swanson family was not from Fairville City. Deborah and Austin had just registered their marriage, but Austin left for military camp before they had their reception. He was gone for four years.
• The Swanson family had only seen photos of Austin and not the real person. Consequently, many people thought Deborah was stupid as a result of that incident.
• Deborah introduced Pearl and Austin to each other.
• "Hello, nice to meet you."
• Austin smiled and nodded to Pearl as he listened to Deborah's introduction.
• He appears honest and down-to-earth, but who knows what he did in the past?
• The expression on Pearl's face was never pleasant.
• Austin was not bothered. After all,  Pearl was not the only one who misunderstood him. He knew he had no excuses, and he did not find the need to explain himself.
• "That’s all in the past, Pearl. Austin has returned, and he’s now the director of Brigham Corporation."
• Deborah rushed to smooth things over. She had always had a good relationship with Pearl.
• She did not want the two closest people in her life to be hostile to each other.
• Director of Brigham Corporation?
• "Fine. If you’ve forgiven him, I should drop the issue. If I continue to speak further, I might sound petty," Pearl said after recovering from her shock. She looked visibly relaxed.