The Returning EX (John and Sophia)
Chapter 354

The Internet was now abuzz with various speculations about the Bailey Family's statement that John was gripped by the urge to turn a blind eye to them. Today, even after the Baileys came and discussed for a long time, nothing was decided. It's as though they're dissatisfied no matter the course of action, feeling that everything is A-OK because of the date on my divorce certificate.

Worse still, Isabelle cried in the meeting room, putting on an aggrieved expression! However, he suddenly found the sight of her weeping extremely irritating. It was as though I was seeing Mom bawl. While their methods of expression varied, it wasn't all that different. Both wield tears as a weapon when tears are something I detest greatly!

Unbidden, he thought of Sophia. She never cried. Even when she was bullied so badly by Mom back then, she never once shed a single tear. He sat there for a good while until Old Mrs. Constance called again before he hurriedly climbed out of the car.

Both Old Mrs. Constance and William were waiting in the dining room. Upon seeing John, the former flashed him a smile. "Go and wash your hands before eating." John actually had no appetite, but he did as ordered.

When he took his seat, Old Mrs. Constance sighed. "Your father has briefed me about the situation at the company. In my opinion, if this matter truly can't be clarified, just let it cool by keeping your distance from Isabelle. The public has eyes, so they'll see the truth."

Lifting his head, John glanced at William. "Dad, don't you think that the Baileys' attitude today and the statement they issued are completely perfunctory?" During the negotiation with the Bailey Family earlier, he almost lost his temper and countered Old Mr. Bailey right then and there several times.

He just couldn't shake off the nagging feeling that Old Mr. Bailey wanted to shift the focus to himself and Isabelle. Such sneaky subterfuge that inadvertently showed truly had his temper flaring.

William nodded. "I naturally saw through them. In fact, I contemplated whether to just go all out and announce everything today lest the Baileys put on a show, but John, I've got to consider you." Glancing over at Old Mrs. Constance, he said tactfully, "If you have too many issues, your position in the company will definitely be affected and turn shaky. You'll later be targeted, you know? I'm putting up with it now because I hope that you'll be able to gain a foothold in the company after this matter blows over."

After a long while, Old Mrs. Constance heaved a sigh. "You don't need to be so diplomatic in mentioning this matter before me. I, too, hope that John will take the lead when your generation steps down, so our thoughts are no different. Dylan is indeed quite capable, but he's too gentle and easily swayed. Nonetheless, he'll be a good choice to assist John in the future."

William looked at John. "Naturally, I could see that you were extremely upset today, but we indeed can't go head-to-head with the Baileys now. The public opinion is currently unfavorable to us, so it won't look good for you if the Baileys were to follow suit."

At this, Old Mrs. Constance was incensed again. "That wife of yours is truly too much! I've told you from the beginning itself not to indulge her too much, but you didn't listen. Look what huge trouble she'd wrought now! William, you know what? This is all your doing. It's you who dragged John into this mess."

John leaned back against his chair. "Alright, alright, let's eat. Mentioning all these things would only lead to a headache." He picked up his knife and fork. There were steak and salad before him, a combination he often ate in the past. He usually ate little for dinner, so a steak and salad were sufficient.