My Wife Believed in Me One Day Too Late

Chapter 008

"Grandma, are you really going to let Daphne Easton be in charge of this matter?" Thomas Easton spoke to the matriarch in their villa's living room.

The matriarch, as if it was the most natural thing, said, "Since Daphne secured this contract, naturally she should be responsible for it. Is there a problem?"

"Mom, you need to think this through. Daphne is, after all, a woman. If she establishes authority in the company, it won't be good for Thomas," Christopher Easton, father of Thomas interjected.

The matriarch looked at them disapprovingly. "Speak plainly. Don't beat around the bush with me."

"Grandma, Isaiah Lowell may have married into our family, but at the end of the day, he's an outsider. And for three whole years, that useless man has achieved nothing. If Daphne gains control, aren't you afraid our family's assets will end up in the hands of an outsider?" Thomas argued.

"Daphne has no real affection for that waste, Isaiah. If not for our family's reputation, I would've had them divorced long ago. The situation you're worried about is impossible," the matriarch stated firmly.

Thomas clenched his teeth and continued, "But who can predict the future, Grandma? We must be cautious. Besides, the contract is already signed; changing the person in charge won't affect it. Are you willing to gamble our family's future on Daphne and Isaiah's relationship?"

The matriarch's expression turned serious.

Although Daphne and Isaiah's marriage was in name only, no one could guarantee the future. What if their relationship unexpectedly improved?

The West City project was crucial for the Easton family in Cresthaven City, signifying that the project leader would have a rising status in the company.

If Daphne won people's hearts, it was indeed possible that the Easton family might fall into the hands of Isaiah, an outsider.

"Grandma, Isaiah has been biding his time for years. I suspect he's been waiting for this moment," Thomas added, stirring the pot.

The matriarch huffed, "As if that useless man dares covet our family's wealth. Daydream! Fine, you'll be in charge of the project. I'll call Daphne right away."

Thomas was secretly elated but maintained a calm facade. "Grandma, I'm not trying to steal Daphne's thunder. I'm just thinking of our family's best interest."

The matriarch, wise with age, saw right through him.

"Save your excuses. I know exactly what you're thinking. And stop trying to deceive me in the future. Even pigs won’t drink your fake wine."

Thomas nodded repeatedly, "You're right, Grandma. I'll be dedicated to my work."

Daphne Easton, preparing documents, was stunned by the call from her grandmother.

Although she had secured the cooperation effortlessly, why would it suddenly be handed over to Thomas Easton?

"Grandma, I..."

"That's enough. I've made my decision. Take a day off tomorrow."

Hearing the dial tone, Daphne clenched her teeth in frustration, knowing Thomas must have sabotaged her behind the scenes.

Soon, Thomas called.

Picking up, she heard his smug voice: "Daphne Easton, you didn't think your luck had changed, did you? I'll tell you, you'll always be under my feet."

"Thomas Easton, you despicable, shameless villain! I secured this cooperation," Daphne protested.

"So what? Grandma assigned me to be in charge. Do you dare to object? I should thank you. Without you, I couldn't have been responsible for this project. But we're enemies, so you're destined to be a nobody, just like that loser husband of yours."

Daphne hung up before Thomas could finish, fuming.

She knew she couldn't change her grandmother's decision, and Thomas's gloating left her helpless.

"Ah!" Daphne yelled in frustration.

Her parents, Michael Easton and Margaret Easton, rushed from their room to the living room.

"Daphne, what's wrong? Did Isaiah bully you?" Margaret asked anxiously, knowing that Daphne hadn't let Isaiah touch her in their three years of marriage.

"What happened?" Michael also asked worriedly.

Daphne, venting her frustration, said, "Nothing. Just feeling frustrated."

"Frustrated? You've just secured the Blue Horizon contract. You should be happy managing this project. Our family's status in the company will surely rise," Michael reassured her.

"Dad, Grandma changed the project leader. Thomas Easton replaced me," Daphne said dejectedly.

"What!" Michael exclaimed in disbelief.

Margaret was furious. "That scoundrel Thomas must have slandered you to Grandma. I'm going to confront him."

As she stormed out, Michael quickly pulled her back. "It's Mom's decision. What's the use in confronting Thomas?"

"What use? We always compromise. Are we supposed to let him walk all over us? Michael, have you no backbone?" Margaret shouted.

Michael, cowed again, said nothing, and Daphne intervened, "Mom, Dad is right. It's no use making a scene."

"So, we just let it be? Your hard-earned cooperation handed to Thomas Easton on a silver platter? Are you okay with that?" Margaret challenged.

How could Daphne be okay? But the decision was her grandmother's. Despite her frustration, she had no choice but to swallow her pride.

At that moment, Isaiah Lowell appeared at the door. "Don't worry. No one but you can handle this project."

Margaret, already furious, lashed out at Isaiah, "This is our family's matter. What does it have to do with you? If you don't speak, no one will think you're mute."

Daphne was upset. The cooperation was successful because of Isaiah, yet Margaret treated him so harshly.

"Mom, just go to sleep. I'll figure this out," Daphne said.

Margaret, still upset, was dragged back to her room by Michael.

Back in her room, Daphne closed the door and apologized to Isaiah, "I'm sorry for my mom. She doesn't know everything, that's why..."

"If I minded, I would have left long ago," Isaiah said nonchalantly.

Left long ago?

Those words struck Daphne. Did he really consider this place his home?

"You really don't care about the disdain and ridicule?" Daphne asked.

"You've endured much more than me. What right do I have to care?" Isaiah replied.

Hearing this, Daphne stood frozen, tears streaming down her face.

Was he enduring all this for her?

The next day, Thomas Easton, dressed in his most expensive suit, waited at the company entrance to welcome Matthew Martin.

Although the contract was signed, today's meeting was crucial, especially in getting Matthew to accept the change in project leader.

Thomas was confident he could replace Daphne.

His position in the company was higher, and he could show Matthew the Easton family's commitment to the cooperation.

As soon as he saw Matthew, Thomas hurried to greet him.

"Mr. Martin, I'm Thomas Easton, the Easton family's project leader for this endeavor," Thomas introduced himself with a handshake.

Matthew shook his hand, and Thomas inwardly rejoiced, believing Matthew had accepted the change.

Daphne's involvement in the deal seemed irrelevant to him now.