Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue

"Max had always been careful and reliable. How can he be so reckless? He had committed such a huge crime!" Penelope
continued to rant.
"Mom, Max probably didn't want to let the Taylors win, so he wanted to show them who's boss."
Zoe stroked Penelope's back to comfort her. Her eyes bore a grim and vicious expression. "However, it's unfortunate that things
turned out this way for him. Now, Grandpa and Uncle Preston need to distance themselves from Mr. Horatio and let him become
the Taylor family's scapegoat.
"Additionally, we have to synchronize our story, asserting that this has nothing to do with the Harpers. It was all his idea. It
shouldn't be too big of a problem."
"I don't think it will be that easy."
Despite being a housewife, Penelope hailed from a rich and influential family, affording her a clear perspective. She shook her
head sadly. "You witnessed what unfolded earlier. The entire incident was broadcast live. While this may have been Max's fault,
he is still a part of the Harpers.
"Moreover, our interactions with Jasper and Alyssa were hostile. I'm certain this has stirred public anger. The Harper Group's
stock prices and reputation will undoubtedly suffer from these unfavorable public reactions.
"Tomorrow, our stock prices are likely to plummet. Your grandfather and Uncle Preston had been working tirelessly to win favor
with Zeke and Ezzo. Now, it seems increasingly improbable."
Zoe wore a worried expression, but internally, she was overjoyed.

The decline in the Harper Group's shares had no impact on her. Her father had amassed a substantial amount of money for her
and her mother, ensuring they wouldn't face financial concerns in this lifetime.
Additionally, her brother possessed numerous assets. Who knew how much more she would gain from selling the Harper
Group's shares, too?
She would leave Cornelius and Preston to salvage whatever remained of the scraps. With a solid escape plan in place, she had
nothing to worry about.
Suddenly, the sound of a car door being knocked filled the air.
Zoe jumped in shock. Swiftly turning her head, she was met with Landon's cold glare.
"Zoe, get out of the car now." Landon's tone was aggressive.
"Landon, Zoe is your sister. Can you talk to her gently?" Penelope felt angry for her daughter.
"Get out now." Landon ignored her. His voice was as cold as an iceberg.
Zoe pursed her lip and exited the car.
Landon and Zoe didn't want their mother to eavesdrop on their conversation, so they purposefully distanced themselves from the
car to talk.
"Aren't you with your dumb girlfriend? You've never bothered to show up when something big happens at home. What are you
doing here?"

Zoe gave Landon a sidelong glance, casually raising her hand to admire her manicure. "Go and be with your dumb girlfriend.
She might be terrified and cry her eyes out when she's separated from you for more than three seconds."
"Zoe, watch your mouth."
Landon moved closer to her, a furious glint appearing in his eyes. "Consider yourself lucky that I still allow Lauren to
acknowledge your existence. If you persist in behaving recklessly, you'll be no different from Betty and the others to me. I'll treat
you the same way I treat them. If you don't believe me, go ahead and test me."
Zoe's heart shuddered, but she kept her chin high and asked, "Anything else you would like to say?"
"I know you are the culprit behind everything." Landon frowned, sending a chilling vibe that could make one's hair stand on end.
"I don't know what you're talking about, my dearest brother."
"Max operated under your order. Zoe, don't try to deny this. I know it was you," Landon said through gritted teeth as he clenched
his fists.