Chapter 174: The Cold War

Owen's fingers trembled slightly as he scrolled through the messages on the company’s platform. The harsh glare of his office computer screen illuminated the hardened lines on his face. His jaw clenched so tight that a muscle in his cheek visibly twitched. The thread of conversation on the platform was riddled with mocking comments and sly digs—directed at him. "Blood is thicker than water, after all..." "Guess being a Vanderbilt by name doesn't make you one in blood..." "Larry really did it this time, didn't he? Poor Owen, reduced to a secretary. Imagine that!" The words leapt off the screen, each one a sting to Owen’s pride. His Adam's apple bobbed visibly as he swallowed down a surge of anger, his breath quickening. It felt like the air in the room had left, suffocating him. He could almost hear the whispers; the snide remarks being exchanged just outside his door. Owen rubbed his temples, trying to ward off the pounding headache that had started to form. His vision blurred mom