Chapter 13

Meanwhile, at the Cowells’. The Cowells used to be an affluent family in Swallowston. But after John passed away, Violet took over the family affairs and caused the family to go from an upstanding family to a low-class one. Violet Barker was an arrogant, self-centered woman who loved to look down on people. Clara and Francis were her favorite grandchildren, but she loathed Samantha. There was a family meeting underway at the Cowell’s. Violet was hosting in the living room. Samantha’s eldest uncle, Nathan Cowell, her second uncle, Hugo Cowell, Hugo’s son, Francis Cowell, and many other family members were in attendance. Clara was there with a swollen face. The reason for the meeting was to discuss Swallow Central. Violet said, “I just got word that Swallow Central will start letting companies bid for a spot in a week. The legate will be there to chair the investment conference. They’ve already sent out invitations. Do any of you have any idea how to get an invite for the family?” Even though Violet was old, she was daft. Swallow Central was set to be the most happening place in Swallowston and where all the businesses and trades will happen. If the Cowell Group owned by Cowells wanted to expand, they needed to secure a spot there. After she asked the question, everyone looked at each other. “Mother, we’re only a small company. I don’t think Swallow Central’s management will consider us. It won’t be easy to get an invitation.” Nathan sighed. Then, Hugo spoke up, “That’s right. I heard that the legate will be personally managing Swallow Central. All the big corporations want a spot there. There’s no way we’re getting in.” When Violet heard what her sons said, she lost her temper. As she was about to speak, Samantha and Adrian walked in carrying a bunch of gifts. “Grandmother, Adrian and I have come to visit,” Samantha said. Everyone looked over when they walked in and started cursing them. “You useless pricks! How dare you step foot in this place! Never mind that you took over Bailar, but you even beat up Simon and Clara?!” Nathan's face was red with anger. “How could you come here, you piece of trash?” “Samantha, you’re no better. Some so many wealthy men are lining up to marry you but you chose to stick with this useless man?” Hugo, Francis, and Clara started insulting the pair. Violet frowned as she looked at Adrian in disgust. After hearing what everyone said, Samantha spoke. “Grandmother, here are some gifts that Adrian got for you. Uncle Nathan, here’s yours. Uncle Hugo, you get one too.” She started handing out the first few gifts. “Gifts from trash will just make our home dirty. Throw them away!” Violet said without looking at the boxes’ contents. “Yes, Grandmother.” Samantha’s cousin Francis took all the gifts, threw them to the ground, and proceeded to stomp on them. Adrian was angry, but Samantha grabbed his hand and motioned for him to stay quiet. She did not say anything because she had expected this. Violet spoke, “Samantha, why did this worthless human hit Clara and Simon?” Simon was from the Black family, so Violet thought that Clara had found a great catch. She did not have the same opinion of Adrian. Clara immediately spoke up in a sad voice, “Grandmother, Simon and I went to see Adrian just to chat. We never expected him to hit us. “Simon is an honest man. He didn’t fight back because both he and Adrian are in-laws of the Cowell family.” Clara twisted the truth. At this moment, her face was still swollen. Violet did not care what the truth was and immediately yelled at them, “Adrian Xander, you’re just a piece of trash! If you’re really capable of anything, why don’t you get your father’s company back?! You’re not worth my family’s time!” Everyone there grumbled along. Adrian smirked and said, “Grandmother, why don’t you ask why I hit them?” Violet said, “I know my grandson-in-law very well. Simon and Clara are honest people. You, on the other hand, are trash who likes to twist the truth.” Adrian lost his temper at those words, but Samantha held him back and said, “Grandmother, please don’t be mad. Adrian regrets what he did.” “Hmph!” Violet scoffed. “The trash actually thinks he’s useful. If it wasn’t because Simon doesn’t want a fight, I would have your legs broken. “Samantha, I’m going to let this matter slide, but I have a question for you. When are you going to get Bailar back?” Violet asked Samantha. Samantha did not know how to answer, but Adrian replied, “Bailar was co-founded by Sam and her best friend. What does it have to do with you Cowells?” “Shut up, you filthy thing!” Violet yelled at him as she threw her cane to the floor. “You have no say in this house! If it wasn’t because of Samantha’s grandfather, do you think her company would’ve been successful?!” Samantha pulled Adrian back and said, “Grandmother, I’ll give Bailar back to you, but not right now. We still rely on the company.” Violet scoffed again. *** At that moment, someone spoke, “Grandmother, why are you so angry?” Simon, who was wearing a suit, walked in. His face was swollen too while his hand was in a cast. “Simon! Here, take a seat.” Everyone smiled when they saw him. “Simon, my good grandson-in-law. Come here.” Violet was delighted to see him. Clara went over and took his arm. “Honey, Grandmother is giving the piece of trash a good scolding. He’s just the perfect match for Samantha!” Adrian’s fist was balled up. When Henry was alive, everyone from the Cowells wanted to be on his good side. But now that his family had fallen from grace, they started showing their true colors. Now, everyone’s attention was on Simon. Violet held Simon’s hand. “Simon, did your family receive an invitation to the Swallow Central investment conference? The one that the legate sent out?” Simon smiled and said, “I was going to mention that. My family is pretty well-known in the city, so we were invited.”