Mina Sherwood pushed open the front door.
The living room was full of people.
Her parents sat awkwardly in the corner.
Her aunt rushed over first.
"What did Mr. Xu say?"
Mina pressed her lips together.
"He wasn't interested in me."
"Not interested?!"
A sharp voice pierced the air.
Her uncle frowned deeply.
"What exactly happened? Give us the details."
Mina curled her fingers.
Was her private dating experience about to become public humiliation?
Her father spoke up.
"Brother, let the children handle their own affairs..."
Her second uncle sneered.
"Since when do you make the decisions in this family, Fourth Brother?"
Her aunt rolled her eyes.
"Our branch of the family has already declined.
If we don't seize this chance for a marriage alliance, we'll fall to second-tier status!"
Mina's grandfather was the second son of the main Sherwood line.
He had maintained their dignity while alive.
But after his passing, the main branch quickly consolidated power.
Their branch was increasingly marginalized.
Second Uncle snorted.
"Fourth Brother, don't forget your mother was just a second wife!
We're generous to even include you!"
Mina's chest felt tight.
Her grandmother had been the second wife.
After Grandfather died, the uncles had joined forces to evict Grandma from the ancestral home.
They even denied her burial beside him.
Her father was filial.
He always wanted Grandma to rest with Grandfather eventually.
Her mother nudged Mina.
"Tell us, what really happened?"
Mina took a deep breath.
"Mr. Xu wasn't interested.
He left immediately after sitting down."
Uncle frowned.
"He didn't even speak?"
Aunt pursed her lips.
"I should have sent my daughter!
She could have at least held a conversation!"
Second Aunt scoffed.
"Raised in a minor household, she truly lacks polish!"
Father couldn't resist defending her.
"Mina leads the new energy project at Sherwood Group!
She's highly capable!"
Uncle slammed the table.
"Speaking of that! You abused your authority to sign a contract for your friend's husband?!"
Second Aunt shrieked.
"You rejected my nephew for the project team!
Yet you help outsiders?!"
Mina looked up.
"Please do not insult my friend."
"That lovesick fool deserves to be called a friend?
She's too weak to leave her cheating husband!"
Uncle stood.
"Mina, I gave you a chance.
Since the marriage alliance failed, we proceed formally."
His gaze turned icy.
"If the research proposal isn't submitted tomorrow, legal will immediately file a lawsuit for damages."
"As project lead, you will bear full responsibility!"
Mina clenched her fists.
She was the first of her generation to join Sherwood Group.
She had long been a target.
This was clearly an excuse to remove her from the company.
But she didn't regret it.
At least she helped Grace escape that marriage.
Evelyn Ross finished making dinner.
She returned to her bedroom and opened her laptop.
On the screen was a complete research proposal.
After the divorce, she would use this to re-sign with Sherwood Group.
She wouldn't make things difficult for Mina.
But she suddenly remembered...
Had she actually told Mina about this?
Early on the third morning.
Zack Davis received a court summons.
Sherwood Group had officially filed a lawsuit.