The Heiress's Comeback
Chapter 349: [ Volume 1] Chaper 349- Treated like a child

Chapter 349: [ Volume 1] Chaper 349- Treated like a child

The room fell silent as her words sank in. For the first time that evening, Jay had no argument to offer, his confusion giving way to grudging admiration. Esme leaned back in her chair, her gaze sweeping across the table.

"Reputation isn’t just earned or lost," she said softly. "It’s crafted. And as industrialists, that is our true work—to control the narrative, to shape how the world sees us. Now, tell me, Jay, do you still think that sinful money is the problem?"

Jay’s lips parted, but no words came. Esme’s confidence, her calm mastery of the situation, left him and his brothers in awe.

Jay’s confusion lingered, his brow furrowing as he processed his wife’s explanation. He couldn’t quite wrap his mind around it. "But honey, we have so much money already," he repeated, his voice laced with confusion. "Why do we need to do all this extra stuff? Why bother with the politics and... everything else?"

Esme’s lips quirked upward into a knowing smile. She had been watching her brothers carefully for a while, observing how they reacted to things they couldn’t quite grasp. Whenever they were baffled or unsure, they had this habit of calling her "honey," as though that would make everything clearer. She knew exactly what this was—Jay was simply too pure to see the mess that was unfolding around them. He spent his days locked in the lab, immersed in his work, unaware of the ruthless world outside.

She sighed inwardly, giving him a soft, almost amused smile. "Listen, husband," she began, her tone smooth and patient, "even though we have money, why should we waste our own? Think about it—if a tree falls, it doesn’t suddenly start growing money, does it?" She leaned in slightly, watching him closely, hoping he would catch on.

Jay’s brow furrowed deeper as he processed her words, his mind slowly making the connection. After a moment, he spoke slowly, as though thinking out loud. "So, you’re saying... that even though we have the money, we don’t need to spend it when we can use someone else’s?"

Esme nodded slightly, her gaze unwavering. "Exactly. And when someone else causes damage, do we just pay for it ourselves?" Her voice was soft, coaxing him toward understanding.

Jay blinked, the realization dawning on him. His lips parted, then closed again. He sat up straighter. "Of course not. The person who caused the damage should pay for it."

Esme smiled, satisfied with the progress. "Exactly. And it’s the same with this situation. The old man and the others in the family cheated us out of so much. They’ve stolen from us, and now they have quite a bit of money. So why not use their money for our gain, especially when we’re building our reputation?" Her voice remained calm, but there was a sharp edge to it, as if to imply this was only fair.

Jay, however, still looked uncertain. His gaze shifted to his brothers, who were listening in but remained silent. He didn’t understand why Esme was so adamant about using the money of the people who had wronged him.

Before he could voice his confusion, Kai, who had been sitting beside him and listening quietly, leaned over and pinched Jay’s nose with a grin. "You stupid brother," Kai said with mock exasperation, shaking his head. "It’s not about wasting their money. It’s about using it to live our lives the way we want—while also making sure we build a good reputation. Don’t overthink it."

Esme’s expression didn’t change, but there was a sharp glint in her eyes as she glanced at Kai. She nodded in agreement. "Exactly. And, you know," she added, her tone almost teasing, "it wouldn’t hurt to use their resources to ensure that the world sees us in the best light. They’ve caused enough damage to our lives. Now it’s time for us to flip it to our advantage."

Jay blinked, still slightly lost. His eyes darted between Esme and Kai, trying to process everything. "But then, why make it so complicated? Why not just say it plainly?"

Esme sighed, her shoulders slumping in mock helplessness. "After all this time, Jay, you still don’t get it, do you?" She leaned back in her chair, folding her arms. "No matter what I say, you’re still thinking too simply. But that’s okay. You’ll understand eventually."

Jay was left staring at her, still confused but now with a grudging respect for her ability to see through the layers of deception and politics. Despite his inability to fully grasp her reasoning, he knew one thing for certain—Esme was always ten steps ahead.

Kai, seeing Jay’s struggle, slapped him lightly on the back. "Don’t worry, bro. She’s complicated, but it’s for the best. Just go with it."

Esme shot Kai a sharp glance, but her smile returned. She knew that Jay, for all his brilliance in the lab, still had a lot to learn about the world of power and influence. But with time, he’d come to appreciate the way she played the game.

Jay’s pout deepened, his face flushed with irritation. He couldn’t believe it. His brothers, sure, but his wife—Esme, the one he had trusted most—treating him like some naive child? It stung, and the more he thought about it, the angrier he got. He had spent years earning his place as one of the top scientists in their world, and here he was, reduced to being the object of teasing and jokes.

With a frustrated huff, he turned his face away, hoping they would realize just how wrong they were. He wasn’t some naïve fool who needed to be coddled. He was a man of intellect, someone who contributed to their success and would continue to do so. He was no longer the younger brother who needed to be sheltered or protected.

Esme, Kai, and the others burst into laughter as they saw his reaction. The sound of their mirth filled the room, and despite the slight hurt in Jay’s heart, a part of him couldn’t help but feel a grudging amusement at their over-the-top reaction.