Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue

Landon was looking down as he twirled his pen between his fingers.

Everyone else in the room shook their heads as they glanced scornfully at Penelope, who was causing a scene.

"Zoe was en route to the hospital for treatment when she vanished without a trace, and they have yet to locate her. I know it was you who took her!" Penelope's voice reverberated as she advanced toward Landon, pounding the table with both hands. Ignoring the presence of the board members, she continued, "Landon! Give me back my daughter!

"If you don't return her to me, I will hold a shareholder meeting and have you ousted from Harper Group! Return Zoe to me!"

Landon stopped twirling his pen. However, he still didn't look up at Penelope.

"What are you doing, Penelope?" one of the board members interjected. "Perhaps Ms. Zoe left of her own volition while the police weren't looking. If you wish to pursue this matter further, it's best addressed with law enforcement."

"Indeed," another chimed in. "This is a board meeting; personal family matters shouldn't be aired here.

It reflects poorly on Harper Group."

"Personal family matter?" Penelope's eyes widened incredulously. "Are you dense? If it were your child, would you spout such callous remarks?"

The board members fell silent. In their minds, they acknowledged that Penelope hadn't exhibited such behavior when Bill was alive. Her widowhood seemed to have taken a toll on her sanity.

Landon, despite being the focal point of the conflict, had remained passive. Finally, he spoke in a composed tone, "That concludes today's meeting. You are all dismissed."

"Alright, Mr. Landon!"

got up and left the room, fleeing the tense situation like

Landon" echoing in their wake slammed into Penelope. The realization that her outburst had made her look like a buffoon was a punch to the gut. It had been

descended upon the empty meeting room. "Landon," she spat, her voice laced with barely contained fury, "did you take Zoe? Where

deserves to be discarded." "Return Zoe to me! She is my flesh and blood!" Penelope screamed, "You've already refused to acknowledge me as

silently watched as Penelope

now a cornered tigress. For most of her life, Penelope had coasted by, sheltered and carefree. This was the first time Landon had seen such fierce protectiveness in her, and tragically, it was directed at

appeared to have forgotten that

family burden at a tender age since Bill's passing. Thanks to Landon, they were able to live a

upon seeing Landon remain impassive. Through gritted teeth, she threatened, "You're not

kidnapped your own sister! They'll condemn you, Landon! Your reputation

clatter cut through her tirade. Landon had tossed his phone onto the table. A video was playing; pitiful cries filled

of color. She watched Zoe being violated by three men. The men took their

She buried her head in her hands and pulled at her own hair. She stomped

just a monster that you

the video. His lips were a pale line, pressed thin with repressed fury. and cold. "You failed to raise her. So, I can only

I know that you must be in despair now. She's your biological daughter after all. Go ahead and let those tears out. You'll never be able to see her

emotions spiraling out of control. She laughed through tears, spewing curses between clenched teeth. Jordan summoned two bodyguards to

Madam Penelope escorted to the VIP parking lot via your private elevator. She won't encounter anyone along the

with a cold demeanor, responded, "No need for that. Let her leave the way

wanted everyone to witness Penelope's breakdown, discrediting any

scene in the meeting room earlier?" Landon asked with a