Chapter 104

Chapter 104:

Alan’s smile faltered, though he quickly forced it back into place. “That’s true. The medical market has tremendous potential. Besides, Theo’s part of the family now—helping each other is only natural p>

“Of course,” Brayden said with a faint, unreadable smile. “But since we’re all family, shouldn’t that courtesy extend to Gracie as well? Or is it because she’s the daughter of your first wife that you treat her differently p>

Alan’s face instantly drained of color. “No, no—nothing like that. I treat both daughters the same. I’d never favor one over the other p>

Leaning back in his chair, he forced a chuckle. “Did Gracie say something to you? If there’s been a misunderstanding between us, we can clear it up. She just needs to talk instead of keeping everything inside p>

Brayden’s tone remained even. “She hasn’t spoken a single ill word about your family. But when I visited last time, I saw your attitude with my own eyes. So I did a bit of checking afterward—and what I found was quite revealing p>

His lips curved again, but the smile never reached his eyes. The coldness in them made Alan’s stomach twist.

“Last time? Th-that was just a misunderstanding,” Alan stammered, wiping sweat from his brow. “I can explain p>

“No need.” Brayden’s expression hardened, his voice dropping into a chilling calm. “If you truly care about both daughters, prove it. When Gracie and I got married, your family gave her nothing.” His expression turned glacial in an instant. “But Ellie received the shares p>

When the two sisters had married on the same day, Ellie was gifted five percent of the Sullivan Group’s shares, while Gracie had received absolutely nothing. That fact alone was enough to expose the family’s blatant partiality.

Alan froze in disbelief. No one else knew about that detail—so how had Brayden discovered it?

Brayden’s eyes, sharp as a blade, fixed unrelentingly on him, the chill in them deepening with every passing second. “From what I understand, the company no longer concerns Jane or Ellie. The ownership lies entirely with you and your first wife. Given that, shouldn’t Gracie inherit what rightfully belonged to her mother p>

gαℓησν𝒆𝓁s﹒c𝗈m has it all

Alan’s head jerked up, his eyes widening in shock.

“You—you expect me to hand over fifty percent of the shares? Absolutely not!” His face darkened, voice thick with anger. “I’m still alive and in charge! There’s no need to divide anything now. Fifty percent is out of the question p>

Brayden gave a low, humorless laugh and rose to his feet, smoothing his collar with deliberate calm. “Who said I asked for half? I’m only asking for fairness. If Ellie received a wedding gift, why shouldn’t Gracie? Ten percent will do. Otherwise, as her husband, I’ll have to take steps to secure her future myself p>

Alan’s stomach twisted with dread. “What are you implying p>

Brayden’s voice remained even, almost disturbingly composed. “If you refuse, tomorrow every major site will be flooded with reports of your embezzlement from the Sullivan Group. When that happens, Stanley Group will be forced to terminate all cooperation p>

He uttered the threat in the calmest tone imaginable, which only made it more terrifying. Alan’s skin prickled with cold sweat that refused to stop forming.

The air between them grew heavy, the silence stretching until it felt suffocating.

At last, Alan’s resistance broke. His shoulders sagged in defeat. “Fine… ten percent. I’ll transfer ten percent of the shares to her. Just don’t let the embezzlement leak p>

Brayden’s demeanor softened at once, his earlier menace replaced by a pleasant smile, as if the exchange had been no more than a business discussion. “That’s the wise decision. Let’s get the paperwork ready. I’ll have Gracie sign it this afternoon, and then we’ll move straight to notarization p>

“Alright…” Alan murmured, drained of strength.

The share transfer agreement was drawn up swiftly.

Brayden accepted the document, his gaze lingering meaningfully on Alan. “Favoritism among children always backfires. Remember that before it’s too late.” Without another word, he turned and left the office.

Alan slumped into his chair, running a trembling hand through his hair. He knew beyond doubt—Brayden hadn’t been bluffing. If pushed, the man would have burned everything to the ground without hesitation.