Chapter 401
Chapter 401:
Even Theo appeared to fall under his influence. Just how profound was Brayden’s cunning? How had he orchestrated such control while upholding an illusion of tranquility?
“Still here? Shall I summon the guards to escort you out forcibly?” Brayden’s patience waned, his brow knitting as icy fury flared in his eyes.
Fearing escalation, Aiden hastily departed.
As he ascended the stairs, Brayden addressed Charlie. “Alert the security team: apart from my mom and Grandpa, no one is permitted unrestricted access to the villa. Should this breach occur again… authorize necessary force p>
Charlie, taken aback by the stern directive, nodded promptly. “Right away, sir p>
Outside, Aiden slunk away from the property like a defeated stray, soon noticing Theo lingering in the shaded grove opposite the entrance.
Clad in a deep crimson suit, Theo stood bathed in filtered sunlight, his lips twisted in evident amusement.
“Driven out so soon? I specifically cautioned you against tampering with the safe, yet you ignored me.” Approaching with deliberate steps, Theo continued, “Your overconfidence has always been your downfall. This humiliation should teach you the vast disparity in capability between you and him p>
Aiden glared through narrowed eyes, his voice thick with frustration. “And you’re in any position to judge? You’ve skulked in his shadow for years, accomplishing nothing worthwhile p>
“Now, all you’ve got left are empty words.” Theo laughed softly. “As an illegitimate son, you’ll forever lack true standing here. After botching your last project, your entry into the company is forever barred. Without a genuine opportunity to reverse your fortunes, you’ll simply waste away in obscurity within the Stanley fold p>
Furious, Aiden’s expression twisted as he prepared to storm off.
“Wait, I’m not here merely to mock you. I’ve come with a genuine proposition to help you reclaim power.” Theo quickly intercepted him, his smile insincere and laced with malice.
Aiden halted, suspicious. “Why this sudden generosity? From what I’ve seen, neither you nor Brayden has a shred of decency.” Whirling around, he seized Theo’s collar in a burst of rage. “You were just fortunate in birth order. Had you or Brayden been the illegitimate one, your lot could have been far worse than mine p>
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“Hmph.” Theo’s gaze dropped to the gripping hand, a dangerous spark igniting in his eyes. “Rage and bitterness won’t lead to success p>
Without warning, a muffled thud rang out.
Aiden was hurled backward, slamming hard into the tree behind him.
Doubling over in agony, Aiden collapsed to his knees, sweat beading on his forehead as pain radiated through him.
Theo advanced slowly, his voice low and threatening. “Know your limits around me. Antagonizing others recklessly is foolish. I despise betrayal above all. Brayden may show restraint due to blood ties, but provoke me, and exile will be the least of your worries p>
Struggling against the torment, Aiden looked up into Theo’s shadowed gaze and shuddered violently. In that instant, he glimpsed unmistakable killing intent. It was clear that Theo intended to kill him.
Gasping through the pain, he managed, “How should I reverse my fortunes p>
“Wed Jessie Holt and secure her family’s formidable support as your ally.” Theo’s lips curved into a sly, crimson smile. “After that, no one in the household will dare belittle you again p>