Chapter 57
Chapter 57:
Inside the study, Kevin slid a document across the mahogany desk toward Brayden. “You’ve been turning down this share transfer for three years now. Are you still unwilling to sign p>
Brayden shook his head mildly. “Grandpa, your health is strong, and you’ll be with us for many more years. There’s no need to hand anything over yet p>
Kevin’s sigh carried both pride and inevitability. “This day was always coming. I’ve watched you grow into the rightful heir. The family legacy now rests on your shoulders.” He nudged the contract forward again. “Only when the family business is entirely in your hands will I be at peace. Your father has been a disappointment. I won’t let that illegitimate son of his lay claim to what isn’t his p>
Brayden’s gaze lowered slightly, showing no surprise at the mention of “illegitimate son p>
“I’ve no problem supporting him financially,” he said quietly, “as long as he stays away from the company. But Grandpa, why refuse to let the firm back Theo’s projects? With proper investment, he wouldn’t have to chase outside funding. He’s endured enough already p>
Kevin rose slowly and walked toward the window, the twilight filtering across his weathered face. “I’ve watched that boy grow up too, and I know what drives him. Once he tastes power, our family unity will fracture p>
He turned, his eyes suddenly sharp. “He’s not cut out to lead. I won’t risk the company’s future p>
“I understand,” Brayden replied earnestly. “Then let’s postpone the share transfer until the annual gala p>
Kevin’s frown deepened. “You’re too soft-hearted, Brayden.” He waved a dismissive hand. “And one more thing—don’t bring Lia to Gracie’s event tomorrow. We can’t have another scene like that wedding fiasco p>
Brayden inclined his head.
As he exited the living room, he noticed Theo standing in the garden, cigarette in hand, smoke curling faintly in the evening air. “Theo,” Brayden called, walking over, “since when did you start smoking p>
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Theo flicked the ash away and smiled lightly. “It helps with stress. I picked up the habit recently p>
He stepped closer. “So, what did Grandpa want with you? Is he transferring all the shares to your name p>
“Does that bother you?” Brayden asked calmly. “You’ve built everything through your own efforts, without family aid. Don’t you ever feel resentment toward me p>
Theo’s smile didn’t waver. “Of course not. Besides, Grandpa already gave me enough help. That monthly allowance of twenty million became the seed money for my lab. I’m not a businessman, Brayden—I just love research. Don’t feel indebted to me p>
Brayden rested a reassuring hand on his brother’s shoulder. “Even if Grandpa’s shares come to me, I’ll make sure you get what’s rightfully yours. We’re family. Trust between us matters more than anything p>
Theo watched silently as Brayden left, his eyes dark beneath the faint garden lights. His fists clenched until his knuckles whitened, his expression hardening with envy and fury.
He murmured bitterly, “What makes you superior? I built my name in medicine from nothing, yet Grandpa still refuses to see and acknowledge me. We share the same blood, the same family name—but because I was born later, I’ll always be the one cast aside. If they won’t choose me, I’ll take it by force. I don’t want your pity, Brayden—I’ll make this entire family understand that you’re not better than me p>
The next morning, sunlight streamed through the windows as Gracie sat elegantly on the sofa, having finished breakfast earlier than usual.
When Brayden descended the stairs, his gaze immediately fell upon her. “I’ll be there for the launch event tonight,” he said evenly. “You’ll receive the respect you deserve p>
Gracie stood and walked up to him, her tone light but quick. “Let me come with you to work today, and we can attend the event together this evening p>
Sensing he might refuse, she added with a faint smile, “There’ll be plenty of reporters tonight. If we arrive and leave together, it’ll look to the media like we’re still the same loving couple they remember p>