Chapter 10 - The Cousin

Lucas could feel his respect and admiration for his late grandfather grow each time he looked at the photo. The photo, displayed in a large frame in the family room, showed his grandfather with a serious expression that could intimidate anyone, including Lucas himself. Despite this, Lucas found his grandfather incredibly authoritative and handsome.

Lucas wasn't sure when it started, but looking at the photo had become an unconscious daily routine.

"Mr. Lucas must be very sad about the passing of the Grand Master."

"Of course. Mr. Lucas was his favorite grandson."

He often overheard the servants whispering like this and chuckled inwardly. They weren't entirely wrong, but Lucas didn't want to confirm their words entirely either. Everyone grieves the permanent loss of a family member, unless they're a psychopath. Lucas was indeed sad. His grandfather had been a constant figure in his life since he was born. The reality that the founder of the Winter Group was no longer around felt like a harsh slap in the face.

However, Lucas wasn't sure if he deserved the title of favorite grandson. If he was indeed the favorite, why had his grandfather made his life so difficult now? This question was why he continued to look at his grandfather's photo every day, hoping for answers he knew would never come.

Lucas noticed someone approaching out of the corner of his eye. It was one of the house servants.

"Young Master, breakfast is ready," the servant said. Lucas knew this meant his parents were already waiting at the dining table. He waved the servant away, who bowed and left. Lucas glanced at the photo one last time before heading to the dining room. Letting his parents wait longer wasn't wise.

Lucas raised an eyebrow when he saw not only his parents but also his cousin, who was sitting with his chin propped on one hand, lazily playing with a spoon.

"Kenneth?" Lucas called.

His cousin looked up. "How are you, cousin?" he greeted with a broad smile, which Lucas couldn't help but return.

Unfortunately, Lucas's smile faded quickly as he remembered that Kenneth was also his rival for the position of the Winter family's main heir.

Kenneth was his cousin on his father's side. As a male descendant, Kenneth was also a candidate for the primary heir, though Lucas had ultimately been chosen. Nonetheless, Lucas felt uneasy because Kenneth remained a threat.

He took a seat directly across from his cousin. Kenneth, noticing his unease, said, "My parents aren't coming. It's just me."

"Unusual for you to visit," Lucas remarked.

"Why? Afraid I'll steal your position as heir?" Kenneth teased, raising his eyebrows playfully.

Lucas knew Kenneth well. They were close, having grown up together. Kenneth was only joking, and Lucas shouldn't feel this anxious. Not if the fear of an uncertain future wasn't haunting him.

Since the day his grandfather's will was read, the topic of the will and inheritance had become sensitive for Lucas. It made him uncomfortable and anxious, something Kenneth seemed to notice when Lucas didn't respond.

"Hey, you know I'm just kidding, right?"

Lucas nodded. "I know."

"Kenneth is here because I asked him to be," his father suddenly said. "Starting today, he will assist you at the company."

Lucas didn't know how to react. He had anticipated this, but it felt too soon.

"I also need to learn how to run the company. Who knows, I might replace you someday," Kenneth added.

Lucas's suspicions were confirmed. This was indeed related to his grandfather's will.

"Lucas, if you don't want Kenneth to replace you as the heir or lose your identity as part of the Winter family, you should end your relationship with that woman," his father said calmly. His mother tried to caution him, but he remained focused on his favorite pineapple jam on toast.

"Her name is Sophia, Dad." Lucas had long given up on making his parents like Sophia, but he hadn't stopped trying to get them to at least respect her.

"Yes, whatever. I don't care. I only care about you—"

"For your information, I ended my relationship with Sophia a while ago," Lucas interrupted, knowing his words would shock his parents and cousin.

His family knew how infatuated he was with Sophia. So much that they suspected she had bewitched him. Ending the relationship seemed impossible, so Lucas wasn't surprised they were skeptical.

His father spoke again, "Listen. If you think you can lie to—"

"I have a new girlfriend," Lucas added, feeling a pang of bitterness. He silently apologized to Sophia.

"And I will introduce her to you soon," he said before leaving the table and walking out of the house. Entering his car, he slammed the steering wheel in frustration.

Resting his head on the steering wheel, Lucas realized the gravity of his lie about having a new girlfriend. Inevitably, his thoughts turned to Jane.

He quickly called Wallace, asking him to meet at the office, despite Wallace's grumbling. Ending the call, he started the car and drove away.

It seemed Lucas couldn't delay his plans any longer. He would soon introduce Jane to his family.