After saying that, Mason turned and ran away, his small figure filled with despair and helplessness.Damon watched him go, his expression devoid of warmth.Sebastian, visibly shaken, quickly stepped forward. "Mr. Damon… your son is still young. You have to coax him. Being too strict will only make him hate you more."Damon's icy gaze fell on Sebastian, causing him to blanch. He quickly lowered his head, mentally cursing himself for speaking out of turn."How do you suggest I coax him?" Damon asked.Sebastian's eyes widened in disbelief as he looked up at Damon. Had he really heard that right? Damon was asking him how to handle a child?Noticing Damon's growing displeasure, Sebastian hurriedly replied, "I know how to handle kids. Although he is only four, he's starting to develop his own sense of self."The most important thing is to respect and understand a child's thoughts. Within certain limits, let them make their own choices. You need to give them enough time and space to ex
Fred's expression stiffened. He quickly said, "Mr. Sumner, this was entirely Mr. Raynor's decision. By the time I found out, it was too late. Otherwise, I would have stopped him. "Moreover, the Raynor Group has suffered significant losses this time, and many shareholders are secretly trying to remove Mr. Raynor from the CEO position."Damon remained expressionless, seemingly uninterested. "That doesn't concern me."Fred carefully observed Damon's face, hoping to glean something from his expression, but found nothing. The rumors about Damon being cunning seemed accurate—dealing with him required caution.Realizing he needed to take a risk, Fred steeled himself and said, "Mr. Sumner, I know you have grievances with Mr. Raynor. I can help you deal with him."Damon chuckled, but his eyes were devoid of warmth. "Help me?"Fred's face turned a shade paler, but thinking of his objective, he pressed, "It could be mutually beneficial. I want the CEO position at the Raynor Group."Damon
As soon as Aubrey Jane Keith spotted Nyla, she set down her coffee and waved her over with a smile. "Nyla, over here!"Nyla sat down across from her. "Ms. Keith, I'm sorry for being late. There was traffic."Aubrey Jane looked at her with a warm gaze, as if she were a younger family member. "No problem! I'm not busy today. What made you want to meet for coffee?"Noticing Nyla's hesitance, Aubrey Jane grew more intrigued. "What's wrong? It's rare to see you like this."Taking a deep breath, Nyla replied, "Ms. Keith, I actually wanted to ask for your help."Surprised, Aubrey Jane raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"It must be important for Nyla to bring it up to her.They had met at a drug research conference, where Nyla had saved Aubrey Jane after she fainted due to low blood sugar. As they got to know each other better, Aubrey Jane grew fond of Nyla. They not only shared interests but also similar life experiences.Aubrey Jane had struggled in her younger days while raising her so
With that thought in mind, Erin looked at Aubrey Jane with growing eagerness. "Ms. Keith, are you here shopping?"Aubrey Jane smiled, but her gaze was noticeably distant. "No, I'm here to meet a friend. Ms. Hulle, if there's nothing else, I have a meeting soon. Let's chat another time."Seeing her about to leave, Erin quickly spoke up. "Ms. Keith, I heard that the Keithstone Group has a resort project, and the partnership hasn't been finalized yet—"Aubrey Jane interrupted her with a polite smile, "Ms. Hulle, we just confirmed our partner for the project. I'm sorry. We'll work with the Hulle Group if there's a chance next time."Erin stood frozen for a few seconds, trying to process what she had just heard. "Ms. Keith, may I ask which company you're partnering with?"A flash of displeasure crossed Aubrey Jane's expression. "I'm afraid that information is not convenient to share right now, Ms. Hulle. Goodbye."Once Aubrey Jane disappeared from view, Erin quickly realized she neede
Damon narrowed his eyes, about to speak, when Erin quickly said, "I won't disturb you then. Remember to drink the soup on the table and don't work too hard."She turned and hurried out, her steps frantic, as if something were chasing her.Damon's gaze grew colder as he watched her leave. Regardless of Erin's consent, he was determined to end their engagement.Spencer walked in with some documents, and Damon instructed, "Forget about the Keithstone Group resort project proposal."Spencer was taken aback. "Mr. Sumner, we've been preparing that proposal for over half a month, and it's nearly finished. Besides—""The Keithstone Group has already confirmed their partner," Damon stated.Spencer swallowed the rest of his words and nodded. "Understood."As he left the office, he informed another secretary to stop working on the proposal when his phone rang. Seeing it was Richard, he tightened his grip on the phone and frowned.Why was Richard contacting him out of the blue?Spencer we
Oliver's gaze darkened as he replied, "Got it. I'll head over right now."The expressions of the shareholders turned grim. It was clear that these business partners were here to discuss terminating contracts."Mr. Raynor, if you can't persuade the partners to change their minds, you should resign today, or I'll contact your father to see if it's time for him to consider replacing you with someone more suitable!" one of the shareholders threatened.Oliver's gaze turned icy as he glared at the shareholder who had spoken.The man was momentarily intimidated, his face paling slightly, but he quickly regained his composure and retorted, "Mr. Raynor, looking at me like that won't help! I'm doing this for the good of the company!""Honestly, I've always known these rich heirs don't know how to do business. Letting them take over the company would be a disaster!""Right? We're only here because we don't hold as many shares as he does.""If this keeps up, I might consider selling my shar
As Fred listened to the others praise him while criticizing Oliver, he felt immense satisfaction. Over the past few years, Oliver had done an admirable job running the company, and Fred had not found an opportunity to unseat him as CEO.With this latest mistake, Fred was determined to take advantage of the situation and claim the position for himself.No... He intended to make the Raynor Group change its name to Burridge!"I can help the company through this crisis," Fred said. "But if Mr. Raynor has another impulsive moment that harms the company's interests, there might not be anyone to cover for him next time.""Mr. Raynor did lead the company through significant growth in the past, but someone who would jeopardize the company's survival over a woman is unfit to be a leader. Don't you all agree?"The shareholders, no fools themselves, quickly understood that Fred wanted to replace Oliver.With Fred's 30% stake, he was indeed the most viable candidate to succeed Oliver as CEO
Oliver frowned. "Dad, let me explain. I—""Shut up!" Hugh snapped, cutting him off. "I'm here to clean up the mess you made. Since you clearly lack the ability to manage the Raynor Group, it's better to let someone more competent take over than to watch you destroy the company."Oliver stared at his father in disbelief, unable to process what he was hearing."I've worked hard for the company these past few years, and you're kicking me out over one mistake?" he asked, his voice heavy with frustration.A flicker of emotion crossed Hugh's face before he turned away, his expression hardening."If this were just a simple investment failure, I wouldn't be so severe. But the fact that you caused such heavy losses over a woman is something I absolutely cannot tolerate!" Hugh said.The room fell into an uneasy silence. The shareholders, stunned by the intensity of the confrontation, held their breath. Most had only suggested Oliver resign in the heat of frustration, hoping to give him a
Under Tim's leadership, the Westcott Group maintained its position as one of the top four families in Capitarnia, leaving the other three far behind.After reading the file, Gabriel closed it and asked coldly, "I asked you to arrange a meeting with Mr. Westcott. What's their response?"The secretary hesitated. "Mr. Hackett, Mr. Westcott's secretary hasn't responded. It seems they aren't interested in meeting with you."Gabriel wasn't fazed. The document made it clear that Tim was proud and highly selective in his dealings. Such a person wasn't easily approached.For Damon to even gain the Westcott Group's consideration, he must have put in significant effort.Still, there was an opportunity as long as the contract wasn't signed."No need to wait for a reply. I'll go to the Westcott Group myself tomorrow morning," Gabriel said."Understood, Mr. Hackett," the secretary replied.…At 7:00 a.m. the next day, Gabriel was already standing outside the Westcott Group. The sun hadn't f
Damon nodded. "Got it. Have the PR department continue contacting major media outlets to remove any negative commentary about Prospectus Technology. We can't let this situation escalate further."In the business world, public opinion could be lethal. Most people were naturally inclined to follow the crowd. Without knowing the full picture, they could easily be misled.If the narrative that Prospectus Technology's chips were faulty spread too far, restoring their reputation later would require monumental resources. It was critical to stop this from snowballing now."Understood, Mr. Sumner. By the way, how's the deal in Capitarnia coming along?" someone asked.Upon hearing that, Damon's previously tense expression relaxed slightly. "Progress is decent. Barring any unforeseen issues, we should be able to sign the contract in a couple of days."The group on the call let out a collective sigh of relief.Once the deal was signed, Prospectus Technology would recover some of its losses
"We can sign an agreement if you're still worried. I promise never to challenge your custody of Wilhelm in my lifetime," Jane assured.Seeing her determination, Gabriel remained silent.Noticing his hesitation, Jane gripped the armrests of her wheelchair tightly. "Gabriel, you're already hesitating, even though you haven't remarried yet. How can I believe you'll treat Wilhelm fairly in the future?"Gabriel's gaze turned cold. "No matter what, Wilhelm will be better off with me than with you. When and how much of the shares I give him is my decision, not yours."With that, he turned to leave.As he reached the doorway, Jane's voice echoed behind him. "If you don't transfer half your shares to Wilhelm, I won't leave the country!"Gabriel paused, then glanced back at her mockingly. "Whether you leave or stay means nothing to me. And why would you think your refusal to leave is a threat to me?""Gabriel, you're a bastard!" Jane shouted.Gabriel smirked and left without another word
Wilhelm froze for a moment, his eyes welling up with tears as confusion and hurt clouded them."Mommy, do you really not want me anymore?" he asked, his voice trembling.Jane's gaze flickered with a brief trace of pain as she looked at Wilhelm sitting pitifully on the floor. But the softness in her eyes vanished as quickly as it appeared.She stared at him coldly. "That's right. I never wanted you. I hit you to try and get your father to come back."The other day, when I took you out for steak, I deliberately let you eat that hazelnut cake. You started itching later because you're allergic—that was intentional, too. I wanted you hospitalized so I could force your father to see me."Her tone grew harsher. "Now that Gabriel and I are divorced, you're of no use to me. You're just a burden. Taking you with me would only drag me down."And I hate your father. Naturally, I hate you, too. Don't show up in front of me again!"Wilhelm sat frozen, her words cutting into him like shards of
If Wilhelm stopped wanting to see Jane, the bond between them would naturally fade over time."No! I don't want food!" Wilhelm cried, hurling Gabriel's phone onto the car seat.He began pounding on the car door, trying to open it. "I want to see Mommy! I want to live with her, not you!"Gabriel, his patience wearing thin, locked the doors with a sharp click and turned to Wilhelm, his expression darkening."Your mother doesn't want you. Even if you find her, she won't take you. I'm the only one you have now," he said."I hate you! I don't want to be with you! I don't want you as my dad!" Wilhelm screamed.Gabriel's restraint, already fraying after days of tantrums, finally snapped. He stared at his son and said coldly, "It doesn't matter whether you want me or not. No one wants you now except me."Jane didn't want Wilhelm. The Wilkies wouldn't want him either."That's not true!" Wilhelm sobbed uncontrollably. "Mommy wants me. Mommy's just mad. If I'm good, she'll take me back! S
Lydia nodded. "Okay, Ms. Kinsey."Shortly after, Lydia returned with Mason by her side.When Mason saw Gabriel and Wilhelm standing at the door, he frowned and turned to Nyla. "Mommy, why is Wilhelm here?"Nyla patted his head gently. "He's here to apologize to you.""Oh." Mason's response was wary, clearly unconvinced.Gabriel observed Nyla's affectionate interaction with Mason, his eyes flickering with a trace of emotion. He turned to Wilhelm. "What did you promise me before we came?"Wilhelm's reluctance was evident. He had agreed to apologize, but only under the threat of losing his chance to see his mother."Mason, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have pushed you yesterday. I hope you can forgive me," Wilhelm said, his voice subdued.Mason didn't respond immediately. Instead, he looked up at Nyla, silently seeking her guidance."Buddy, this is your decision to make," Nyla said softly. "I'll respect whatever you decide."Mason lowered his head, thinking for a moment.Finally, he s
Brandon sighed and placed the items on the desk. "Aunt Nyla, this crisis is unlike anything Prospectus Technology has faced before. If things go wrong, the company can go bankrupt."Uncle Damon prepared these after finding out Buddy is his son, but he hadn't found the right time to give them to you."Keep them for now. If Prospectus Technology collapses, he'll need this to start over."After a moment's silence, Nyla nodded. "Alright, I'll hold onto them. Is this the only reason you came?""Yes, I need to get back to work," Brandon replied."I'll see you out," Nyla offered.After sending Brandon off, she returned to the study and placed the documents and bank card in the safe upstairs.The next morning…As Nyla was getting dressed, Lydia knocked on the door."Ms. Kinsey, there's a man outside who says he's your brother," Lydia informed her.Brother?Thinking it was likely Gabriel, Nyla's expression turned cold. "I don't know him. Tell him to leave.""Understood," Lydia said
Damon put the file down and sat across from Nyla.Noticing two portions of breakfast on the table, he asked, "You haven't eaten either?""No," Nyla replied as she opened the packages and handed one to him. "I came to eat with you. Spencer told me he brought you breakfast this morning, but you didn't touch it.""I was too busy," Damon said."Being busy isn't an excuse to skip meals. I saw your assistants running around like crazy, and I heard they barely got any sleep last night. Is the issue with the company that serious?" Nyla asked."It's significant," Damon admitted. "Our chips might be causing malfunctions in our partner's machines. If that's confirmed, the company will face a massive compensation payout."Nyla frowned, worry flashing in her eyes. "I can't help much with work, but the least I can do is keep things in order at home. By the way, are you coming home tonight?""Probably not," he replied. "There's still a lot to handle.""Alright. Finish your breakfast. I'll hea
Gabriel took the document, skimmed its contents, and his face darkened."What is it?" Tom asked.Gabriel tossed the document onto the table with a cold laugh. "Nothing important. Damon's just trying to catch me off guard."The document contained evidence of Nyce Tech hiring paid posters to smear Prospectus Technology, but Gabriel wasn't worried.Soon enough, those allegations would become the truth.Tom glanced at the papers and grinned. "As long as it's not a big problem. Anyway, I should get going.""Fine, but don't forget your part in this," Gabriel said pointedly.There was a cold glint in Tom's eyes, though his smile remained. "Relax. I won't let you handle Prospectus Technology alone."After Tom left, Gabriel drained his wine in one gulp.As he prepared to head to his study, a maid approached with a concerned expression."Mr. Hackett, Mr. Wilhelm still refuses to eat," the maid informed him.Gabriel had brought Wilhelm straight back to the villa instead of letting him