Chapter 205
Chapter 205:
Franklin perked up a little, mistaking it for warmth.
He launched into a nostalgic spiel about Mirabelle’s childhood, a few half-hearted regrets, and a few humblebrags.
The company had taken up his time, the weight of a thousand employees on his shoulders, but he’d done his best.
And now that Mirabelle was married to Ashton, she was in good hands.
Still, as her father, he’d like to provide something. Anything.
If only the company weren’t in such a precarious state…
He trailed off when all he got back was silence, and a sore throat from talking too long.
He was still standing; Ashton hadn’t offered him a seat.
Franklin shifted his weight. He tried again.
“About that project Mr. Maxwell used to handle… I was wondering who’s overseeing it now p>
Ashton dropped the phone onto the desk with a soft thud.
Franklin stopped mid-sentence.
“So all that touching nonsense about Mirabelle, that was just the warm-up. You’re not here for her. You’re here to sniff around for contracts p>
Franklin stiffened. “Of course I’m here for her. She’s my daughter. The project’s… well, a secondary issue.” He smiled ingratiatingly. “But we’re family now, right? Families help each other. Might as well keep it in the family p>
Ashton gave a short, humorless laugh.
“Let’s not waste time. I brought you in here because I didn’t want to humiliate you in front of her downstairs. That doesn’t mean I’ve got patience for you. And you’re not family p>
Franklin’s forehead had gone slick. Sweat clung to his temples, sliding down his cheek.
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He stammered, “But… but you married my daughter p>
“And she’s a legal adult. She doesn’t owe you a thing. Neither do I. If you’ve got some grand play lined up, now’s the time to use it p>
Franklin faltered.
Then, fist clenched behind his back, he tried one more time.
“I know I wasn’t always the best father. But I was working. I was trying to give her a future. That house, her school, the business—it was all for her. And no matter what, she’s still my daughter. Family fights don’t last forever p>
“That’s still the script you’re using?” Ashton said coldly. “I married Mirabelle, not your entire circus. Keep your nephew Preston and your wife’s niece Serenna away from her. She forgives too easily. I don’t. Try anything, and I’ll make sure every door in Skyline slams shut on your family. You, Preston, Serenna—none of you will last a week. To me, you’re nothing. The only reason you’re still standing here is because you are her biological father p>
Contempt flashed in Ashton’s eyes as he said the last two words, but Franklin didn’t notice. He stood blinking, chest heaving lightly, his fingers locked tight around the hem of his jacket.