Chapter 257

Chapter 257:

Edward sat opposite them, looking small in his chair. Anson stood by the unlit fireplace, glaring at Dallas with a hatred so potent it felt like heat radiating across the room.

Victoria was resting upstairs, sedated, but she had insisted they speak with Edward first.

“We have prepared a portfolio,” Edward said, his voice unsteady. He pushed a thick file folder across the coffee table. “It is from Victoria’s personal trust, established before our marriage. It is all that remains untouched — real estate, some bonds. Valued at around five million dollars.” He looked at Eliza, his eyes watery. “Consider it her inheritance. For the years she spent with us. For everything p>

Eliza looked at the file. It was guilt money.

“I don’t want money,” she said softly. “I just want to be left alone p>

“Take it,” Anson cut in, his voice jagged. “It’s Hyde money. It means you are still a Hyde. It means you owe us p>

Dallas laughed — a cold, sharp sound that silenced the room.

𝖸ou𝗋 n𝘦𝘅𝘵 𝖿a𝘃о𝘳𝗂𝘵𝘦 𝗿е𝘢𝘥 iѕ оո 𝗀а𝗅𝗇𝘰𝘃е𝗅ѕ.𝘤о𝘮

“She is a Koch,” he said. He reached out and placed his hand on the file, not to take it, but to pin it down. “She doesn’t need your money. I spend five million on jet fuel p>

Anson bristled, taking a step forward.

“However,” Dallas pivoted, his eyes locking onto Edward, “we will accept it. As a donation p>

“A donation?” Edward blinked.

“To the Lynn Restoration Institute,” Dallas said smoothly. “Eliza is the new Director. Your money will restore old paintings. It’s fitting p>

“And in return,” he continued, “Koch Industries will acquire the remaining assets of the Hyde Group. We will absorb your debts and offer you a minority, non-voting stake in the new subsidiary. It is not a rescue, Edward. It is a final buyout. It saves your family from public bankruptcy and ruin p>

Edward’s eyes widened. The deal was an execution, but a merciful one — a private death instead of a public hanging. A lifeline pulling the Hydes back from the edge of total disgrace.

“A business acquisition?” Edward asked, his voice wavering between hope and humiliation.

“Yes,” Dallas said. “But it comes with a condition.” He turned his head slowly toward Anson. “Anson stays away from my wife. Permanently. No calls. No visits. No stalking across the street p>

“You are buying me off?” Anson shook with rage. “With my own father? You think I can be bought p>

“I am offering your family a lifeline,” Dallas said. “Take it, or drown. If Anson comes near her again, I pull the deal and crush what’s left of your company before lunch p>

Edward looked at his son. Then he looked at the contract Dallas had produced from his jacket pocket.

“Anson,” Edward whispered. “It’s a good deal. We need this p>

Anson stared at his father with undisguised betrayal. “You’re selling her too? Just like you sold her to Claudine p>

“She is already gone, son!” Edward shouted, slamming his hand on the armrest. “Wake up! She is married p>

Anson let out a guttural cry. He seized a priceless porcelain vase from the mantel and hurled it against the wall.