Chapter 219

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But the moment he stepped into the Cole Manor , a heavy , oppressive tension filed the
He walked in and saw Daniel sitting rigid and silent at the head of the room .
On the sofa , Elena was a mess , sobbing with red rimmed eyes while Ophelia tried to comfort her ,
Nearby , a neatly dressed woman sat with anxious hands folded tightly in her lap .
And across from Daniel , a striking man in a sharp suit lounged back with his legs crossed , eyes down , calmly flipping through some papers on his kne
A ridiculous idea flickered through Liam’s mind . “ Grandpa , what’s going on ? ”
Daniel gestured for him to come clover and handed over two sheets of paper . Liam’s hands trembled as he read them . “ He … ”
Elena finally lost control , wailing- “ Liam , your bastard of a father actually cheated on me he’s only three months younger than yout Three montist He was already fooling around while I was still pregnant with you ! ”
A stab of pain shot through Liam’s chest , his head spinning He had a brother nearly his own age ? ”
Daniel slammed the table , his voice like thunder . “ The Cole family has had thin bloodlines for generations , and now , when we finally have another capable heir , all you can do is spend money and complain . What right do you have to object ?
“ You have two children – one obsessed with medicine , the other a useless good – for – nothing . Which of them could ever shoulder real responsibility ? Meanwhile , Orlando grew up in some backwater town , earned his way overseas , built everything from scratch . If he’d been raised here , he’d be the perfect heir .
Elena apt to her feet in shock , “ Only Liam is worthy to inherit the company ! How can you hand the Cole Group to some legitimate son ? ”
Liam couldn’t help but wonder , Does Grandpa really want to pass everything to that guy ! ”
A strange sense of relief crept in – maybe now , he could finally escape this crushing weight .
Aher a long pause , Liam said quietly , “ Grandpa , if he’s capable , I agree to let him become the next heir of the Cole Group . ”
Elena shrieked , “ I don’t agree ! ”
But Daniel saw through his grandson’s thoughts and ignored Elena’s hysteria . “ You’ll each have the same number of shares – may the best man win . ”
Most of the shares still belonged to Daniel .
He alone decided who would ultimately have power .
But if both boys had equal stakes , the pressure was on Liam , the one who’d been slaving away for years .
Orlando’s lips curled in a subtle smile . “ Tlcome back , but I never planned to work for the Cole Group . ”
Daniel nodded , unfazed . “ I know you’re worried about your company in Masmubia . The Cole Group will simply acquire it . That way , we can expand overseas , and you’ll still hold absolute control thege . Go back , take care of your business , and leave your mother here at Cole Manor We have staff tako care of her . You don’t have to worry . ”
When Orlando’s expression darkened , Daniel added , “ You don’t have to change your name or be entered into the family register just yet . Come back Erst
Aher a moment , Orlando nodded . “ A
Daniel called Liam into the study .
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“ Alright . ”
15:03 Tue , JuJum
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Meanwhile , outside , a bodyguard opened the car door for Orlando .
The interior was spacious , with a rare hardwood U – shaped bar and a custom wine rack , bottles gleaming in the subdued light
On the back seat , a man lounged with a cigarette , smoke drifting larily across a face as sharp as a blade .
Orlando took one look , then climbed in .
He poured himself a drink and sipped . “ That old fox really thinks he can trick me into working for the Cole family for free . ”
The man said nothing , just kept watching him through the haze .
Orlando snapped his fingers . “ Russell , what exactly do you want from me ? ”