bookpower Chapter 287
Chapter 287
At that moment Lady Madison's eyes softened, but her tone remained firm as she continued. "Initially, I gave everything to Jeremy," she began, her gaze briefly flicking to her grandson seated to her left.
"At the time, I didn't know where you were, Ethan. You were gone, and Jeremy was here, ready to step up. It seemed like the logical choice."
Upon hearing what lady Madison just said.
Jeremy shifted in his seat, his posture straightening as if to reinforce his readiness. Ethan, on the other hand, remained silent, his expression calm and measured.
"But now," Lady Madison continued, turning her sharp eyes to Ethan, "things have changed. You're here, Ethan, and I can't ignore that. It would only be right to reconsider what I've built and where it should go. After all, you are my grandson."
Immediately Jeremy's confident demeanor faltered slightly, a flicker of doubt crossing his face. "Grandma," he began hesitantly, but she raised a hand, silencing him.
"I know what you're thinking, Jeremy," she said, her voice soft but firm. "And I don't want to take anything away from you. You've worked hard, and I recognize that. But now that Ethan is here, I must ensure I'm being fair—to both of you."
At that moment she reached for a folder resting on the table and opened it, revealing two identical sets of documents.
"So, I've prepared something that I believe is fair. I'm going to give each of you the same business, the same resources, and the same starting point."
Both Ethan and Jeremy exchanged glances, the gravity of her words settling over them.
"The challenge is simple," Lady Madison continued. "Whoever can grow their business and become more popular by the end of the year will inherit the majority of my wealth. You'll be the champion of this family's legacy."
At that moment Jeremy's mouth opened slightly in shock. "Wait—are you saying we're competing for the entire family fortune?" he asked, disbelief coloring his tone.@@@@
Lady Madison nodded.
"Exactly. It's not just about money, Jeremy. It's about proving who has the capability, the vision, and the drive to carry this family forward."
At that moment Ethan finally spoke, his voice calm but laced with curiosity.
"And if neither of us succeeds?"
The room fell silent, Jeremy's eyes widening in surprise. Even Lady Madison seemed taken aback, her composed demeanor faltering for a moment. "Ethan," she began, but he interrupted her politely.
"It's not about proving anything to me," Ethan continued, his gaze steady.
"I have my own goals, my own plans. I don't need your wealth to achieve them. If this is about ensuring your legacy, then give it to Jeremy. He's already on that path."
His words hung in the air, carrying a weight that left the room in silence. Lady Madison studied him, her expression unreadable, while Jeremy looked between them, unsure of what to say. For once, the usually confident young man was at a loss for words.
Then Ethan stood up from his chair, his movements calm and deliberate. Jeremy watched him closely, a smug smile creeping onto his face. To Jeremy, Ethan's silence and retreat seemed like an admission of defeat, a recognition of his own limitations.
Jeremy leaned back, his confidence spilling into his words.
"I knew you'd see reason, Ethan," he said with a self-assured chuckle. "You know your limits, and that's fine. You don't have to compete with me. I'll take care of everything. From now on, I'll protect you."
Ethan's expression remained neutral, but there was a flicker in his eyes that hinted at thoughts Jeremy couldn't see. Find your next read at My Virtual Library Empire
Lady Madison, who had been observing the exchange in silence, suddenly spoke, her voice cutting through the tension like a blade.
"Ethan, sit down," she commanded, her tone firm but not unkind. "Whether you choose to participate fully or decide to let Jeremy win, that's your decision. But you will participate. This competition isn't optional."
At that moment Ethan hesitated for a moment before slowly sitting back down, his face unreadable.
Lady Madison gestured to her secretary, Mr. Landon, who promptly stepped forward with a folder containing the competition contracts.
Jeremy, brimming with confidence, reached for the pen first. "This is just a formality," he said, signing his name with a flourish. He pushed the folder toward Ethan, his smirk lingering.
"Don't worry, little brother. I've got this covered."
Ethan glanced at the papers, his jaw tightening slightly. He wasn't sure if it was Lady Madison's unyielding gaze or the pressure of the moment, but he finally picked up the pen. Without a word, he signed his name, the weight of his decision settling on his shoulders.
Immediately Lady Madison nodded, satisfied.
"Good. Now that both of you have agreed, you can leave or go directly to your assigned companies to begin preparing. The clock starts now."