Chapter 701
Chapter 701:
A sharp glance from Mateo sealed her lips. “It’s time for your brothers to demonstrate who is truly worthy.”
“Yes, Dad!” Alissa bowed her head, her gaze heavy with unspoken grievances. This challenge among her brothers was merely a facade to select a suitable heir for Mateo’s legacy.
But why not her?
In Mateo’s view, she was merely a tool in his strategic arsenal.
“Harlan, there’s something urgent we need to discuss. Follow me.”
“Yes, Gilmore.”
Mateo threw a fleeting glance at the two but remained silent. Gilmore’s invitation was nothing more than a scheme to provide Harlan a way out.
With Orson’s health temporarily stable and the surgery scheduled, it was pointless to provoke any discord. Once Orson awoke and ceded his authority, Mateo would exact retribution on both of them.
Gilmore and Harlan exited the house and climbed into the same car.
“Harlan, your haste is reckless,” Gilmore remarked sternly, massaging his forehead in frustration. “With the recent chaos, rallying the elders’ support will be a steep climb for you.”
“Should I just sit back and watch Mateo take the power from Dad?” Harlan retorted, his voice thick with defiance. “He’s enlisted MO, a creator of medical marvels. If Dad truly recovers this time, I’ll be left with nothing.”
Harlan’s countenance darkened, his eyes glimmering with a mix of desperation and resolve. “Gilmore, can I count on you? Together, we could certainly overthrow Mateo and claim leadership of the family.”
Gilmore’s frown deepened, and he responded in a cold tone, “Do you realize the gravity of what you’ve just said?”
Harlan paused, taken aback, then shut his eyes and gave a solemn nod. “Forgive me, I spoke without thinking.”
𝕋𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕥𝕖𝕩𝕥 𝕚𝕤 𝕒𝕟 𝕠𝕣𝕚𝕘𝕚𝕟𝕒𝕝: g𝖺𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘀⧼ⅽ𝗈𝗺
“While Dad was still thinking clearly, he drilled one point into me—my stance had to stay neutral. He intended this to safeguard against any turmoil within the Welch family. I have extended my support to you more than once. Do you wish to break the agreement between Dad and…”
“I regret my words, Gilmore.” Harlan held Gilmore in high esteem.
Gilmore stood as a crucial force in quelling the internal conflicts of the Welch family. Although not the head in title, his influence was comparable to that of one.
Misusing this authority, however, could potentially lead to the Welch family’s downfall.
“I’m at a loss with Dad’s reasoning,” Harlan admitted, taking off his glasses to clean them. “Why would he appoint Mateo as the head of the family yet withhold true authority from him? Gilmore, do you understand his motives?”
A wry chuckle slipped from Gilmore’s lips. “You’re probing because you think I’m privy to secrets, isn’t that right?”
Harlan didn’t respond, but his intense stare lingered on Gilmore, waiting for an answer.
“Very well, revealing this won’t do any harm.” Gilmore exhaled deeply, a weary look on his face. “Dad did this to test Mateo. If he manages to stabilize the Welch family under these trying circumstances, Dad will, without a doubt, entrust him with full control. But there’s another reason behind his actions…”
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