Chapter 767

That actually sounded like a good plan. For years, Xenia Cooper had been caught in a web of schemes and conflicts. If it hadn't been for Vernon, she probably wouldn't have been able to hold on for so long.

"Clearing your head sounds like a good idea," Briony said. “But please stay in touch, and don't go anywhere too dangerous."

Xenia laughed. “I know. So, to help me out, you need to convince your man to manage Neonova Syndicate for me. Let me go have some fun without a single worry!"

Before Briony could reply, Stewart spoke up. "Xenia Cooper, when you were unconscious and there was no one to look after Vernon, Briony and I agreed to your arrangement. But now that Maynard is in the picture as Vernon's father, if you're tired and don't want to run Neonova Syndicate anymore, then ask Maynard for help. I have a wife and kids now. It wouldn't be appropriate for me to do it."

Xenia fell silent.

"Ms. Cooper, I think Stewart has a point," Briony added. "Since Maynard is Vernon's biological father, it would be much more legitimate for him to take over Neonova Syndicate than for Stewart."

"It's impossible between him and me," Xenia said, her voice firm. "Vernon is his son, and as a father, he has an obligation to care for him. But Neonova Syndicate... under what pretense would I ask him to take that over?"

"Neonova Syndicate will belong to Vernon eventually anyway," Stewart countered. "So, it's perfectly reasonable for his father to manage it on his behalf until he comes

of age."

Xenia hesitated for a moment. "...Stewart, don't you forget that I saved your wife's life. What's wrong with helping my son manage his company for a while? Who knows, maybe my son will marry your daughter one day! As the father-in-law, you'd be personally safeguarding the empire for your future son-in-law. Wouldn't your daughter be the ultimate beneficiary in the end?"

Stewart's brow furrowed. "She's not getting married.”

"Hey, look at you, completely wrapped around your daughter's little finger!" Xenia deliberately provoked him. "Our Vernon is handsome; what girl wouldn't like him? You know what, I think we should betroth our kids! That would give you a legitimate reason to manage Neonova Syndicate for me!"

Stewart gritted his teeth, forcing the words out. "In your dreams!"

“Oh, did I strike a nerve? Too bad, you don't have the final say in your family anymore!"

Stewart was speechless.

"Briony, let's unite our families,"

Xenia redirected her efforts. "Look, my Vernon is smart and handsome and with the Maynard and Cooper family backgrounds he's quite the catch. Your daughter wouldn't be losing out by marrying him

Briony didn't know whether to laugh or cry. "Ms. Cooper, I'm not the kind of mother who arranges marriages. The children are still young. Things like fate should be left to nature."

Xenia sighed. "Fine. Then let's

become sisters! That way you'll be

my sister, Stewart will be my

brother-in-law, and it's perfectly

justifiable for a brother in-law to help out his wife's sister."

Stewart pinched the bridge of his nose and shot Briony a look. Briony understood: Xenia was fixated on entrusting Neonova Syndicate to Stewart, partly because she

venet

genuinely valued his abilities, and partly because she really, really didn't want to involve

trynard. It

xenia had t

seenged given up this

time. But since Maynard was

Vernon's biological father, it really

wasn't appropriate for Stewart to

manage the company any longer.

Briony pursed her lips and said, "Ms. Cooper, if you're absolutely sure you don't

want to consider Maynard, I can recommend someone else."

"Who?"

Briony replied, "Mr. Seven."

At the sound of that, Stewart's brow twitched.