---- But honestly, she wasn't feeling well today. Luckily, Aaron quickly said, "No worries, I can go by myself. It's not important. I'll take you next time." Clara nodded. Back at the villa, Aaron dropped Clara off but didn't get out of the car. He drove straight back to the Devereaux Residence. It was a place he rarely visited since boarding school. The butler, Eli, greeted him warmly. "Sir, your grandfather's been waiting for you these past few days." Aaron stayed calm, giving a slight nod as he entered. He walked straight to his grandfather's room without a word. Eli followed him to the door. He went in first to tell his grandfather Aaron was there, then invited Aaron inside. The old man lay in bed, recently recovered from a serious illness. Nearly eighty years old, his face was weathered, with white hair sharpening his stern expression. His furrowed brows and piercing eyes cut like ---- swords-still sharp and clear. The room carried a heavy, commanding presence. Most grandchildren would probably shrink back in his presence. But Aaron was cool, unmoved. Because he wanted nothing. "Grandpa, long time no see." "Aaron, you're back? You come to Silverton and don't visit home, so I have to call you here again and again," Maverick's voice was hoarse, tinged with mild reproach. Aaron's tone was cold, without warmth. "Well, I heard you were sick, so I came to see you." Maverick didn't seem bothered. At his age, fake or real, appearances didn't really matter. "How about what we talked about last time?" The last time, they'd discussed the will. Maverick planned to leave 49% of the shares to Aaron, giving him full control over the family business. Only 10% would go to Aaron's father, Richard, as yearly dividends. ---- The other two grandchildren would get just real estate. Aaron sneered, "Not good enough. You think I've suffered enough? You want me to take on all the anger and blame? No thanks, I'm not accepting." Maverick's face darkened with anger. "Don't forget, you're family. The family business can't just be tossed away." Aaron's voice dripped with sarcasm. "If it weren't for you keeping me from starving, do you think I'd bother showing up today? And traditionally, the legacy passes from father to son. Don't get it twisted. When my dad's gone and there's anything left over, if he's willing to hand it down, I'll take responsibility." No outsider could imagine how rotten things were behind the shiny Devereaux family facade. With his father's neglect and stepmom's passive-aggressive digs, Aaron often went hungry when he was little. Helpless, he had to come to his grandfather's place-unwelcome, but at least there was food. After boarding school, his allowance was inconsistent. His dad pushed responsibility onto an assistant, who pushed it to the stepmom... In the end, Aaron relied on the old man's grudging ---- kindness to avoid ending up homeless. So, if not for gratitude, he wouldn't set foot in the Devereaux house at all.