---- Chapter 36: Help Me, Will You? Maverick knew all the logic in the world-but logic didn't change the fact that his son, Richard, was absolutely not cut out for anything remotely important. The guy's brain had been pickled in alcohol! And don't even get him started on Richard's second wife. That woman was a walking red flag factory. If the family business landed in Richard's hands, they'd be lucky if there were even crumbs left for the next generation. As for Maverick's other two grandsons? Useless. Completely unremarkable. Not even worth a footnote. At this point, the only one truly fit to inherit the family legacy... was Aaron. The kid was calm, sharp as a whip, and had serious skills. He ran his law firm like a military operation-disciplined, precise, and top-ranked in all of Greystone. Every time he took on a merger or acquisition, it was like watching a maestro at work-flawless execution. Even his personal investments were hitting home runs ---- left and right. Maverick couldn't help but kick himself-he should've paid more attention to this grandson years ago. If only he'd known Aaron was such a gem, he would've invested in him early on. But back then, who would've guessed he'd end up surrounded by nothing but duds? Now? Now it was too late to go back. Sigh... Maverick exhaled heavily, frustration brewing in his chest. Aaron might be excellent, but so what? He didn't have any real leverage to force Aaron's hand. That thought made Maverick's blood boil. "You're still my grandson," he snapped inwardly. "So you'll do as I say. This isn't a negotiation!" Aaron stayed cool. "Judging by how strong your voice still is, I'd say you've got another ten, maybe twenty years in you. I've got things to do, so I'm heading out. I'll stop by another time." He knew damn well that if he stepped one foot deeper into this mess, it'd be hell trying to pull it back out. Better to make a clean break-now. Maverick played the family card. "Swing by your dad's, will you? He's been asking about you a lot lately. Have dinner with him before you go." ---- Aaron let out a short laugh. "You sure? You think he can eat with me sitting across the table? I wouldn't be surprised if he's waiting in the kitchen with a butcher knife." Ever since Richard found out Maverick planned to hand over the lion's share of the company to Aaron, the man had been blowing up Aaron's phone nonstop-threats, bribes, emotional blackmail, the whole pathetic playbook. Aaron didn't bother looking back as he headed downstairs to the car. He had just clicked his seatbelt when Richard came charging out the door, practically frothing at the mouth. "You little punk! You just leave without saying a word? Do I even exist to you as your father?!" He'd been sitting in the living room forever, waiting for a chance to talk Aaron out of the inheritance. Even rehearsed what he was gonna say. But in the end, he didn't even get to deliver his opening line. Aaron turned his head, smirking. "You've got a whole lineup of kids and grandkids. You really need a goodbye from me?" Both of Richard's other sons were already ---- married-one of them even had a kid on the way. Richard dropped the fake pleasantries. "What did your grandfather say to you?" Aaron let out a cold chuckle, then floored it. The car tore off like a rocket, leaving nothing behind but smoke and a whole lot of fumes. He'd originally thought about bringing Clara to see where he'd grown up-but forget it. What a damn joke. He hit her number and called. "What are you up to? I'm heading back. Want me to grab anything to eat?" Clara's voice came through, soft and cozy. "Nothing much, just packing things up. I'm not really hungry-whatever's easy." That gentle tone of hers made the tension in Aaron's chest melt like snow in spring. His heart, cold just moments ago, suddenly felt warm again. "Alright, I'll pick up whatever looks good." Even though she claimed she wasn't hungry, Clara couldn't stop popping the donuts Aaron brought back into her mouth. "These are amazing-sweet but not too sweet. Where'd you get them? I want to bring some for Leo and Sierra!" Aaron wasn't much of a sweets guy, but watching her enjoy them so much made him reach for a couple