Chapter 54 arquin, you may run Bradford Group now, but don’t you forget that it was your andfather who built this company from the ground up. He has every right to meddle in the business affairs! Allegra snapped. Seems like you’ve forgotten that Bradford Group was practically a goner before I stepped In and brought it back to life.” Tarquin bit back. “Well… no matter what you say, your grandfather is the founder of Bradford Group.” “And what’s your point?” “My point? The founder always has more say, naturally. If your grandfather were no longer with us, sure, you’d inherit the reins of Bradford Group. But he’s still here, so…” “So you want me to step down? Hand over Bradford Group on a silver platter? Kick me out and carve up the company among yourselves?” Allegra choked on her words. Tarquin furrowed his brow, his face a mask of cold fury, “You’re getting ahead of yourself.” “… I…” Allegra tried to retort, but meeting his icy gaze, she shrank back in silence. Ferociousness passed through Gideon’s eyes before he spoke in a softened tone, “Don’t mind your aunt’s blabbering. I’m indeed getting on in years; I can’t be bothered with the stress and I don’t want to. You’re the sole grandson of the Bradford family, it’s only right that you manage the company. But with the company suddenly losing so much money, you owe us all an explanation. The explanation is not just for the Bradford family, but also for our shareholders. You need to make it clear.” Tarquin replied indifferently, “I’ve already explained.” “And what was your explanation?” “Business competition.” He added. Everyone fell silent. After leaving the hospital, Allegra started to complain, “Dad, I told you not to hand over Bradford Group to him, but you wouldn’t listen. Look at the state of things now. He’s treating Bradford Group like his personal piggy bank, keeping us out of it entirely, even disregarding you!” Yet Verity countered, “Allegra, don’t speak ill of dad. There was a reason why he gave Bradford Group to Tarquin and you know it. If it weren’t for him, we’d have handed it to the other family sure.” “What difference does it make? It’s practically the same as if we had handed it out already! 20 07 The biggest mistake was bringing him back from abroad! His mother was no good and her son was the same. He might be the only male descendant of the Bradford family, but my son Lionel is our family member too. Lionel has Bradford blood in him just the samel He has a right to inherit!” “Enough!” Gideon roared, silencing the room. Allegra shuddered and fell silent while Verity quickly interjected, “Dad, please, calm down. Allegra didn’t mean it. We know how much you value the family lineage. Our kids and our brother’s kid are not the same.” Allegra couldn’t help but murmur again, “If we’re talking lineage, Elijah is the only heir in his generation. But with the way he is, can he really take over Bradford Group? Is he even going to live to eighteen if the worst thing happens? If he passes away, what then? The Bradford family has always had a single heir in each generation. Tarquin is unlikely to have any more sons. If you don’t change your mindset, Dad, the Bradford legacy will be ruined! Lineage is important, but we must also consider the reality…” Gideon cut her off with a dark look, “Instead of whining here, why don’t you figure out how to raise your own son properly!? He hasn’t even graduated college and he’s already knocked up some girl. Think about how to handle that!” “But… but that’s not Lionel’s fault. That temptress seduced him. She saw Lionel as a rich kid and wanted to climb the social ladder just like Tarquin’s shameless mother!” “She managed to trap Lionel, didn’t she? If that’s not stupidity, what is? And you have the nerve to speak up!” Gideon bit back. Allegra was rendered speechless by the rebuke. Gideon, fuming with anger, stormed off to his car and drove away.