?Chapter 494:


    Bertram, always carrying more authority, didn’t mince words. “Carter. rence. Do you have any idea what you’re starting here?”


    On the other side of the room, Irene bristled. She’d been eager for Carter and rence to put Elliana in her ce, but now her own husband had flipped the script. In her mind, she tore into Bertram, calling him every foolish name she could think of. All these years, Bertram had no real affection for her and wouldn’t bother fighting for their son’s future. She couldn’t believe how clueless he was. Still, she kept her resentment buried. No matter how sharp her tongue in public, she always shrank back in Bertram’s presence.


    “Bertram, you are really pathetic,” Cartermented. “All these years, you’ve done nothing but cling to your brother’s coattails, and now you don’t even have the nerve to stand behind your own son. Tell me, are you just your father’s obedient mutt, or were you born without guts?”


    rence interjected, “Bertram, we’re trying to lift your son up here. Are you really fine letting him get pushed around forever?”


    With every word, Carter and rence tried to drive a wedge through Ruben’s family, hoping to turn loyalty into chaos.


    Across the table, Irene’s eyes drilled into Bertram. If only he’d seize the chance—Carter and rence were basically handing Jason the keys to power.


    But Bertram was never one to y by Irene’s rules, no matter how desperately she wished he would. A dry, cuttingugh slipped from him. “I’ve always been aware that I am not as sharp as my brother. That’s why I stand behind him. Jason looks up to Cole, just the same. There’s no reason for you, Carter—or you, rence—to stick your noses in where they’re not wanted.”


    “You…” Carter was caught off guard by how firmly Bertram held his ground.


    With a trembling finger, Carter jabbed the air toward Elliana. “Stay out of this if you want, Bertram, but don’t think I’ll let this insolent woman get away with it. I’ll deal with her myself!”


    Carter’s sharp nce at rence signaled the next move.


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    Without hesitation, rence instructed his men, “Do what my father says. Make sure she never forgets this lesson!”


    A wave of guards dressed in ck closed in on Elliana, their intentions clear.


    Elliana squared her shoulders, ready to stand her ground. If it meant protecting Cole, she was more than willing to fight. On her left and right, Paulina and Myles braced for a showdown, determination in their eyes.


    Suddenly, a voice thundered from the room’s entrance, shaking the very air. “Who do you think you are, attempting toy a hand on her?” The icy,manding tone swept through the room, sending a chill down every spine. There was no mistaking Cole’s voice.


    Heads snapped toward the door. Seated in a wheelchair, Cole exuded quiet strength as Aron and Hugh wheeled him in. Though he looked battered and far from fully recovered, his piercing gaze demanded attention and silence.


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