Royce was feeling deeply wronged.


    Despite his strong feelings, he dared not utter a single word in front of his enraged father.


    Silently, both father and son made their way to the family meeting room, one after the other.


    This conference room, reminiscent of a medieval European pce, was already filled with nearly all family members.


    Yet, the elder patriarch had yet to arrive.<h3 style="background-color:DodgerBlue">


    Everyone was acutely aware that today marked the asion when the patriarch would officially hand over the leadership to Steve. Following this announcement, Steve would be the head of the entire Rothschild family. Consequently, despite the grim expressions on their faces, many family members were mentally preparing themselves to win Steve’s favor.


    From this moment on, all resources and the power to decide fates would rest in Steve’s hands.


    As Steve and Royce entered, every member present rose from their seats. The atmosphere was strikingly reminiscent of a military meeting, where generals stand as theirmander arrives. It felt solemn.


    Steve’s younger brothers quickly gathered around him, eager to greet him.


    Though Steve was displeased by their insincere and sycophantic behavior, he maintained hisposure and nodded politely to them all.


    David Rothschild, the youngest brother, approached Steve with enthusiasm. “Brother, I wanted to visit youst night, but your housekeeper mentioned you were unavable for guests. Tonight, you must let me bring you some gifts!” he eximed, clearly eager to impress.


    Steve replied with a scoff, “David, you’re quite the character, but I wouldn’t want to impose on you to spend your money.”


    David quickly retorted, “Brother, let’s not be polite. We’re family! You’ve always been the one who cared for me the most since we were children.”


    As David knelt andvished attention on Steve, the others quickly followed suit, scrambling to gain Steve’s favor. Thepetition was evident.


    Steve observed their antics with calm detachment, bing increasingly aware of their motivations.


    He understood that if the patriarch failed to name him as the next leader, these same individuals would swiftly shift their allegiances, vying for the old man’s approval in hopes of discing him as the heir.


    As long as he remained in his position today, his younger brothers would see him as their primary rival and never truly ept him.<fn2854> Newest update provided by findnovel</fn2854>


    At that moment, the conference room door swung open. All eyes turned as the old butler entered, followed by the elder patriarch, Howard, who walked in with surprising agility.


    CHAPTER LIST


    When Howard made his entrance, a hush fell over the room.


    Most attendees had witnessed the patriarch’s struggles with a stroke and assumed he would require a wheelchair today. Yet, to their astonishment, he appeared to be in excellent health after just one night apart!


    The sight of the elder looking vibrant and well brought an undeniable sense of relief to everyone present.


    In the Rothschild family, aside from Steve’s immediate circle that wished for the old man’s demise, everyone else hoped for his continued well-being.


    For those family members who wouldn’t inherit power, their best scenario was for the patriarch to remain vigorous and in control. If the old man fell ill or passed away, they would likely face purging under the new leader.


    David Rothschild was the quickest to react. In an instant, he transitioned from crowding around Steve to dashing towards Howard.


    “Father!” David eximed as he reached Howard, supporting the elder’s arm with concern. “Why did youe here by yourself? Are you feeling alright?”