Chapter 53
Ulric had the same thoughts about focusing on treating his leg injury, especially with Ken’s sudden return putting him on edge. He could no longer maintain the pretense and felt compelled to take action.
After two years apart, Ulric found it increasingly difficult to understand Ken, and provoking him had become much more challenging, leaving him feeling extremely uncertain.
“Alright, I’ll leave Grandma to you, Ulric said, visibly tired as he massaged his eyes.
Seeing him like this, Astrid squeezed his shoulders and comforted him. “Don’t worry, Ulric. Just hang in there. Everything will be fine once your grandmother is gone,
Ulric grunted and gave a slight nod, his eyes briefly flashing with grim coldness when he opened them again.
Though Margaret treated him reasonably well, Ulric could still see that she had favored Ken more. He vividly remembered an incident when he was young. Back theri, Margaret suddenly developed an interest in baking bread. Whenever she baked, she made sure to reserve the best–looking loaves for Ken, leaving him with the less attractive ones. These seemingly minor incidents sowed the seeds of jealousy, which eventually grew into towering trees that could not be easily uprooted.
Ken and Ramon sat in the study, discussing various business matters. Eventually, Ramon shifted the conversation to something more personal
“Now that you’re back, why not stay and forgo returning to Insterimond? The branch office is running smoothly, so it’s time for you to come back to headquarters, Ramon said, expressing his confidence in his eldest son, a confidence well–founded given Ken’s proven capabilities
In contrast to Silverlake, Insterimond was a realm teeming with hidden talents, where nine out of ten individuals boasted formidable prowess. Despite this challenging landscape, Ken managed to build the branch company from the ground up. establishing a prominent presence for the Swanson Group in the city. With Ramon nearing retirement, he saw fit to call Ken back to Silverlake. As for the issue of succession, he hadn’t divulged any plans to anyone, as he hadn’t reached a decision yet
As Ramon awaited Ken’s response, he contemplated, If Ken doet decide to return, perhaps it will be the cue I need to make my decision. His gaze lingered on Ken.
Ken met his father’s gaze with a composed expression, noticing for the first time the increasing number of white strands peppering Ramon’s hair. The realization dawned on him that time had taken its toll on his father, once a towering figure of strength and authority.
“We’ll discuss it later, Ken replied, evading a direct response. “For now, I simply want to spend time with Grandma. Once her health improves, we can consider other matters.”
“Understandable, Ramon acknowledged with a nod. “It’s been quite some time since you last visited, so it’s important to reconnect with the family, especially Grandma.” Yet, amidst the conversation, thoughts of Melody Fox crept into his mind, subtly influencing his next question.
“You’ve likely heard about Ulric’s engagement to the Fox family, a decision made by the elders even before he was born. What’s your take on that?” Ramon maintained the facade of casual conversation, but beneath the surface, he was probing for Ken’s true sentiments.
As he awaited Ken’s reply, Ramon’s mind raced with possibilities If Ken supports Ulric’s marriage, it would suggest his desire for succession, he thought. While I am considering retirement and need to designate a successor, I’m not keen on my sons vying for my position while I’m still in charge.”
Ken immediately discerned the purpose of his father’s inquiry, subtle smile gracing his lips. “Father, there’s no need for pretense. As I’ve stated previously, I have no aspirations to inherit the Swanson family legacy,” he declared. “You can pass it on to Ulric without hesitation. All I desire is ownership of Pearly Antiques, he added after a momentary pause.
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Chapter 53
Pearly Antiques held sentimental value as it was his late mother’s legacy. Beyond this cherished antique store, Ken had no interest in inheriting anything else from the family.
Upon hearing Ken’s response, Ramon’s face flushed with embarrassment as he realized that Ken had seen right through his intentions. His embarrassment quickly gave way to a frown, and he retorted, Ill be the one to decide who will succeed me. so that’s not for you to determine. And regarding Pearly Antique, it will indeed be yours, I promise.”
Satisfied with the promise he had extracted, Ken rose from his seat calmly. “I’ll go check on Melody while she prepares Grandma’s medicines. Considering you’ve just returned from your trip, you should take some rest,” he stated calmly. With a slight bow, Ken exited the room, paying little heed to whether Ramon had anything further to say to him.
Ken let out a heavy sigh as he closed the door behind him.
Ramon’s actions, especially his suppression of the incident that caused Ulric’s injury and subsequent cover–up when Ken was falsely accused, made everyone think he favored Ken over Ulric. Besides appearing to be fiercely protecting his eldest son in the incident, many also viewed his move to entrust Ken with the management of the branch office in Insterimond as a form of favoritism.
Well acquainted with his father’s character, Ken was confident that Ramon was aware of his innocence. However, he couldn’t overlook Ramon’s reluctance to investigate or clarify the situation, a revelation that shattered Ken’s trust and affection for his father.
Ken’s sole motivation for involvement with the Swanson family was to reclaim Pearly Antiques, the antique trading company left behind by his late mother. Despite the heaviness in his heart, Ken pushed aside his emotions, composed himself, and descended the stairs calmly.
On the ground floor, a small kitchen was exclusively reserved for Melody to prepare Margaret’s medicines.
Ken quietly entered and observed Melody’s futile attempts to crack open a walnut.
anyone available?” Ken called out, prompting a nearby servant to hasten over.
“Mr. Ken, how may I assist you?” the servant asked.
Wordlessly, Ken gestured towards Melody, who was struggling with the walnut. The servant promptly intervened, addressing Melody, “Miss Fox, allow me to assist you.”
“It’s alright,” Melody politely declined. “I’ll do it myself. Thank you for offering.”
The servant glanced at Ken, awaiting his instructions. Ken furrowed his brows and gestured for the servant to leave. Stepping closer to Melody, he inquired, “Why refuse help? Are you intentionally dragging this out?”
Melody persisted in her struggle with the walnuts, her hands turning red from the effort/Upon hearing Ken’s remark, she shot him a disgruntled glance and retorted, “Are you always this sarcastic? Have you forgotten I have only a week? Your father won’t let me off the hook if I can’t finish within that time?
“Then, why…” Ken’s voice trailed off momentarily as he recognized Melody’s apprehension about potential sabotage if she accepted assistance from a random servant in the house.
After briefly pausing, he reassured her, “I’ll send two of my most trusted men to assist you. You can rely on them entirely.”
‘So, he finally knew why I rejected help, Melody thought upon hearing Ken’s response. Given Astrid Swanson’s potentially ill intentions towards Margaret, Melody resolved to trust no one in the household and handle everything herself, even the seemingly simple task of cracking walnuts.
“Be sure to send the right people,” Melody advised.
“Alright, but you’ve got one right here, Ken replied, rolling his sleeves. He then took the nutcracker from her and began. effortlessly cracking the walnuts,
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Chapter 53
While Melody struggled with the task, Ken’s movements were stooth and precise. She watched in awe as he cracked the walnuts with ease. “How come it looks so effortless when you do it? Am I doing something wrong?” she asked.
Ken glanced at her casually and calmly replied, “It’s not about the technique. It’s about the person.”
“You Melody started, her frustration evident in her tone. She glared at Ken, who merely shrugged in response, continuing with the task at hand, a faint smile playing on his lips.
Returning from her walk, Margaret saw Ken’s faint smile as she passed the kitchen..
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