Chapter 321: She’s Not Family

Robert was beside himself with frustration, practically pacing a hole into the floor. Margaret, equally agitated, snapped, “Elizabeth, I understand that you’re getting older and want to see the family in harmony. You’ve always looked out for Claire. It makes sense. You practically raised her.”

“But this? Transferring 30% of the shares to her? Are you serious?”

“What’s gotten into you? She’s not even related to us by blood, not your real granddaughter! And let’s not forget, she’s the one responsible for your actual granddaughter’s death!”

“Yes, I know. There wasn’t solid proof four years ago, and you refused to believe it. But even if we ignore that, the fact remains. She’s not family. Why would you give her 30% of the company? It makes no sense!”

Meanwhile, Harrison couldn’t stop fidgeting, his face a mix of panic and disbelief. Finally, he erupted, his voice loud enough to shake the walls. “Grandma, are you out of your mind? Do you even remember who we are?”

“We’re standing right here, flesh and blood, your family! And yet, you’re telling us you’d rather hand over nearly half the company to someone who has nothing to do with us?”

“Grandma! What the hell are you thinking?!”

Though she’d been expecting this storm all along, a faint smile tugged at her lips as she turned to face them. Her voice was steady, deliberate. “I’m not looking for your approval. I’m simply letting you know my decision.”

“You have two options. Bring the lawyer and Frederick here, for I’ll dilute the remaining 60% of the shares I hold. You have one day to decide. If you’re still acting like this tomorrow, I’ll proceed with the dilution.”

Then, with a sharp crack, she slammed her cane against the floor, the sound reverberating like a final verdict. Robert froze, staring at his mother as though he didn’t recognize her. The woman standing before him, resolute and immovable, felt like a stranger.

But he wasn’t ready to give up. “Mom, I…”

“Enough. I need rest. All of you, out.”

She didn’t give any of them a chance to argue, waving them off with the finality of a judge slamming a gavel. Left with no choice, the three of them filed out, their faces dark with frustration.

Outside, they spent hours debating the situation, going in circles without reaching any answers. That night, none of them slept. Margaret and Robert replayed every detail, trying to piece together Elizabeth’s reasoning, but the logic remained elusive.

Harrison, meanwhile, lay in bed, restless and simmering. Finally, he grabbed his phone and dialed Frederick. “I’ll be at the Prescott Manor first thing in the morning,” Frederick said flatly before ending the call.

As for Claire, she was blissfully unaware of the storm brewing behind closed doors, her life continuing as if nothing had changed. The next morning, Frederick arrived at the Prescott Manor bright and early. Elizabeth was still asleep when he got there. He sat with Harrison, Robert, and Margaret, and the four of them spent yet another fruitless hour arguing in circles, unable to make sense of the situation.

At 7:30 a.m., Elizabeth finally came downstairs, looking as composed as ever. “Oh, Frederick, you’re here. Perfect timing,” she greeted him with a faint smile. “You haven’t had breakfast yet, have you? Stay and eat with us. Grace, go call Claire down for breakfast. And make sure to let her know Frederick is here.”

“Yes, madam,” Grace said, heading upstairs. Elizabeth strolled to the dining table and took her seat, as unruffled as if the storm brewing in the house didn’t concern her in the slightest.

Moments later, Claire came down. Grace only told her Frederick was here, but no explanation followed, leaving Claire confused and uneasy. When she saw him, she stopped mid-step, her chest tightening with a sudden, familiar ache.

It had been days since she’d returned from Crimson Lane, and he hadn’t reached out—not a call, not a text, not even a hint of concern. She knew better than to expect anything. After all, he had personally handed her over to Harrison and left her in that wretched place. Yet, despite knowing how much he resented her, she couldn’t stop the small flicker of hope that refused to die.

A bitter smile tugged at her lips. It was terrifying how habits could take root. Years of loving this man had become second nature, and the aftermath was devastating.

“Come sit with me, Claire. Let’s eat,” Elizabeth called, pulling her out of her daze.

“Okay.” Claire nodded and quietly took the seat beside her. Breakfast was served quickly, and the meal passed in heavy silence. Elizabeth seemed perfectly at ease, making no effort to start a conversation, and no one else dared to speak.

It was a direct question, one she had already instructed him to handle the day before.