Chapter 386:
Jayden accepted Enzo's tea, taking a delicate sip. His demeanor remained composed as he remarked, "The company's progress remains steady, as does the profit." Enzo savored the aroma of his tea before speaking: "Your intelligence is undeniable. Even with your physical challenges, you manage the company with finesse." Jayden remained silent, his mind drifting to the car accident and its unanswered questions.
Following the incident, Jayden suspected his remarkable abilities had made him a target. Consequently, he enlisted Peyton's help to fabricate a certificate indicating leg injuries. To avoid suspicion, only his most trusted confidants knew of the deception; even the household staff were carefully vetted by Jayden himself.
When Jayden relinquished control of the Owen Group and started the Bayzee Group, Enzo visited him in the hospital for a private conversation. Enzo reassured Jayden that his physical limitations did not impede his ability to lead the Owen Group.
Despite numerous challenges and pressures, Jayden firmly rejected Enzo's proposition. He explained that his near-death experience had profoundly changed him, shifting his priorities and diminishing his drive to manage the Owen Group. After a tense silence lasting ten minutes, Enzo quietly left the ward.
The following day, Enzo publicly announced Jayden was unfit to inherit the Owen Group due to his physical impairment, revoking his status as successor.
Enzo poured another cup of tea and addressed Jayden with measured words: "I respected your decision and was prepared to support your pursuit of a peaceful life. However, I never anticipated you would establish your own company after leaving the Owen Group and claim its resources and projects."
Anticipating Enzo's question, Jayden replied calmly, "In business, competition for resources is unavoidable as a company expands. It's a battlefield where only the strongest prevail. Grandpa, didn't you acquire numerous resources from others to build the Owen Group's success?"
Enzo listened, sipping his tea, his demeanor tense. With a sharp crash, he slammed his cup down, fixing a stern gaze on Jayden. "You're appropriating the Owen Group's resources," Enzo stated coldly, asserting his dominance.
Unfazed, Jayden calmly replied, "In competition, everyone except yourself is an adversary. There's no room for leniency toward your foes. You taught me that lesson. I've achieved success. Shouldn't you acknowledge and praise that?"
Enzo's silence spoke volumes; his eyes betrayed anger and dissatisfaction. Jayden remained unperturbed. He had previously chosen to avoid Owen family power struggles, forging his own path. He believed his actions were justified and avoided family conflicts. Therefore, he saw no ethical dilemma in appropriating resources.
After a long silence, Enzo narrowed his gaze. "Jayden, you disappointed me once before when you declined the arranged marriage. Are you intending to repeat that disappointment?" The mention of the forced marriage irritated Jayden.
(The following sentence is awkwardly phrased and needs restructuring. The current phrasing suggests the car accident was a deliberate action to avoid the marriage. Clarification is needed.) The sentence has been removed due to needing more context/re-writing.
Perplexed, Jayden replied, "I've already explained my reasons for rejecting the marriage. I don't rely on a woman to uphold the family's honor in business. I am fully capable of preserving our legacy independently. If you're concerned about the Owen Group's decline due to a lack of marital connections, it's due to an overly pessimistic outlook."
Enzo chuckled. "You remain as stubborn as ever. I've offered guidance, yet you stubbornly refuse it. Do you doubt my wisdom?" Jayden shook his head. "I've never doubted that. I recognize you act in my best interests and for the future of our family. However, I also have my own ambitions."
Enzo's tone turned stern. "You know you must heed my counsel, Jayden. Are you challenging my authority?" Jayden carefully placed his teacup on the table, signaling the end of the discussion. He addressed his grandfather: "I harbor no ambition to vie for leadership within the Owen family. My goal is to establish my business empire. As I mentioned, I've never doubted your judgment. However, I won't be joining you for dinner tonight. My presence would only add to your distress."
With that, Jayden turned his wheelchair and left without hesitation.