Chapter 396:

Jayden planned to pick up Elyse that afternoon, but received an unexpected call from Brook, who urged him to meet at the Owen Group office for a discussion. After considering it, Jayden agreed.

Upon arriving at the Owen Group building, Jayden was escorted to Brook's office by his assistant. Inside, Jayden saw Debora and Corrie. Knowing Jayden controlled Corrie's parents, Corrie avoided any impulsive actions, averting her gaze and feigning unfamiliarity. Debora leaned casually against a chair, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

Jayden looked at them before addressing Brook. With a direct yet composed demeanor, he asked, "Brook, what do you want?" Seated comfortably on the sofa, Brook twirled a pen, a peculiar expression on his face. Sharply, he retorted, "You're asking me? Aren't you aware of your actions?" Unperturbed, Jayden responded coldly, "I'm not a mind reader. How could I know your thoughts?"

Clutching his jaw, Brook continued, "I assumed you were incapable of causing disruption. I never expected you to secretly form the Bayzee Group right under the Owen Group's nose." Corrie, listening, was stunned. Jayden, the founder of Bayzee Group? No wonder the chairman's identity had remained a mystery. She looked at Jayden, a complex mixture of curiosity and admiration in her eyes. He was the most remarkable person she'd ever met, perhaps even someone she could marry.

Debora tilted her head. "You're quite the enigma, Jayden. If I hadn't investigated thoroughly, I wouldn't have uncovered your burgeoning business empire. You've been keeping secrets for far too long."

Corrie rolled her eyes subtly. Jayden had concealed not only his business but also his physical condition; he wasn't the cripple he'd pretended to be. However, she dared not reveal the truth, lest her parents suffer.

Jayden remained unfazed by the revelation of his company, though he hadn't expected Debora to uncover it. Her intellect seemed to surpass Brook's. Observing Jayden's apparent unconcern, Brook's anger erupted. He rose, storming toward Jayden, his voice booming, "Why keep the Bayzee Group a secret? Are you planning to retaliate against me? You knew I was relying on that cooperation, yet you chose to collaborate elsewhere. I'm your family! Why didn't you choose me?"

Brook had invested heavily in securing cooperation with the Bayzee Group, only to be inexplicably thwarted. He hadn't met a single leader, leaving him baffled. Then it struck him: Jayden had played him, sabotaging their potential collaboration.

Jayden snapped back to reality. "Brook, you've misjudged. You left me no choice. Remember when you and Grandpa coerced me into marriage? Are you retaliating because I suggested you marry someone else? Do you even consider me family?"

Jayden's smirk was provocative. "Do you consider me family? The Owen family thrives on competition. When have we ever gotten along?" Debora nodded. "Indeed, Jayden is right. Competing is a family tradition."

Brook's fury boiled over. He tried to tip Jayden and his wheelchair over, but the wheelchair held firm. Irritated, Brook snapped, "Jayden, you've shown me no respect. Are you trying to gain favor with Grandpa by proving you can outmatch me despite your condition?"

Jayden smiled wryly. "Don't overthink it, Brook. The Bayzee Group has nothing to do with you. I have no interest in the Owen Group's inheritance. I simply want to pursue my passion."

Debora interjected, "While your perspective differs, Grandpa's doesn't. Brook's point is valid. You claim no power struggle, but what you did is far more brutal." Jayden's smile remained. "Then that's your problem. I relinquish any claim to the inheritance. Settle it yourselves."

(The ellipses at the end suggest further text; this is the cleaned-up portion.)