Chapter 549:

Brook responded with a nonchalant, "Yes, and not only that, I heard he's been pretending to be disabled; his legs are perfectly fine."

"What? Pretending to be disabled? Why would he do that?" Debora exclaimed, eyeing Brook suspiciously. "How do you know this?"

Brook answered coolly, "I was at Grandpa's gathering yesterday. That's where I heard it."

"Why were you allowed to go?" Debora demanded indignantly. Such gatherings were exclusive; typically only select members of the Owen clan, like Jayden (once considered the prospective family head), were invited.

Debora understood Jayden's past invitations—his pre-accident excellence was undeniable—but Brook's presence was puzzling. Her irritation was palpable, though Brook remained unaffected.

Showing no interest in justifying his attendance, Brook set down his document, looked at Debora, and asked, "Now that Jayden is effectively out of the race, are you still aiming for the top?"

Confused by his implication, Debora retorted, "What are you suggesting? That while advising me to step back, you plan to climb up yourself?"

Brook scoffed dismissively. "I wouldn't be so foolish. I'm merely pointing out that with Jayden gone, the successor's spot is truly up for grabs. If you're serious about vying for it, you'll need to curry favor with Grandpa."

Debora considered his words, sensing an inconsistency. "Aren't you interested in the position?" She vividly recalled Brook's history as a loyal, obedient servant to their grandfather.

"Me? I've been feeling a bit worn out lately. I'll take a short break before I get back in the game," Brook said, his tone lacking conviction.

"Alright, it's time for you to go. I have a lunch meeting," Brook said, ushering Debora out of the office before heading to the garage.

Once in his car, Brook dialed Jayden's number.

Jayden, preparing to take Elyse to dinner, was surprised. "Why are you calling?"

Brook lightened the mood with a joke. "Can't I, as your cousin, invite you to a meal?"

Jayden, puzzled, responded, "You do know I've been ousted from the Owen clan, right?"

"I'm aware," Brook acknowledged. "Let's meet up. It's on me."

Jayden looked at Elyse and asked, "Do you want to join Brook for dinner?"

Elyse countered, "You don't mind if I come along?"

After a moment, Jayden replied, "A little, but it's fine."

With a roll of her eyes, Elyse declared, "Then I'm definitely going."

Jayden chuckled and relayed the restaurant details to Brook. The trio proceeded to the restaurant.

Upon arrival, Brook watched Jayden attentively help Elyse from the car. Once seated, Brook paused thoughtfully before asking, "Elyse, are you pregnant? How far along are you?"

Elyse, surprised by Brook's directness—a first for her—answered, "Two months. There's no bump yet, but the morning sickness has been tough."

Understanding her condition, Brook carefully ordered dishes that would be gentle on her stomach.

While waiting, Jayden asked, "What's the occasion for this meal?"

"To celebrate your departure from the inheritance lineup. Shouldn't I buy you dinner?" Brook shifted his attention from Elyse, poured himself some tea, and added nonchalantly, "With you out of the picture, things are quite pleasant for me."

Jayden, unfazed, responded, "In that case, you definitely owe me a meal."

As Brook nibbled on an appetizer, he probed, "Why did you pretend to be crippled? Don't tell me it was to clear the path for me. I don't need your sympathy."

Elyse, listening, was taken aback. Brook was the only Owen to directly question Jayden about his deception. Even Jayden's parents hadn't inquired, yet Brook, who had always seemed least concerned with Jayden, was the one asking.

Jayden raised an eyebrow. "Knowing too much isn't always beneficial."

Undeterred, Brook challenged, "I don't mind. You're no longer tied to the Owen clan; what do you have to lose by telling me?"

Jayden leaned back, fixing his gaze on Brook. After a moment, he revealed, "There's nothing extraordinary about it. Pretending to be crippled was a strategy to appear vulnerable and draw out hidden adversaries."

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