Chapter 1022

It looked like they were going to lose their son after all.

There was a flicker of struggle in the eyes of Albert and Carol. After all, they only had one son. It wasn’t easy to let go, especially for Carol–she’d brought him into this world; he was a piece of her. How could she not ache for him? Now, to be told to give up their child just like that–any parent would hesitate. Carol glanced toward the dazed and vacant Julian, her eyes filled with pain. But in the end, she turned away without saying a word.

That one look was enough for Julian to understand everything. It was obvious. He was the one being abandoned. He lowered his head with a foolish smile, hiding his emotions behind the messy fringe on his forehead. He understood–they were giving up on him. It was clear he wasn’t part of their final decision. Between the company and him, the choice had always been obvious. The few minutes they spent pretending to hesitate only made Julian feel they were hypocrites. Why hadn’t he seen it earlier?

Tessa finally loosened her grip on her mother’s arm. She hadn’t expected her mother to truly make such a ruthless decision for her. Clearly, she had underestimated her before, assuming she wouldn’t be able to go through with it. Now, Tessa felt deeply satisfied with her mother’s choice. Only by sending Julian away could she truly feel at ease. And that secret–would stay buried forever. Whether Julian was genuinely insane or just pretending–it no longer mattered. Once he was sent in, Julian’s fate would no longer be his to decide. The thought made Tessa even more thrilled inside.

Standing beside her mother, she had to dig her nails hard into her palm just to keep herself from getting too excited. After all, with so many people watching, she couldn’t risk giving it all away at the last minute. Watching the others exchange hesitant glances, Grace sat calmly on the sofa, completely composed. At this point, the choice was in their hands. But the power always remained in hers. Grace had always understood that clearly. That was exactly why she wasn’t worried at all, because the ones who should be worried were the people sitting across from her.

She was the one holding the advantage. “The choice is in your hands now. Isn’t it an easy one?” she said softly, and Albert visibly flinched. It looked like he had to make a decision. Tessa watched from the side, and it was clear that Julian wasn’t getting out of this today. Carol gave Albert a look, silently suggesting they should just let it go. No matter how important their son was, the company mattered more. Besides, after hesitating for so long, the other party had someone watching them the entire time. When Albert looked up, sure enough, he met Grace’s scrutinizing gaze. He sighed inwardly. If Julian had still been a normal man, he might have fought harder for him. But now, with his mind already unstable, the outcome was obvious. And if they didn’t hand him over, then the company would be finished. Albert closed his eyes, finally steeling himself. “It’s fine. Do as you see fit."

“He was the one who made the mistake. We’re willing to accept the consequences.”