Chapter 1023

Julian wasn’t surprised at all. What had he even been hoping for?

With parents like his, who valued money more than life itself, how could they possibly choose their son over wealth and power? As long as they had money, they could have as many sons as they wanted.

A quiet chill settled in his chest, his expression clouded with a sense of hollow resignation. He couldn’t even put into words what he was feeling anymore. So, this was it–after all these years, in his parents' eyes, a living son was worth less than profit.

What did that make him, then? A joke?

Grace showed no surprise on her face either. This had always been a question without a real answer. But their choice didn’t catch her off guard. She knew exactly what kind of people they were–those who couldn’t live without money. So, there was nothing left to hesitate about.

And Tessa, standing beside her, exhaled in relief. As long as Julian was taken away, she’d be free. She wouldn’t have to wrestle with any of this anymore.

Grace’s voice was cold and crisp. “From now on, Walton Corporation and Hayes Enterprises will no longer have any future collaborations. Consider this the end. As for Julian…”

At the sound of his name, both parents tensed. They didn’t even dare look behind them. He was their only son. How could they possibly bear to let him go?

“I’ll have the police come over.”

With that, Grace stood up, ready to leave. But Carol suddenly spoke up. “Can you give us a few more days?” She looked at Grace pleadingly, all the arrogance from earlier completely gone.

Grace glanced at Tessa, who gave a slight nod in response. It was clear that Tessa was willing to agree.

Grace understood instantly, her gaze shifting. She spoke bluntly, not bothering to hide her thoughts. “This is for my daughter’s sake.

“I’ll give you three days. Use the time to settle everything that needs settling. Otherwise, you know just as well–I can crush your company without hesitation.”

Carol nodded repeatedly, murmuring “Thank you” over and over. She knew this final chance to say goodbye to her son was the best outcome she could hope for. Anything beyond that, she dared not even imagine.

Grace cast one last deep look at Julian before turning to leave with Tessa and the bodyguards.

Only after she was gone did Carol finally collapse. Her strength drained, she sank to the floor, covering her face with trembling hands. At first she wept quietly, then the sobs broke loose.

Albert, already frustrated and humiliated, stood by in silence, his face dark. Now, with this woman crying like that, Albert only felt more irritated and agitated. He snapped, yelling, “Enough! The peace in this house was ruined by you and your constant tears! Day after day, you’re useless. Can’t you do anything right for once? If it weren’t for your son, would we even be in this mess?”

Carol didn’t know what to say. She just sat on the floor, face buried in her hands, crying.

The butler didn’t know how much longer this family could hold itself together. But one thing was clear–their hearts had scattered. There was no going back to how things used to be.

Julian cowered in the corner, clutching his head, pretending to be lost in confusion. But in truth, he was thinking. This situation was far from favorable for him now.

Chapter 1024