Chapter 251

Love hadn't been that important. Thea had had enough of her family's mistreatment. She only hoped her future spouse would treat her unconditionally, always favoring and prioritizing her.

She said, "I will always remember this favor. When I return, I hope you will expedite the procedures."

Night fell. Nicolas didn't answer Thea.

Meanwhile, at the Hendrix family home, Jepson Hendrix abruptly stood from the sofa. "What did you say? Nicolas is missing?"

"It's true!" Jake nodded, tears welling in his eyes. "The Rowland family confirmed it. Darwin's frantic. Dad, Nicolas has suppressed us for years. Now's our chance to reclaim our positions."

Jepson, the eldest son, had never earned his father's trust, managing an underperforming branch company. He secretly hoped Nicolas was dead.

"To Sunnyend Manor!" Jepson's anxious smile couldn't be hidden. "Stefan must hear this news."

Darwin had withheld the news to prevent this very scenario, especially considering Stefan's age.

However, Stefan reacted more calmly than Jepson expected, dashing Jepson's earlier elation. "Dad, Nicolas was your chosen successor. I know you valued him most. This is my fault for not looking after him. If you're upset, cry. Don't hold it in," Jepson said, his hidden glee barely concealed.

Jake followed suit. "Grandpa, even without Nicolas, you still have us. We'll take care of you." He continued, "But the Hendrix Group needs leadership. We'll search for Uncle, but someone must take charge in the meantime." His intentions were clear.

Stefan, pushed in his wheelchair by the butler, looked weary. "You're right," he said.

Jake and Jepson, the only remaining male Hendrix family members, felt their moment had arrived.

Jake said, "Grandpa, I've been studying financial management and economic development. I won't disappoint you." His eagerness to seize control was evident, an approach Stefan would likely reject.

Stefan, his eyelids heavy, replied, "The company's stable for now. If necessary, I'll lead it. Nicolas was family. You're being too hasty."

Jepson and Jake were stunned.

Jepson gritted his teeth, his pretense gone. "Dad, the doctor said you shouldn't overwork! Why are you so worried about me? I'm your son too! Are you afraid I'll ruin the Hendrix Group?"

Stefan nodded gravely. "Very likely."

Jepson continued, "I'm a finance graduate… For years, I've wondered why you're so biased?" His long-suppressed resentment poured out. With Nicolas gone, he felt fearless.

Stefan remained firm. "Your character. Ability isn't about what you can do, but how you handle things." He sighed, "All I can give you and Jake is a comfortable life." He feared offering more would jeopardize even that. Incompetent people, he implied, would fail under pressure.

Jepson and Jake were unwilling to yield. Jepson sneered, "You're senile. Nicolas was useless; he alienated partners. We salvaged his reputation! I'll prove you chose wrong!"

Stefan, realizing he couldn't stop them, asked, "What if I refuse?"

Jake said, "Grandpa, you're ill, incapable of making sound decisions. The shareholders will choose wisely."

Though raised by Stefan and taught well, Jake had inherited Jepson's ruthlessness.

Stefan's face contorted in pain. The butler, the only one genuinely concerned, offered, "Mr. Hendrix, are you unwell? I'll get a doctor."

Jake stopped him. "Grandpa's health is poor. Sunnyend Manor is too remote. He'll be fine with medicine." Jepson didn't object.

They both desired Stefan's demise to claim the Hendrix inheritance. Their opportunity had arrived.

Despite their familial bond, Jepson and Jake were unmoved. Jepson said, "Dad, Sunnyend Manor's perfect; the air is fresh. You'll recover here."

Stefan, furious, nearly fainted. "Are you trying to kill me?"

"It's for your own good," Jepson lied, turning with Jake.

They froze, terrified. Nicolas stood before them, his expression darkening with every step. Jake, less composed than Jepson, fell to his knees. "Are you a ghost? You should be dead!"

Nicolas smirked. He hadn't realized his brother and nephew would be so cruel.

"You really wanted me dead," Nicolas said icily, turning to Stefan, who was overjoyed despite his pallor. "You're back," he whispered.

Nicolas responded, "Don't talk. The doctor's coming… Hold on. Watch me teach these two a lesson."

Darwin, having located Nicolas and Thea, arrived shortly after, witnessing the reunion at Sunnyend Manor. Nicolas, anticipating their actions, was unsurprised by their attempt to hasten Stefan's death. "For family assets, you abandoned kinship. Don't you understand why Father dislikes you? It's your character!"