Chapter 636

All these years, Nathaniel had considered Lily weak, but she proved surprisingly skilled in kickboxing. His bodyguards and thugs were no match for her training. She had abandoned the Lodge household years ago and hadn't returned. Despite their long relationship, he'd never witnessed her training, assuming a woman wouldn't be a significant threat, regardless of her abilities.

With Alexander and La Beauté Group supporting her, Lily could achieve anything she desired. Nathaniel, controlling Tanner Corporation, hoped to make a comeback using its resources, anticipating Lily's remorse and a breakdown.

While Nathaniel was lost in thought, Arianna also contemplated their situation. "Nate is right," she mused. "The Lodge family's kickboxing legacy spans decades, yet their potency is uncertain. It's been over a century since their golden age." Rumors circulated, but their truth remained elusive. Outwardly, Arianna seemed the pampered Tanner daughter, but she carried her own burdens. She needed to be vigilant about Alexander's presence in the house.

She glanced at the window, its blinds drawn, unaware of what lay beyond. Yet, she understood the prevailing perception. The Tanner family, notorious for gender bias, favored male heirs. Her uncle Derrick, the eldest of the previous generation, was useless yet held in high regard. Her father readily accepted his illegitimate son, even giving him a job to consolidate his power within the family.

Arianna, regardless of her accomplishments, would always be considered insignificant. The company's success and the family's influence were never attributed to her. This fueled her determination to secure her place within Tanner Corporation. She aimed to make every man in the Tanner family regret their underestimation.

A heavy silence fell over the siblings as they remained lost in their thoughts.

"You can't go in, Mr. Damian! You can't..."

The secretary's hurried voice cut through the quiet from outside the door, followed by a push.

"Mr. Hall and Ms. Tanner, I apologize. Mr. Damian insists…" The secretary stammered, helpless and apologetic. Stopping Damian was beyond the power of an ordinary employee.

Arianna looked up as Damian, a handsome young man, shoved past the secretary in an irritated huff. "Ari, my dear sister, you're here! I've been looking for you everywhere!" he announced. His words, though calling her "beloved sister," lacked any genuine respect.