Chapter 766

He had never been willing to recruit a son-in-law, believing it akin to handing over a piece of the family business to an outsider. Therefore, he set high expectations for Damian, hoping he would succeed and inherit the company.

"If I can help, I will," he said. "But Damian is strong; consider his self-esteem. He might think I'm overprotecting him."

Joseph pondered this, then sighed. "Never mind. The outcome is all but certain. Praise Damian before the shareholders at the upcoming management meeting. I'll have another announcement that day as well."

"What news?" Arianna asked, frowning curiously.

"You'll know in due time. I'm not entirely certain yet and need to be sure before I reveal it. You may go now," he said, waving dismissively.

Joseph's unfinished words piqued Arianna's intense curiosity. However, she knew that if her father didn't want to tell her, he wouldn't. He'd said he needed to be certain. Arianna wondered what it could be and if it related to Damian. She looked at her father, who was hunched over in thought, then left the study.

"By the way," Joseph called after her, "persuade your mother. It's been many years! Regardless, we've been married a long time, and I'll treat her well. If Damian takes over the business, neither of you will be mistreated."

Arianna smiled. "Dad, I know. I'll talk to Mom."

"Good," he said with a satisfied nod.

Arianna returned to the living room, but Joseph's words lingered in her mind. What had he meant? Eloise was gone, likely back to her room. However, as Arianna went upstairs, she was summoned to her mother's room.

"Arianna!" Eloise's gaze was intense. "Did your father mention anything about that brat?"

Glancing toward the stairs, Arianna nodded. "Mom, don't worry," she said, pushing her shoulders into the room. "That brat is up to no good! Just wait and see. Sooner or later, he'll self-destruct."

"What about Nathaniel?" Eloise paused. "Did your father mention him?"

"What could he say? I recruited him; he has nothing to do with you. At most, that brat might complain that Nathaniel hasn't made progress," Arianna replied.

She changed the subject. "By the way, Dad said he might reveal something at the next management meeting, but he's not sure yet. Any idea what it might be?"

Eloise frowned, considering. "If it's for the management meeting, your father might mention Benedict."

"Benedict?" Arianna paused. "What about him?"