Chapter 906

Joseph pondered Arianna's threat to his livelihood. "What kind of daughter would dare treat her father that way?"

Derrick shook his head, speaking earnestly. "Then why did she do this? Have you considered her ambitions? Have you seen what she's accomplished for the company these past few years? Isn't Ari being overly ambitious? I've given her so much. I even promised her control of Tanner Corporation once Damian inherited it. Yet, she remains unsatisfied."

He laughed. "You still don't understand. Since you feel you've given her so much, why let your illegitimate son inherit the company? Why not consider Ari's leadership?"

"I've been hospitalized. I didn't interfere; I wanted to see how you handled things. It's obvious your son isn't as capable as Ari. Damian's project was a disaster; he entangled himself with numerous perfumers. Have you considered the consequences of handing him the company?"

Joseph had considered this but deliberately ignored it. Damian was his only son; he didn't know whom else to trust. "Damian is inexperienced. He'll learn. Give him a chance, Derrick! He's young, and with his record, finding another job will be difficult. Let him work at Tanner Corporation and learn. He'll do well!"

Derrick sighed, rising to pour water. "Why are you so focused on Damian? I know you favor sons, but this bias is extreme. What about Ari? You say Damian can learn, but why not give Ari a chance?"

"She's a girl. She'll marry into another family," Joseph muttered.

"What century are you living in? You, as her father, are most responsible for who Ari is today!" Derrick, sipping his water, held nothing back.

Joseph remained unconvinced. "Derrick, why are you targeting me? You're successful; aren't you the same? Haven't you given everything to your son?"

"There's your mistake!" Derrick turned, his gaze piercing. "I gave it to Benedict because he can bear the burden. I wouldn't force it on him if he were incapable. I planned to step back and give you a chance, but look! The company is in shambles, people are fighting, choosing sides. How many news stories? How much has the stock dropped? Did you even consider that? You thought Benedict was dead simply because he was absent. Did you send anyone to look for him? Ari rushed to the hospital to tell me. Were you trying to kill me?

While you fought, Benedict secured future business, bringing in huge profits. Why wouldn't I give him the company? Joseph, you haven't changed. Even if Benedict were a girl, I wouldn't change my decision, because he's capable.

Can you care about all this after a hundred years? Aren't we supposed to be parents? Think about all these years. Do you even deserve Eloise or Elizabeth? Do you deserve your children? Look at the absurd things you've done!"

Derrick hadn't planned this reprimand, but Joseph clearly hadn't learned.