Chapter 149

"What does this mean, Severin? Grandma has shown great magnanimity in accepting you, but instead of being grateful and contributing to the Shanahans, you treat it like a business deal!" Stanley's initial shock quickly turned to anger as he glared at Severin.

To his surprise, Severin smiled faintly. "It's not that simple. I'm a realist, and I don't do things for nothing." He paused. "Besides, aren't you a realist too? Without my relationship with Mr. Henry, I doubt the old lady would be so courteous."

Felicia was taken aback. "Severin, what are you talking about?" she interjected, stepping forward.

Severin looked directly at the matriarch. "It's your decision."

"Haha! How bold!" The old lady's loud laughter surprised everyone. "Very well, let's dispense with the charade. Since you've made your intentions clear, tell me what you want in exchange for this 'favor.'"

Severin stated, "Simple. Diane managed the company exceptionally well, but our relationship has damaged her reputation. I'm doing this for her. Now that she's back in the family, I want her reinstated as general manager of the Shanahan Corporation."

Felicia initially wanted to scold Severin for his audacity and ingratitude, but she secretly rejoiced at his request. Diane's return to the Shanahan Corporation was the ideal outcome. She hadn't considered that Severin's request was for Diane's benefit, not his own.

She laughed. "I agree, Severin. Stanley took over Diane's position when she was ostracized. Now that she's back, shouldn't he step aside?"

"Nonsense!" Stanley exploded, glaring at Severin and Felicia. "What's wrong with you both? You should be grateful Grandma allowed Diane back! Demanding she be made general manager again is ludicrous! It won't happen, even if it means losing the Liberty City project!"

Catherine remained silent for a moment, studying Severin and Diane before saying, "Give me three days to consider it."

Stanley, previously so dominant, was stunned. He stared at the matriarch in disbelief. "Are you joking? Why would you even consider this? How can you listen to a loser son-in-law like Severin? You're the Shanahan matriarch! How can you let him bully you?"

"Don't make accusations, Stanley. This is a fair deal," Severin countered. "Whether the Shanahans get the Liberty City project quota is irrelevant. Diane is marrying me, not the other way around. Understand?"

"Marry you? She's our eldest daughter! Do you know how much we invested in raising her? You gave her no dowry, no wedding, and yet you claim she's marrying you?" Stanley sneered. "Look in the mirror!"

Megan stepped forward, supporting Severin. "Hehe, don't worry, my brother-in-law will compensate Diane with a proper wedding and seven and a half million dollars as a dowry. It's settled, Stanley."

(The final two lines, "Enjoy Ad Free Reading>> Go" and the repeated website promotion, are not part of the narrative and have been omitted.)