Chapter 898

Bert sighed. “If you had any skills, would I have to resort to this retirement trick? Learn from Fermin. If he were still around, I wouldn’t have all these problems to deal with.”

Garland rolled his eyes. “Fermin has been dead for years. If he knew how much work was waiting for him, he’d probably prefer to stay in his coffin.”

“He was identifying talent and managing people at 14,” Bert snapped. “He was the youngest financial scholar, feared and respected by everyone in the company. He was my ideal successor. And look at you—lazy, always chasing after some justice with your newspaper. If it weren’t for that car accident, I wouldn’t have needed you to impersonate him.”

“You’re right, Dad,” Garland said sarcastically. “Fermin is the best. Liza and I combined aren’t half as good as him.”

Bert took a deep breath, trying to control his temper. “You know your uncles are eyeing the family’s power. If they find out Fermin is dead and I have no successor, they’ll stop at nothing to take over. What will happen to you and Liza then? I had to make you impersonate Fermin to keep them at bay. If our family falls into chaos, outsiders will swoop in.”

Garland had heard this speech a thousand times. He stood up, shrugging. “Dad, you know I’m not Fermin. I just want to run my little newspaper. Our family is rich and powerful enough. There are still so many people in the world who can’t even afford to eat. Compared to them, we’re living too comfortably. Why do we need to keep fighting and grabbing? I think if Fermin were alive, he wouldn’t want to spend the rest of his life as tired as you.”

Bert fought back the urge to curse. “If it weren’t for your mother, I would…”

“Dad, you’re getting old. Stop bringing up Morn all the time. It’s not a good look,” Garland said, cutting him off.

“Get out!” Mr. Eaton threw a cushion at Garland, who ducked and ran out the door, nearly colliding with Carter.

“Mr. Eaton?” Carter said, startled.

“Keep an eye on my dad. Make sure he doesn’t get too angry. He’s old, and it’s not good for his health,” Garland said.

Carter winked at him, leaning in to whisper, “The CEO of the Nichols Group is here. He’s waiting outside.”

Garland frowned, straightening his cuffs and putting on his gold-rimmed glasses. As he stepped outside, he saw Juan standing there, impeccably dressed in a suit.

“Mr. Eaton, it’s a pleasure to meet you,” Juan said formally.

Chapter 898

Garland hummed in response. “My father is inside. I hope you have a productive chat.”

As Garland started to walk away, Juan called out, “You should join us. The conversation might interest you.”

“Sorry, I’m busy,” Garland replied without turning back.

Juan’s voice turned cold. “What if tomorrow’s headlines announce that the Eaton family’s eldest son has met with an unfortunate accident and the second son has been impersonating him for years? Are you free now?”