Chapter 173

Ronald snapped, “Even if you really did have your guys throw the match, you never, ever admit it.”

‘And if you are going to admit it, what’s the point of benching our star players on top of that?’ Ronald wondered.

Ronald was fuming. He didn’t know jack about esports, but when it came to turning a profit, that was his bread and butter.

Emery said, “I messed up and got caught, which dragged Aubree into it. As her brother, it was my duty to clear her name. And Killian–he’s part of Apex Squad, but if he was fixing matches behind the scenes, shouldn’t I have punished him for that too?”

Emery methodically gathered the documents and placed them neatly on the table. His calm yet firm words pushed Ronald to the brink of lashing out again.

Ronald sneered, looking at him with open disdain. “Oh, so now you suddenly want to act like a big brother? Where were you all this time? Do you really think she cares now?”

Emery’s face paled. ‘If only I’d always trusted Aubree and stayed true to my heart, things between us wouldn’t be like this now,’ he thought bitterly.

“Oh, so you want to be a good brother now? Don’t you have a sister at home–Carmen–for you to show all that brotherly love to?” Ronald just couldn’t fathom how his once perfectly normal fourth son had ended up like this.

‘Emery used to dote on Carmen, didn’t he? So why is he now completely obsessed with Aubree?’ Ronald wondered.

At the mention of Carmen, Emery gave a bitter, self-mocking smile and chose not to respond.

The recording of Apex Squad throwing matches for God’s Fury was made by Killian, but he wasn’t the one who leaked it.

Emery dug deeper and uncovered some leads, but when he realized who might be behind it, he chose not to pursue the matter any further.

Carmen only thought about how this would hurt Aubree, completely overlooking that it would implicate Emery.

“Alright, that’s enough. I don’t want to waste my breath on you. I called you back for one reason. You have to fix Apex Squad,” said Ronald.

Bringing Apex Squad back was the best move right now–better than starting from scratch.

“Need money? The Wilson Group will provide it. Management not working? Replace them. Players not good enough? Recruit new ones,” Ronald added.

Emery fell silent for a moment. By all rights, he should have been thrilled by such an offer.

Ronald, sensing Emery’s unusual hesitation, scowled, “What’s the matter with you?”

“I’m planning to sell off Apex Squad,” Emery said quietly.

“What?” Ronald’s eyes widened in disbelief. “I forbid it.”

‘Just as esports is becoming a gold mine, Emery wants to sell off Apex Squad? Did he even think to consult me first?’ Ronald wondered.

“Dad, if you won’t let me sell off Apex Squad, then find someone else to run the club,” said Emery.

With the Wilson Group as the primary investor, it was nearly impossible for Emery to go through with the sale without their approval–but honestly, Emery just didn’t want to manage the club anymore.

‘Everything Aubree said about me was spot on–I can’t even stand the person I’ve become,’ Emery thought bitterly.

“I’m heading to Koraland. A friend I used to play professionally with is building his team there and invited me to join as an esports coach. Barring any surprises, I probably won’t be coming back here much,” Emery said.

Ronald was momentarily stunned speechless. When he regained his senses, overwhelming rage consumed all reason. He raised his hand and delivered a stinging slap across Emery’s face. “You’re actually leaving? Don’t tell me you’re cutting ties with the Wilson family for Aubree?”

Emery kept his head bowed in silence. His silence spoke volumes.

‘Aubree doesn’t want to forgive me,’ Emery thought. ‘After making my players throw matches, I don’t deserve to keep managing Apex Squad. Maybe it’s better if I just leave–at least that might make Aubree happy, and maybe I can finally find some peace of mind!’

Stubbornly, Emery continued, “I won’t be leaving until after the New Year at the earliest. After I’m gone, Dad, take care of yourself and Mom. And if you can, please try to be a little kinder to Aubree.”

Ronald’s face turned beet red with rage. Inwardly, he fumed, ‘Aubree is a damn scourge.

‘Of all the damn times we could have brought her back or kept her from leaving, we just had to nod and let Aubree walk away without a fight–right when we should have held on the tightest.’