Chapter 604 A Calculated Proposal

Malcom stood in his pajamas, holding a glass of red wine, staring out through the floor-to-ceiling windows on the 56th floor. The city below glowed as if it would never sleep, the clouds drifting low beneath his feet. His eyes flickered with thought.

A knock sounded at the door.

“Open the door,” Malcom commanded. The voice-activated lock clicked, and the door swung open.

Tobias stepped inside. His eyes carried a mix of emotions he tried to hide when he saw Malcom. Respectfully, he spoke, “Uncle Malcom.”

The two faces looked strikingly alike. Anyone would assume they were blood relatives. Tobias was, in fact, Malcom’s illegitimate son, born of a shadowed past. Not born from either wife, but from a shadowed past. Tobias was a son most powerful families would rather ignore unless he had exceptional talent. And now, standing in front of his father, Tobias was only allowed to call him “Uncle Malcom.” Their relationship was distant, like a subordinate speaking to his superior.

For a brief moment, Tobias thought of Tilda. Maybe they were the same. Both trapped by a cursed family, unable to ever break free, except in death.

“Do you know Russell’s daughter–Tilda?” Malcom suddenly asked.

Tobias lowered his eyes. “Not really. We’ve only met a few times. Why, Uncle Malcom?”

“What if I adopted her? What do you think?”

“What?”

Tobias never expected Malcom to call him over just to talk about this. He stared at Malcom in surprise.

“Why look at me like that?” Malcom’s voice was calm, almost amused. “You saw it yourself. Tilda clashed with her family in front of everyone. She humiliated Russell mercilessly. I doubt she’ll ever forgive them.”

He swirled the wine in his glass and smirked. “If I adopted her... Haha, well, it’s all benefits for Crown Group and our family. No risk at all. And with Tilda, I might even build a link to Professor Kerrigan–the one behind the lithography machine. That connection could be the fastest way to catch up with DY Group, don’t you think?”

Tobias stayed silent. He was surprised that Malcom had caught on to an opening. This snake was sharper than he imagined. He would have to be twice as careful. Malcom’s instincts were far sharper than Tobias had ever imagined.

After a pause, Tobias said, “If you’re confident, Uncle Malcom, then give it a try. Tilda may have everything now—success, fame, money–but what she lacks most is family. She won’t admit it, but deep down, the Jensons‘ betrayal cut her badly.”

Malcom chuckled. “That’s what I thought. There’s no real loss in trying. And let’s be honest—my family aren’t exactly small players either, are we?”

Malcom had full confidence about his company. After all, he was one of the most powerful figures in Piross. His position was just like the Bells in Slosa–untouchable, respected, and admired. Countless people wanted to get close to the Lowells but never had the chance. For Tilda, becoming his adopted daughter could mean endless opportunities, if she could bring enough value to the table. The Lowells could give her far more than she had ever imagined.

Tobias, hearing this, couldn’t help but think back to the way Tilda had looked at him just moments earlier. That cold, piercing gaze–it cut deeper than anything he had ever faced. He had always believed there was nothing left in this world that could frighten him. Tobias had survived crisis after crisis, gritting his teeth through every storm. The truth was, Tobias knew surviving this long wasn’t just luck. He had strength and skill to back it up. But when it came to Tilda, he crumbled. Fear rose from deep inside him, the kind he couldn’t control.

His fear ran deeper when he learned that Tilda had the power to dig into his private life without effort. Tobias’s instincts screamed something even stronger: Tilda was someone he must never provoke. That sixth sense had saved him more times than he could count. And every time he remembered her eyes, Tobias grew more certain: Malcom’s plan was doomed to fail. It might even bring disaster straight to him.

But then again, why not? Let someone else take the risk. Using another man’s blade to cut down the people he wanted gone didn’t sound so bad. Let Malcom be the one to go up against the demoness herself.

Just then, Malcom stepped closer and patted Tobias on the shoulder. “Lately, you’ve done well. The few hundred million I gave you has already grown into more than a billion.

“And that land we took from Jenson Group–thanks to your plan, it turned into another billion in profit. The future looks bright.

“Tobias, I believe in you. When you finally prove yourself, our family will accept you. You’ll be acknowledged by the family and become one of our own.”

Tobias lowered his head, putting on a humble, grateful face. “I will, Uncle Malcom.”

Time flew by. Seven days passed in the blink of an eye.