Chapter 239

Howard Lowell trembled.

He felt deep fear toward his imposing father.

"Dad, the problems at the branch company weren't my fault."

"Do you know Charles Lowell? He was the one scheming behind the scenes."

"I've already fired him."

He put on a wounded expression, playing the role of an unjustly accused victim perfectly.

Grandpa's eyes darkened further.

He pointed at Howard, too angry to speak.

Finally, he turned to Henry standing nearby. "Go get Adrian."

"Yes, sir." Henry bowed and withdrew.

Howard's face instantly turned ashen.

He should have known—Adrian Sinclair was behind this again.

Grandpa shook his head helplessly at his disappointing son.

He picked up his teacup and took a silent sip.

Moments later, Adrian strode briskly into the living room.

"Grandpa, you wanted to see me?"

Grandpa immediately broke into a warm smile.

He waved him over. "Adrian, come sit."

"While you're here, explain the branch company situation to your uncle."

"Be thorough. I worry he might not understand otherwise."

The stark contrast in treatment made Howard see red.

Suddenly, he felt like an outsider in his own family.

But he was the biological son!

His eyes burned with fury as he glared at Adrian.

He wished he could crush him on the spot.

Adrian's lips curved slightly as he sat down calmly.

He took out his phone and pulled up all the evidence of the branch company's issues.

He slid the phone across the coffee table.

"Uncle, see for yourself."

Howard's face tightened as he picked up the phone under their dual gaze.

With every swipe, his heart grew colder.

He couldn't believe it—Adrian had uncovered everything so thoroughly in such a short time.

Every piece of evidence pointed directly at him.

"Now do you see how many stupid things you've done!?" Grandpa barked sharply.

He could barely stand to look at his useless son anymore.

Howard's heart sank. He slid off the couch.

He knelt at Grandpa's feet, face full of remorse.

"Dad, I know I was wrong."

"Please forgive me this time. Please?"

Adrian retrieved his phone and leaned back lazily into the sofa.

He watched the performance with cold eyes.

Grandpa looked down at his son with disappointment, closing his eyes in silence.

This reaction pushed Howard toward desperation.

His voice rose sharply. "Dad! I'm your real son!"

"You can't just abandon me, Dad!"

His shrill voice gave Grandpa a headache.

Grandpa opened his eyes, brows furrowed deeply. "Enough!"

"This matter requires further consideration."

Further consideration?

Howard slumped back onto the couch, defeated.

It should have been a simple decision. Now it needed consideration.

Was there still a chance for him?

No. He couldn't give up.

There had to be a way out.

Suddenly, he thought of something.

His head snapped up as he stared across at Adrian.

That daughter of his had been planted beside him for so long.

Wasn't it time she proved useful?