She offered Marco a comforting smile, then turned an icy, merciless glare on Laura and Marina.
“Despite previous demonstrations of your lack of shame, I'm still astounded by your audacity now. Do | need to
enlighten you on the history of the Bryant Group’s evolution?”
Loraine’s fury mounted as she continued, “Even an outsider likeknows the Bryant Group was saved by
Marco's diligence. Without him, the group may have crumbled long ago, never reaching its current prominence.
Regardless of blood ties, Marco has played an indisputably crucial role in the Bryant Group's success. By treating
him in such a manner, aren't you concerned about alienating all the shareholders?”
Marina was momentarily unnerved, recalling the supportive speeches delivered by Marco's proponents during
the shareholders’ meeting.
Could she be certain... that they would take her side?
Upon hearing Loraine’s warning, Liza cast her a glance, then responded with a derisive sneer, “Oh, don’t
misunderstand. If the Bryant family hadn't entrusted such a substantial enterprise to Marco, what could he have
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtachieved as an inexperienced youth? It's the Bryant Group’s robust foundation that has allowed it to flourish.
Even with a different CEO, the Bryant Group would have still reached its present stature!”
Loraine almost Laughed out loud at the audacious claim, but Liza unabashedly continued, “Loraine, you needn't
defend him. We, the Bryant family, have not wronged him. Marina's father passed away unexpectedly without
leaving a will, and we believed that Marco was his son, so we temporarily put Marco in charge of the Bryant
Group.
ANGELA'sLIBRARY
Now, with irrefutable evidence that Marco is not a Bryant, he naturally has no right to inherit the Bryant assets.
I'm merely reclaiming control of the Bryant Group, which is both fair and legal. Conversely, are you aiding him in
unlawfully seizing another's assets?”
Loraine met Liza's assertion with silence. Liza's confident words seemed to assuage Marina's previous
apprehension.
Indeed, she was the only direct descendent of the Bryant family, and the Bryant Group should rightfully be hers.
Even if Liza had reservations, she had no option but to begrudgingly back her!
Marina's arrogance resurfaced, and even the sight of Marco, standing silent and inert, no longer instilled fear in
her.
Marco must have been unnerved by the imminent threat of being expelled from the Bryant family and left
penniless. Why else would he remain silent?
Marina, never one to resist exploiting an opportunity, strode toward
Marco with a self-satisfied grin.
However, before she could close the distance, Loraine intercepted her.
With a stern look, Loraine questioned, “What is it you want?”
Marina scoffed arrogantly, “As the rightful heir of the Bryant family, can’t | express sconcern for the once-
celebrated hero?”
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm
She didn’t dare advance further and maintained her distance, her voice laden with mockery, “Brother, this will be
the Last t| address you as such. But you know, Loraine has a point. You have indeed made significant
contributions to the company, and we can’t have you living on the streets. So, how about this? Ill grant you
smoney!”
Resting her chin on her hand, Marina feigned contemplation before offering a cunning smile.
“Five million should suffice! For someone like you, an orphan with unknown parentage, this sum should provide a
comfortable existence for the rest of your life, right?”
Loraine had heard enough. Her countenance grew stormy, and she positioned herself protectively in front of
Marco, fixing Marina with an icy stare. She responded in a frosty tone, “Marina, if | recall correctly, haven't you
been so financially strapped lately that you've resorted to sporting counterfeit designer items? Don’t bother with
your generous offer of five million. I'll provide you with ten million.
Let’s see if you can transform a decrepit factory into the thriving
Bryant Group within a few short years! | suspect it won't take more than six months before you're facing
bankruptcy and dissolution!”