Master of his heart (Max and Brielle)

After shoving the man into the room, William waved his hands dismissively. "Alright folks, the old man wants everyone out. Let's not hang around. He's not in the mood to see anyone these days."

The crowd, which included many from the various branches of Dorsey International, shifted uneasily. The doctor had made it clear: the patriarch's condition was critical. Who knew when he might pass? The last person to see him might get the first scoop on the will, and the old man hadn't mentioned anything about it yet.

Everyone in the hospital corridor had their own agendas. William, whose son had already been called in, started shooing the others away.

Inside the hospital room, Michael sat up in bed, looking surprisingly spry. Antonio approached and took a seat, showing utmost respect. "Grandfather."

Michael nodded curtly, his gaze wandering to the window. "How are things?"

"Uncle Max just returned from abroad. We're still not sure why he left, but his relationship with Brielle seems solid."

Michael sneered, his eyes cold. "Ashton, do you know why I chose you?"

Antonio didn't speak, instead pouring a glass of warm water for his grandfather. Michael took it, "You don't have your father's underhanded ways. He's always scheming to push Max out, but when you look at the Dorsey family, Max is the only one fit for the top job. Anyone else takes over, and Dorsey International will face disaster."

Michael had handpicked his successor, someone more capable than anyone in the main or side branches of Dorsey International. Antonio's gaze fell, a small smile forming on his lips.

"Uncle Max's abilities are indeed unmatched."

"But he has disappointed me somewhat. I'll give him one last chance." Michael's eyes darkened. "Otherwise, he'll learn the cost of defying me."

A flicker of anticipation crossed Antonio's eyes, his lips parting slightly. An hour later, when he emerged from the hospital room, no one knew what Michael had told him. The corridor was still crowded, but the patriarch's stance was clear-he would see no one.

As Antonio stepped out, he was immediately surrounded. He had never received such attention since joining Dorsey International; he simply chuckled. "Grandfather didn't say anything."

Down in the car, William called him over. The father and son planned to head back. "Did your grandfather really say nothing? An entire hour-what were you doing?"

"Grandfather only talked a bit about Uncle Max."

"Hmph," William grumbled, "It's high time he drafted a will. Max's head is all wrapped around Brielle; how can he lead Dorsey International? The old man still has twenty percent of the shares. It all comes down to who he decides to give them to." Those shares were the prize everyone at Dorsey International was after, which explained why the family manor had been unusually crowded lately.

"Ashton, while your grandfather is

still here and willing to see you, you need to secure his shares. The second son's family is gone, and the third might as well be dead, having not contacted the family for years. And Victoria? What can a woman do with stocks? Those side branches are nothing but wolves. Your grandfather isn't blind; we've got the best shot."

"Father, you're absolutely right." Antonio's handsome face was a mask of respect, but his eyes gleamed shrewdly. William patted his shoulder, pleased. "If you could marry a well-connected socialite, your grandfather would think even more highly of you. After all, Max still doesn't have any kids."

Antonio didn't respond, his smile cold. But William had already begun mentally sifting through potential brides.

When they reached Antonio's place, the car came to a stop. After stepping out, Antonio walked into his villa and saw someone waiting in the living room. His demeanor instantly became respectful. "Sir."

The villa was spacious, and the seated man idly swirled his glass, his fingertips unnaturally pale. Antonio waited, head bowed, for his command.

"How's the old man?"

"Grandfather's holding up well."

The man scoffed, a thin smile on his lips. "Your father deliberately leaked Dorsey International's inside information. You have evidence, don't you?"

"I will personally report it to grandfather."

"Not bad, willing to sacrifice family for justice."

"Father's always played shallow

games. When he targeted Uncle

Max, grandfather was already aware

of his tactics. Now, he's simply

ignoring him. But selling out Dorsey International's business

He'll

secrets-that crosses a line.

end up like my second uncle."

As Antonio spoke, his face bore a smile devoid of emotion. "Father only wants grandfather's shares, but I'm different. I want the entirety of Dorsey International."