Sharing his birthday with Raylan by coincidence of fate, Quentin had arrived as Lenard’s twilight child from his second marriage.

Though both Quentin and Raylan had reached twenty-four years, Quentin towered above Raylan in every measure that mattered. Raylan had stumbled through a mediocre educational institution, emerging with a degree in interior design—a qualification laughably inadequate for commanding the family’s vast empire.

Quentin, by stark contrast, had earned a doctorate in business from a prestigious global university, leaving Raylan intellectually diminished by comparison.

Beyond his academic prowess, Quentin possessed a temperament forged in steel—his unflappable demeanor and incisive mind dwarfed Raylan’s emotional volatility. The disparity between their capabilities stretched beyond measurement.

It was an open secret throughout the family that Quentin embodied the authentic qualities of leadership. Yet, Lenard had consistently favored his first wife’s lineage, anointing Raylan as heir from the beginning. Despite Quentin’s manifest superiority, his birth had relegated him to secondary status.

Quentin had endured this inequity without complaint, executing his responsibilities with impeccable precision.

Now, when Lenard suddenly proposed Quentin for the position of heir, it floored everyone present, including Quentin himself. Yet, he refused to let this opportunity slip through his fingers. His previous equanimity had stemmed from the presumed impossibility of claiming the mantle. Now that it dangled within reach, legitimately offered, Quentin intended to seize it without hesitation.

Why should someone of Quentin’s caliber submit to Raylan’s authority when he could wield power directly?

“I’ll abide by whatever decision you make, Dad,” Quentin replied with characteristic composure.

While Raylan and Kristen recoiled as though physically struck, Quentin maintained his unruffled poise. Even amidst this monumental shift in fortunes, his dignified bearing never wavered.

? ? ?ν﹒

Lenard, visibly impressed by Quentin’s steadfast demeanor, acknowledged him with an approving nod. “I’ve neglected your potential, Quentin, which was unjust. Have you harbored resentment toward me?”

Quentin’s lips curved into a subtle smile. “Dad, your acumen surpasses anyone I’ve encountered. Every action you take serves a purpose. My only aspiration is to leverage my abilities to elevate our family’s standing. I’ve never entertained loftier ambitions.”

Lenard, savoring Quentin’s tactful response, nodded again with unmistakable satisfaction.

Kristen, however, seethed with skepticism. In her estimation, Quentin’s affable facade concealed ruthless ambition. He might say he never wanted the heir spot, but she suspected he had long schemed to usurp Raylan’s birthright. Contemptible opportunist!

Witnessing Raylan’s inheritance evaporating before her eyes, Kristen erupted. She leapt to her feet, exclaiming, “Lenard, this is utterly unacceptable!”

Lenard, having anticipated Kristen’s outburst, allowed her to continue, fixing her with a penetrating, glacial stare.

“Raylan will abandon his relationship with Paige. I implore you to grant him another opportunity,” Kristen beseeched.

Lenard withheld immediate judgment. Instead, he shifted his attention to Raylan, arching an eyebrow.

Raylan faltered in his response. The prospect of relinquishing his position as heir filled him with dread, yet Paige had captured his soul. His infatuation had persisted for years, making the thought of severing their connection almost unbearable.

In Raylan’s estimation, Paige’s fraudulent actions during the competition weren’t unforgivable. Perhaps she had merely exercised poor judgment, or perhaps Merritt had manipulated her into transgression. Either way, he couldn’t bring himself to abandon her over this single indiscretion.

Observing Raylan’s indecision, Lenard’s expression darkened with unmistakable disappointment.

Kristen, now frantic, rushed to Raylan’s side and delivered a stinging blow to his face. “Imbecile! What causes your hesitation? Inform your grandfather immediately that you’re severing ties with Paige!”

Raylan glanced at his mother, withering under her scorching glare. Reluctantly, he addressed Lenard, “Grandpa, I behaved inappropriately earlier, blinded by emotion. I’ll resolve matters with Paige and terminate our relationship promptly.”

Lenard remained silent. In truth, he had mentally dismissed Raylan’s candidacy. However, upon noticing Orion’s pleading expression, his resolve weakened. The weight of guilt regarding Orion once again compelled him to yield.

“Very well,” Lenard exhaled heavily. “Since you’ve demonstrated willingness to rectify your mistakes, I’ll extend one final opportunity. Address the situation with Paige swiftly and definitively.”

“I understand completely,” Raylan said.

Kristen released a profound sigh of relief and then directed a triumphant glance toward Quentin.

Quentin merely offered a cryptic smile, his handsome features betraying no distress. He exuded an aura of supreme detachment, as though the prospect of inheriting the family empire held no particular significance.

Lenard suddenly interjected, “Raylan, assuming the mantle of Hudson heir demands more than merely discarding Paige. There remains one additional obligation.”

Lenard’s penetrating gaze locked onto Raylan. “I’ve selected Elliana as the future matriarch of our family. You must reclaim her affections. Are you prepared to undertake this challenge?”

.

.

.