"That's right, Mr. Schneider. Back then, you told us that the Schneider and West families were equals, so we agreed to the merger. But if you intend to erase the West family, we won't stand for it."
"Lucas is the sole heir of the West family, yet you've branded him an illegitimate child? This is outrageous!"
The murmurs of protest among the crowd grew louder, all directed at Lester and Schneider Group.
With every voice that spoke up, Lester's expression darkened further.
Xena listened to the accusations and glanced at Lester, who remained silent. For the first time in her life, a seed of doubt took root in her heart.
"Grandpa." She stepped closer, supporting him by the arm. "Is what they're saying true?"
Standing beside Lucas, I watched coldly as I waited to see how Lester would attempt to cover up this lie.
Instead of answering her, he erupted into a violent fit of coughing. The severity of it left him gasping for breath, and only then did the murmuring subside.
"You..." He panted heavily, fixing his gaze on Lucas. "What exactly do you want?"
"You already know what I want, don't you?" Lucas crossed his arms over his chest, his stance unwavering. "I want you to issue an official statement to restore my mother's name."
"You—" Lester took a step forward, but behind Lucas stood a group of elderly figures. They were former West Group members who had transitioned into Schneider Group. Many of them still held shares in the company.
Lucas was no longer the helpless child they had once dismissed so easily.
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