Family on Their Knees Heart Turned to Ice novel Chapter 1457

"Guys your age have kids in elementary school, and you don't even have a girlfriend. You've bled for this company."

Brandon let the words sink in. Colin made sense.

He had sacrificed everything. Of course he could do better than Martin.

"I need to find a way to sit down with Lillian," Brandon said quietly. "We need to figure out our next move."

Colin nodded. He rarely questioned his older brother. That was how their father had raised him—to be the loyal, supportive younger sibling.

Across town, Lillian was receiving steady updates on the fallout.

She was deeply satisfied with the public's reaction.

The transfer of power within the Mercer family was entirely predictable. She knew Brandon wouldn't tolerate living under Martin's shadow forever, especially after growing resentful of his father's decisions.

When Martin had diluted the family shares to include Sabrina and Bella, Brandon had kept quiet about the marriage but silently raged over the lost equity. To him, Sabrina and Bella were outsiders stealing his inheritance.

Sabrina had already smashed two cellphones against the wall in pure rage. Fortunately, they had plenty of spares.

Bella did everything she could to manage the crisis. "Mom, we've survived worse than this. What's a little internet drama? People tore me apart online, and I'm still standing. These losers behind their keyboards are nothing. Do you think they live half the life you do? Just hold on a little longer. We're so close to the finish line, you can't fall apart now. It's late. Tomorrow morning, you're moving into Halfridge Villas, and you're going to have to face Lillian without losing your temper. Go to sleep. If you look like a wreck, you're only giving them what they want."

Under normal circumstances, Bella's words might have offered some comfort. But tonight, they barely registered.

"I thought it would just be a little public embarrassment!" Sabrina cried. "I could have handled the embarrassment if it meant moving into that mansion. Brandon promised me! But look at this! There isn't a single positive word about me on the entire internet!"