Family on Their Knees Heart Turned to Ice novel Chapter 203

The main issue was that if things escalated, Emma couldn't bear the responsibility.

“I’ll try to contact her,” Victor said. “Her phone isn’t off all the time.”

Lillian wasn’t allowed to have her phone during treatment, but she could use it afterward. However, she was often so tired that she slept through most of the calls and notifications. She had glanced at her messages occasionally and was vaguely aware of the situation at the office.

Brandon had recently put together a tech project team, even getting some people from the Blake Group. But an external assessment he commissioned concluded that the team still lacked the necessary expertise. Without a higher level of skill, they couldn't create a product that would stand out in the market. And if their product couldn't outperform the competition or offer any unique features, how could it possibly make money? They were more likely to end up with an unsellable product and significant losses.

So, the only solution Brandon could think of was to ask Lillian for help. She had capable people like Victor under her command, so surely she could find some talented individuals for him. Once they joined his team, they could help him make a fortune.

With this in mind, Brandon had been camping out at Lillian’s company every day, hoping to corner her into helping him.

After all, she had so many employees; sparing a few for him wouldn’t be a big deal. If Sebastian Blake could lend him people, why couldn't Lillian? It’s not like he was asking for Victor.

Victor was so fed up he wanted to go out and yell at them, but Lillian had warned him repeatedly before she left not to get into any trouble. His only job during her absence was to handle his own responsibilities. Victor took that instruction to heart.

But the problem was the constant noise outside. A group of men was always there, blocking the entrance—smoking, playing cards, and drinking on the ground.

Victor tried calling Lillian again. This time, her phone was on, but no one answered. The call went to voicemail.

After the ringing stopped, Victor stood up abruptly. “That’s it, I can’t take this anymore. What is this nonsense? Will these people ever quit? Miss Ruiz, you call the police. I’m going out there to deal with them.”

Emma grabbed his arm. “Calling the police is useless! We’ve tried before. They said it’s a family dispute and Ms. Mercer needs to resolve it herself. Besides, they’re just waiting outside. They haven’t done anything illegal—no fighting, no arguing. There’s nothing we can do.”

Ignoring Emma’s pleas, Victor stormed outside.

“What the hell do you people want?” he demanded. “You’re disrupting our business operations. Get your boss out here, now!”

As luck would have it, Brandon was right there. He immediately approached Victor.

Fine, you’ve been blocking our entrance for three days. What do you want? Spit it out. But let me warn you, if you’re thinking Ms. Mercer will merge her company with the Mercer Group, you’re dreaming. I’ll be the first to say no.”

Brandon had indeed considered that, and from what Victor had mentioned, he knew the Mercers' intentions were as subtle as a brick to the face. He figured this stakeout was likely part of that same plan.

Knowing Victor had a sharp tongue, Brandon didn’t try to argue. He let him finish his rant.

Once Victor was done, Brandon explained, “That’s not what I mean. I’m not here to make any unreasonable demands. Our company has recently formed a project team to develop products like smartphones and home appliances. But the market is saturated, and the people I’ve hired just aren’t skilled enough. That’s why I was hoping you could help. Lillian is my sister, and she has a stake in the Mercer family. When the company makes money, she gets a share of the profits, right? We’re family, so when I need help, it’s only natural to turn to you.”

“Don’t you ‘you’ me,” Victor sneered. “I am not part of your ‘we.’ The Mercer family is the Mercer family, and Ms. Mercer is Ms. Mercer. You need to get that straight. And in case you’ve forgotten, Ms. Mercer doesn’t have any shares anymore. She returned them all to you. Whether you make a profit or a loss has nothing to do with her. So don’t try to guilt-trip us; it won’t work on her. Also, I suggest you leave. Ms. Mercer is out of the country. She doesn’t have time for this nonsense.”

“I know she’s abroad, and I know why,” Brandon countered. “But Sebastian and the others have been back for over a week. Why isn’t she back yet? Just let me see her. Some things are better said in person to avoid any misunderstanding.”

Just as they were arguing, Lillian called back.