From Heir's Ex to His Aunt novel Chapter 29

Chapter 29 Bloodline and Betrayal

649

Finishi

“You did well on this trip to Southam.” Richard set the folder aside. Alicia glanced at it–it was her record of three years worth of work.

“So, does this mean I can finally join Gibson Corporation?”

He sat there like a stern examiner, and she waited nervously for the verdict.

“Your place at Gibson Corporation matters less than your marriage prospects.”

The moment Richard brought it up, Alicia’s heart sank. He was clearly steering the conversation away.

Three years ago, she had agreed to take on his impossible challenge in the South, with the promise that shed earn her place in Gibson Corporation.

Now that she had delivered, he was moving the goalposts.

Holding onto her composure, she lifted her coffee with a smile. “Marriage is important, Grandpa, but I want to work at Gibson Corporation too. The two don’t have to conflict. You gave me your word–are you going to take it back now?”

“Your sister is already preparing for marriage, and her mother is managing everything for her. But you- you’re the true Gibson heiress. What are your plans? Or, do you mean to let her get ahead of you? I heard your father originally wanted to tie our family to the Burtons through you.”

Alicia kept her pleasant smile, still trying to appease him. “Grandpa, you’ve always made the best decision for me. I know you already have a plan.”

Richard lifted the lid of his cup, and steam curled up into his weathered face.

“Plenty of powerful families exist, but none could compare to the Burtons. If you marry into the Burtom family, that would be your best future. Instead of wasting your energy on trying to enter Gibson Corporation, focus on marrying into the Burton family. That is the wiser move.”

The moment he said it, Alicia realized he had set her up.

He had never intended to let her into Gibson Corporation. The Southam project had only been away break her spirit, to make her quit.

He had probably never imagined she’d pull off the impossible.

Three years of effort, all her blood, sweat, and sleepless nights–dismissed as modhing more than a pawn: Richard’s hand.

It felt like a knife, driven into her chest by the very person she trusted moss. The pain ripped through he unbearable.

Her grandfather’s betrayal cut deeper than David’s infidelity ever had.

She had thought her father’s indifference was cruel, but at least her grandfather would recognize her har work.

4:58 pm P p DD.

Chapter 29 Bloodline and Betrayal

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In the end. he didn’t see her worth at all. He only saw a girl who could be bartered away

What had these three years of sacrifice been for?

Alicia tightened her grip on the cup, a smile tugging at her lips–one that looked sadder than tears. “Grandpa, if I can secure an engagement with the Burton family, will you finally let me join Gibson Corporation?”

“Alicia, why are you so fixated on working there? You’re a young woman. Wouldn’t it be better to marry well, raise children, live as a society lady, shop, and enjoy your beauty treatments? The corporate world isn’t meant for you.”

The heat of the coffee seeped through the thin porcelain into her palm, burning her skin until it turned red.

“Because I’m a Gibson. I want to contribute to this family. My three years in Southam are proof of my record, and you know very well that my abilities are no less than any executive’s.”

The past three years had forged her, and the look in her eyes could pierce through anyone.

“What do you think. Grandpa? Her voice carried a cool, cutting edge.

Richard studied her for a long while before finally conceding. “Fine. As long as you get engaged to the Burtons, I’ll let you into Gibson Corporation.”

This time. Alicia was wiser. “Not just an entry. I want a management position–and I want back the shares my mother left me”

“Alicia, you shouldn’t set your sights so high.”

“Grandpa. I’m caly string for the last gift my mother gave me.” Her tone softened, and her eyes shimmered with washed tears.

Richard sighed. All right. I’ll grant you that.”

Alicia set down her cup and slipped her arm through his, smiling sweetly. “Grandpa, you really are the

bes

But no one saw the moment she stepped out of the house, her smile vanishing without a trace. Grandpa, one day you’ll pay the price for your favoritism. What’s mine–I’ll take back, with interest.

She headed straight to the supermarket, remembering the note in the file: the man had a sweet tooth.

Alicia filled her cart to the brim. Mrs. Burton? That title was hers for the taking.

A message lit up on the executive desk.

The man glanced at his phone. It was a photo sent by Alicia.

4.59 pm P P

Chapter 29 Bloodline and Betrayal

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