From Heir's Ex to His Aunt novel Chapter 52

Chapter 52 What’s Rightfully Mine

Alicia reasoned, “Grandpa, the wedding’s months away. The planners can deal with all the arrangements. I’ve got time before things get hectic, so I want to start working at the company-helping out Dad and Uncle Eric.”

Steven frowned, saying, “Alicia, you’re young. Shouldn’t you prioritize your home, husband, and future children? The business world is tough and isn’t suitable for you. I’m only looking out for you-a woman’s place is at home, not in an office.”

Her fingers dug into the edge of the table. “So, what you’re really telling me, Old Mr. Burton? Is that you’re not going to keep your promise?”

He hesitated momentarily, realizing this wasn’t the time to push her away. The Burtons were too important to risk upsetting. “Of course not. If you want to work, I won’t stop you.”

Alicia smiled just enough to be polite. “Good. Now, let’s discuss something else-my mom’s ten percent stake in Gibson Corporation. Think of it as my wedding gift.”

Those shares had once been her mother’s lifeline. Years ago, she poured cash into the family business to keep it from falling. Without her, the Gibsons would’ve sunk long ago. After her mother’s death, Steven had quietly absorbed the shares back into the family. Alicia asking for them now wasn’t greed-it was reclaiming what was hers.

The problem was that those same shares had increased significantly in value. Now, ten percent of Gibson Corporation was worth billions, and the old man was unlikely to give them up willingly. He had spent his life maintaining the traditional patriarchal system, seeing Gibson women as mere tools for bargaining and alliances. Therefore, the idea of Alicia acquiring ten percent of the company made him clench his jaw.

Steven’s tone softened into a practiced warmth. “Alicia, it’s not about the money. Moving that much stock at once could unsettle investor confidence. The market’s fragile-you understand. Don’t worry, we’ll ensure you’re well cared for. The Burtons will see you’re treated with respect”

Alicia’s heart chilled. “I’m not asking for favors. I only want what belonged to my mother. That’s all.”

He turned the prayer beads in his hand, buying time. “Your mother did help us back then. Thirty million was no small sum. How about I give you 300 million in cash as your wedding gift?”

She gave a short, humorless laugh. “300 million? Those shares are worth billions. You’re offering me scraps.”

His tone hardened. “Alicia, don’t let greed blind you.”

Her patience broke. “Greed? Does wanting my stuff back make me greedy?”

Her voice grew sharper, cutting through the air. “You’ve seen what I accomplished in Southam. I’ve earned my place. You won’t give me a chance because I’m a wonian, right?”

Steven sighed and set the beads aside. “If you insist on working, the PR department’s short-staffed. You can go there. And since you’re unhappy with 300 million, I’ll increase it to 500 million. That should settle it.”

Her jaw clenched. “You know that’s not what I want.”

Her voice was low, but the threat in it froze the room. Jaelyn’s face went pale. The sharp, vulnerable girl she used to bully was gone. The woman standing before her now was steel.

Frank appeared in the doorway with Kyana and Aria. “What’s happening?”

Jaelyn clutched her chest as if she might faint. “Oh, thank God you’re here, Frank! Your daughter’s lost her mind! A few years abroad, she comes back acting like she owns the place-throwing things, talking back, and strutting around like we owe her. She doesn’t even respect her elders anymore!”

Frank’s gaze swept over the shards on the floor. “You’re still a Gibson until your wedding. Stop showing off and apologize to your aunt,”

Kyana quickly stepped in, her tone dripping with fake warmth. “Alicia’s young, Jaelyn. She doesn’t mean it. Don’t take it to heart.”

Alicia looked around the room-the judgmental stares, the whispers, the hypocrisy.

It felt all too familiar.

Back then, Frank and her mom rarely saw eye to eye. However, as the eldest daughter-in-law, her mother’s presence kept everyone in check. No one dared to mess with Alicia while she was around.

After her mother’s death, the balance was shattered. Even her father-the last person she expected-became her enemy.