Substitute Wife, Genius CEO novel Chapter 57

Xavier returned to the Sterling Estate.

Inside the family study, Carlson Sterling, Arthur Sterling, and Zelda Sterling were all waiting.

The moment Xavier stepped through the door, a blue-and-white porcelain teacup was hurled directly at him.

This time, Xavier didn't dodge. He let the cup strike him squarely in the chest. The tea soaked his shirt, though thankfully the water wasn't boiling hot, or he would have been severely burned.

A flash of obvious heartbreak crossed Zelda's eyes, but she maintained her composure, sitting rigidly without moving. Her self-control was truly formidable.

Carlson let out a heavy, furious snort, though his anger seemed to deflate marginally.

Xavier poured a fresh cup of tea for his grandfather, then obediently dropped to his knees, keeping his back perfectly straight.

"Kneeling won't fix anything." Carlson's voice crackled with rage. "Your older brother is still lying in a hospital bed, unconscious. How can you look him in the eye after pulling a stunt like this?"

Thinking of his eldest son, Arthur let out a heavy sigh. "Xavier, fire Lily Sutton. That woman will never step foot into this family, nor into our company. That is our absolute bottom line. Also, bring Summer back to the office. Has her erratic behavior these past few days been because of Lily? Family harmony is the foundation of everything."

Zelda quickly backed her husband. "Your father is right. A peaceful family prospers, and a united couple can overcome anything. Don't be foolish, Xavier. Think of Leo."

"Mom, haven't you always said I spoil Summer too much? I realized you were right. That's why she's become so insubordinate, daring to call the cops and disrespect Grandpa. I brought Lily in specifically to infuriate Summer. For every day she refuses to come here and beg for your forgiveness, I'll leave her out in the cold."

"Don't worry, I have no romantic interest in Lily anymore. All I feel for her is professional admiration. I admire her talent."

Xavier pulled out his phone, opened the stock market app, and pulled up their company's ticker. It had hit the daily upper limit.

Carlson was shaking with pure fury. "Let me tell you something, Xavier. I am not some old fool you can easily manipulate. As long as I am breathing, that woman will never enter this family!"

Xavier was no longer the dependent trust-fund kid he was seven years ago.

His wings were fully grown. He no longer needed to bow to his family's demands. While he couldn't completely steamroll them, he had more than enough power to stand his ground.

"Grandpa, I came here today to tell you this: Lily is in the company because she is exceptionally talented. As the CEO, I made this decision after careful, deliberate consideration, entirely for the sake of the company's future growth."

Carlson let out another aggressive snort and turned his head away, radiating absolute disapproval.

Unfazed, Xavier pressed on. "Technology evolves at breakneck speed. Summer's skills and methodologies are already outdated. We have to inject fresh blood into the company, experiment with new concepts, shatter old paradigms, and step out of our comfort zone. Only then can we reach the next level."