Crushed Affections

Pierre and Xavier studied the contracts intently, examining every word and detail. Meanwhile, Leonard didn't seem to be in any hurry. "Dad, are you sure you're okay? You're still strong and healthy. Why rush to split up the inheritance?"

Daniel looked at Leonard with a warm expression, clearly pleased with his attitude. "I've been thinking that I'm not getting any younger, and you three aren't kids anymore. It's better to settle these matters now.

"That way, when the time comes, the Sawyer family will be entirely in your hands, and I can finally enjoy my later years in peace. I don't want to spend my last days still worrying and working for this family.

"I had everything in the Sawyer family's assets and finances thoroughly assessed. I'm keeping 10% for myself, and the remaining 90% will be divided into three equal parts. From now on, each of you will manage your own share. The funds are divided equally, so who rises to the top will depend on your abilities."

That was right. Daniel had set aside only a tenth of the assets for himself, and Diane's contract required a joint signature from both husband and wife for any major business decisions.From NôvelDrama.Org.

That was why she wasn't worried about Pierre and Xavier causing trouble.

If Daniel had given her a separate share, no one would have slept easy tonight.

The Sawyer family's assets were vast, encompassing numerous businesses and holdings. It took the three brothers nearly an hour to read through the contracts in detail.

Leonard remembered Diane's advice and simply said he had no objections, choosing not to say more.

Xavier suddenly scoffed. "Of course, you don't have any objections. Who would complain about inheriting a billion-dollar fortune they didn't even earn?"

Daniel's gaze shifted to Xavier, his voice cool. "Do you have objections?"

Xavier replied with a mocking tone, "What objections could I have? Until the contracts are in effect, everything in the Sawyer family is still yours, isn't it? You make the rules."

Daniel's voice turned cold. "Good. I'm glad you understand. Everything in the Sawyer family is mine. I can divide it however I want, and if I felt like donating every cent instead of giving you a single penny, you'd have no right to complain.

"Everything in your hands right now is a gift-something I built from scratch with no help from you. So take what I'm offering and stop trying any of your petty schemes."

Xavier didn't say another word. He

signed the contract quickly, then stood, barely able to stay in the room a moment longer. "If there's nothing else, I'll be leaving. Thanks for the... generosity, Dad."

The last word was pointed, his tone distant and deliberate.

Daniel stayed silent, watching as Xavier walked out.

There had been a rift between them for a long time. Even if they didn't end up as enemies, true harmony was likely impossible. Maybe it was better to let things end this way.

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Leonard left his unsigned contract on the table and stood to follow. "I'll catch up with him. I can sign this later."

He caught up with Xavier just as he was getting into his car. Leonard stepped in front of the hood to block him. "Xavier, get out. I need to talk to you."

Xavier clearly didn't want to engage. He remained in the driver's seat, staring at Leonard through the windshield, his expression blank.

Out of options, Leonard moved to the door and knocked on the window. With an exasperated sigh, Xavier finally rolled it down. "What's your problem?" Leonard held onto his patience. "What's your issue with me, exactly? I've never done anything to hurt you, have I? All I want is for our family to get along." Xavier let out a laugh, cold and mocking. "Are you joking? Look at me, then look at yourself. Do we look like a family? Stop fooling yourself."

The words struck Leonard silent. Iņ

the Sawyer family, he and Diane had always stood out, with their different features and Eastra backgrounds. They had never quite fit in.

After a long pause, Leonard asked quietly, "So, from the very beginning, you never saw me as a family?"