Chapter 17 Not Leaving a Penny for His Grandson
Reed insisted, and no one could change his mind.
Ted brought over paper and a pen. "Mr. Heilbronn, everything's ready."
Reed leaned back, looked around, and spoke slowly, "I'll give Matthew and Marcus each half my shares of the Heilbronn Group, fifteen percent each. Is that fair?"
Matthew stepped forward, holding Reed's hand. "Dad, family shouldn't argue over this."
Reed continued, "Beatrice has managed the household well for years. I'll transfer all my properties to you and Ashley."
Beatrice teared up. "Dad, you're still healthy. You should keep them."
Everyone was emotional except Ashley, who was secretly thrilled.
Reed's properties were scattered nationwide. Selling just one would let Ashley live lavishly for half a year.
She'd always thought Reed favored Aurelia, but now she saw the truth. Reed didn't even call Aurelia when dividing the inheritance; he treated her like an outsider. His previous affection was just for show.
After all, Aurelia was an outsider and couldn't compare to her, Reed's granddaughter. Ashley felt Reed was clear-headed and couldn't wait to share her joy with Chelsea.
Reed paused, then continued, "Ted, you've been my assistant since I founded the Heilbronn Group. You've handled everything well. I've always seen you as a brother. Pick two cars from the garage, and the racecourse will go to Derek."
Ted was overwhelmed. He never expected any inheritance. Reed not only gave him cars but also arranged something for his son Derek. What touched him most was Reed considering him a brother. He was deeply moved.
"Mr. Heilbronn, please don't say that. The doctors said you're fine. Just take care of yourself," Ted said, tears streaming down his face.
Ashley felt even more pleased. Even Ted got something while Aurelia didn't. For the first time, she felt more important than Aurelia in Reed's eyes.
Unnoticed by others, Nathaniel leaned against the wall, deep in thought.
Reed looked at him. "Nathaniel, you're the child I value most but also the one who disappoints me the most. This family's inheritance isn't easy to get. If you want something, you must earn it. Whether you keep your position at the Heilbronn Group depends on your abilities. I won't support you at the shareholders' meeting. If you can't take the Heilbronn Group to new heights, be ready to step down. Do you accept this?"
Nathaniel nodded. "Yes, I do."
Everyone sighed. Reed had always favored Nathaniel, often praising him. But during the inheritance division, he didn't give Nathaniel a cent.
Just when they thought it was over, Reed turned to Ted. "All my overseas investment projects from my youth go to Aurelia."
This decision caused quite a stir.
Ted knew better than anyone the value of Reed's investments in Melicia from his youth. Even one of them was worth hundreds of millions. Now, Reed was giving all his overseas assets to Aurelia, which were more valuable than the shares given to Matthew and Marcus.
Ted was stunned. He doubted his hearing. "Mr. Heilbronn, are all the overseas assets for Aurelia?"
Reed nodded.
The ward erupted. Matthew was angry but kept quiet. He didn't have strong feelings about Aurelia, but she was still an outsider. Plus, he heard she and Nathaniel were divorcing. Reed had given almost half his assets to her.
If Reed had given more to anyone else in the family, Matthew wouldn't have felt it was unfair. But giving it to Aurelia, who had only been in the family for three years, was hard to accept.
Beatrice and Ashley were even more upset.
Beatrice had been with the Heilbronn family for decades, raising kids, caring for the elder, and supporting her husband. Yet, she only got some properties from Reed, which seemed insignificant compared to what Aurelia got. She had been so happy just now, thinking Reed valued her, but it turned out she was just naive.
Beatrice's face turned pale. She glanced at Nathaniel leaning against the wall, feeling even more aggrieved. Reed had given Nathaniel nothing!
Ashley couldn't hold back any longer. "Grandpa, this is unfair. Aurelia is just an outsider. Why does she get so much of the family's wealth? Nathaniel got nothing. She can't even have kids, yet she gets so much."
Matthew glared at Ashley. Reed's vital signs had just stabilized, and the doctor had warned Matthew not to let him get emotional, or he could die suddenly.
Ashley, impulsive and thoughtless, didn't notice Matthew's warning look and kept complaining, "Aurelia married into our family and is making money effortlessly. She's doing well in her business, trading three years of youth for money that will last generations."
Reed coughed a few times, calming himself. "The debt the Heilbronn family owes Aurelia can't be repaid with just money. My actions are to alleviate my guilt towards her. I've distributed all my possessions to you all. I've worked hard for a lifetime for these. No one has the right to judge whether it's fair or not; only I do."
He looked at Nathaniel again. "Nathaniel, stay. Everyone else, leave us."
Everyone left, leaving only Reed and Nathaniel.
Reed squinted. "You've grown up. I used to think Chelsea was bugging you, and you were a bit confused. But it turns out you've gotten her pregnant."
Reed paused. "I've lived my life following religious principles, avoiding anything immoral. I won't force Chelsea to have an abortion. Just remember, you made your choice. Don't come crying to me with regrets."
Reed's words left Nathaniel speechless. It was his own drunken mistake that had trapped him, and Aurelia had become the sacrificial lamb.
"Divorce Aurelia as soon as possible. She was a wife I forced on you. If you don't appreciate her, that's one thing, but don't humiliate her."
Nathaniel nodded quietly. "I understand, Grandpa."
Leaving the ward, Nathaniel sat in the car, feeling a chill. He noticed dozens of missed calls and texts from Chelsea, realizing she had moved into the Bloom Villa.
"Take me to the Bloom Villa," he instructed the driver.
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