Chapter 361 The Seizure of Power
The situation was dire. Jackson, in a rush, approached Ken in the wake of Nicholas's departure. His voice was a hushed whisper, heavy with concern. "Ken, we're in a tight spot. I had been working on securing the Woodhouse family as our allies, but Aiden's impulsivity has thrown a wrench into those plans."
A shadow fell across Ken's face, his tone laced with disdain. "Win them over? The Woodhouse family is inconsequential to me. They are not even worth a second glance."
Jackson's mind raced, his frustration mounting. Ken's indifference was a luxury he could not afford. A valuable bargaining chip had been squandered, and he was left scrambling for a solution.
A servant from the Turner family arrived, bearing a message. "Mr. Turner, the elder requests your immediate return."
Had the old man already caught wind of the situation? There must have been a leak.
Ken's expression remained stormy, his silence heavy. Without a word, he departed swiftly.
Suzy, having watched the unfolding drama with interest, felt a twinge of regret. "Why didn't that mad dog attack those three children?" she mused.
If the dog had indeed bitten the children, Nora would have been devastated. The thought brought a cruel smile to Suzy's face. The potential fallout could have driven a wedge between Nora and Aaron. Perhaps it could have even led to their breakup. Alas, the dog had not chosen its victims wisely.
"I believe Ken is truly furious this time. He won't let this go easily," Jackson observed.
Suzy cast a sidelong glance at Jackson, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "Jackson, Ken's hatred for Aaron and Nora is palpable. Encourage him to wipe out the entire Nora family."
Ken's anger was a potent weapon, and she intended to use it. After all, to an enraged man, killing was as simple as squashing an insect, wasn't it?
"Nora is the Hamilton family's prized possession. If Ken were to kill her, the Turner and Hamilton families would be at each other's throats," Jackson warned.
Suzy scoffed dismissively. "With Nora in the picture, the Hamiltons will never ally with Ken. Let him vent his fury. Only then will the two families tear each other apart, leaving him no choice but to aid you."
Jackson's lips curled into a sinister smirk as he wrapped his arms around her slender waist. "You're cunning, Suzy. Using Ken to eliminate Nora is a brilliant idea."
Suzy coldly shrugged off his embrace. "Isn't it a mutually beneficial arrangement? I'm merely looking out for your interests," she retorted.
Jackson nodded, his smile wicked. "Alright, I'll heed your advice. I'll subtly nudge Ken when the time is right."
Meanwhile, at the Turner family mansion, the family patriarch, Gavin, was indisposed and had been confined to his home. He had been absent from the Hamilton family banquet that day. However, his ill health did not equate to a relinquishment of power. He still held the reins of the Turner family, overseeing all major affairs.
"Dad, I'm back," Ken greeted his father, who was ensconced on the sofa. His gaze flickered to Fabio, who stood nearby.
"Ken," Fabio acknowledged with a slight nod.
Ken's expression remained impassive as he addressed Gavin. "Dad, what urgent matter required my immediate return?"
Gavin coughed twice before accepting a cup of coffee from a servant. "I heard Aiden has managed to offend both the Woodhouse and Hamilton families?"
As Ken had suspected, his dad was already privy to the situation. "Some people are blowing things out of proportion. It's normal for children to quarrel. The Woodhouse family is simply refusing to let it go."
Upon hearing Ken's words, Fabio let out a chuckle. "Ken, you make it sound so effortless. What if it were Aiden who had his tendons bitten off by a dog? What would you do then?" It was evident that Fabio was highlighting Ken's oversight.
Ken's face clouded over. "When I'm conversing with Dad, is it your place to interject?"
Fabio merely shrugged, a silent smile playing on his lips.
Gavin, having set his coffee aside, spoke in the same tranquil tone. "Ken, you've coddled Aiden excessively. You've failed to instill discipline in him consistently."
A sense of foreboding washed over Ken. "That's not true, Dad..."
Gavin dismissed him with a wave of his hand. "It appears I've burdened you with too many responsibilities, hindering your ability to discipline your child effectively. Here's what we'll do. I'll have Fabio assist you at headquarters, and you can delegate all your current projects to him."
Shock coursed through Ken. Was his father planning to replace him with Fabio?
"Dad, if I hand over all my projects to Fabio, what will be left for me?" Ken's face was a mask of disbelief.
"You will relocate to our overseas branch for a few months to conduct an investigation," Gavin explained, "while Fabio temporarily assumes control of the group. This will also appease the Hamilton and Woodhouse families."
Ken's expression turned stormy at this revelation. His father was stripping him of his power, which could mean the group might not be passed down to him in the future.
"Dad, Fabio is a bastard; he can't handle the spotlight. Are you certain you want him to temporarily fill my shoes? Aren't you concerned that some of the company's senior employees won't accept him?" Ken protested.
Gavin's gaze was icy, his tone stern. "Fabio is my son. Anyone who disagrees with his appointment can take it up with me! The Turner family didn't achieve its current status by shying away from the limelight! As long as we can ensure the company's prosperity, we don't care much for status."
Ken looked taken aback by his father's anger. "But Dad..."
"Enough, go home early," Gavin cut him off. "Educate Aiden properly. Teach him to watch his words and not to act recklessly. Things are different now. The Turner family is gradually cleaning up its act. We can't afford to repeat past mistakes!"
Frustration etched itself onto Ken's face. He clenched his fist, shooting a venomous glare at Fabio before storming out of the room. The door slammed shut behind him, a clear testament to his seething anger.
Fabio's lips curled into a smirk. Turning to Gavin, he asked, "Is there anything else? If not, I'll take my leave."
Gavin regarded him thoughtfully. "Keep tabs on the Woodhouse family's kid. Find time to apologize to them on behalf of your brother. Whatever they demand, as long as it doesn't harm Aiden, try to accommodate them."
A sneer crossed Fabio's face, a glint of mockery in his eyes. What could the Woodhouse family possibly want? Perhaps they sought to teach Aiden a lesson? But he had no intention of getting involved. "Understood. Anything else?"
Gavin studied his younger son, who seemed distant and cold. "Fabio, I know you harbor deep resentment towards me. I'm also aware of how hard you've worked over the years. Now, the opportunity has presented itself. Seize it."
Fabio scoffed dismissively. "Dad, you should be thanking my mom for giving birth to a son as benevolent as me. If the family business were handed over to Ken, you'd never sleep easy! When your time comes, you can apologize to my mom in the afterlife!" With that, he turned on his heel and strode out of the room.
Gavin sighed, watching Fabio's retreating figure. If it weren't for his covert protection and subtle grooming, Fabio wouldn't have survived in this ruthless world. Thankfully, he had this younger son. Otherwise, the Turner family would surely have been doomed under the stewardship of the eldest son.
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