Chapter 1431 You Only Know How to Manage Women
The cloudiness in Jason's eyes cleared momentarily, though he still couldn't speak. Another tear slid down his cheek before his eyes slowly closed again.
Selena's voice grew more resolute. "I'll find the antidote for him. Mr. Smith, you should stay here. With Lawrence absent, the family needs you to maintain control. Others are already circling, eyeing the Smith assets."
Richard opened his mouth to agree—this was indeed true, especially considering the Smith family extended beyond just their immediate circle.
Before he could respond, a commotion erupted downstairs. A servant hurried up to report, "Mr. Smith, they've arrived."
Disgust flashed across Richard's face just as the door was roughly pushed open.
The newcomer bore a slight resemblance to Jason but completely lacked his commanding presence. This was Otto Smith, Jason's cousin. The Smith family had strict traditions about succession, with heirs designated early to prevent internal strife. Jason had been that fortunate heir, while others like Otto had been sidelined.
Years ago, Otto had caused some trouble and was subsequently marginalized within the family. Now, hearing of Jason's condition, he had wasted no time in appearing at their doorstep.
Dressed in an expensive suit, Otto feigned shock at the sight of the dying man in bed, putting on a show of distress.
"What's happened to Jason? You younger ones are truly something—such a major incident and you didn't think to inform the rest of the family."
His gaze settled on Richard, his face wearing a calculating smile.
"Richard, tell me what's going on. Surely this isn't the result of infighting between you and Lawrence? Such behavior is strictly forbidden in the Smith family, with severe consequences. As it happens, your grandparents have emerged from retirement. I've already informed them about Jason's condition. You should explain yourself to them tonight. I suspect this all stems from Jason's youthful indiscretions—his past finally catching up to him."
Richard's grandparents had fully relinquished control years ago, retiring to a quiet island where they'd built a chapel. Both devout Christians, Richard's grandmother had recently become concerned when her crucifix broke—taking it as an omen that something might be wrong with Jason. Upon inquiring, they discovered Jason's coma—a major event the family had somehow kept quiet.
Otto had likely heard about it from Tessa.
Richard was irritated. He'd worked hard to contain this information, and now his grandparents were being dragged back into family affairs.
"Otto, Grandfather and Grandmother are enjoying their peaceful retirement. There's no need to disturb them."
Richard's expression darkened as he instinctively moved to shield Selena.
Otto didn't know Selena's identity, though he recognized Raymond. He chuckled softly.
"Your protests are pointless, Richard. They'll arrive tonight. You'd better prepare your explanation."
Otto attempted to step closer to examine Jason's weakened state, but Richard blocked his path.
He said coldly, "Otto, I must ask you to leave."
Otto ignored him and his face instantly filled with smug satisfaction. "I never imagined Jason would end up like this—so frail and diminished. I barely recognized him. It took his collapse for Lawrence to finally move out of the family estate, didn't it? I've heard Lawrence has abandoned the Smith mansion and resigned his position as CEO. How ironic—Jason was so brilliant in his prime, only to be driven to illness by his favorite son in his twilight years. Even in death, he'll find no peace."
This last remark was particularly cruel—speaking of Jason's death while he still lived.
Richard could no longer contain himself. He grabbed Otto by the collar, furious. "Get out! My father is very much alive, and he'll outlive you by decades!"
Otto smirked, completely unintimidated. "Jason used to be so proud, didn't he? Always boasting about how reliable Lawrence was. Yet Lawrence has proven selfish, abandoning the family business without a word to the board about his future plans. Now that he's stepped down as CEO, what happens next? Will you take over, Richard? As I recall, you've never been properly trained in corporate management—the only thing you seem to manage well is women."
Otto burst into mocking laughter, trying again to look at Jason on the bed. He even pulled out his phone to take a picture.
But someone stepped between them—a woman he didn't recognize.
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