Chapter 435
Out of the blue, Walter Hernandez made a startling revelation. "Joseph has informed me that the Chamberlain family's wealth could potentially place them among the top three on Madison Avenue," he announced.
His mother was taken aback, her eyes wide with disbelief. "How could that be?"
She exclaimed. Walter's gaze turned distant, his mind traveling back in time. "
Do you recall the Chamberlains from over twenty years ago? I never held Marcus in high regard. He may have been a musical prodigy, but they couldn't amass a fortune of even ten million.
So, when Mabel insisted on backing them, I chose to look the other way.
However, if what Joseph says is true, it seems the Chamberlains have been rather clandestine, don't you think? "Matilda chimed in, her voice laced with derision. "
Indeed, at the last engagement party, Grandma Chu wouldn't stop grumbling about the Chamberlain's failing business. She insisted that we, the Hernandez family, should contribute more."
Walter's wife, her tone bitter, added her thoughts. "I used to resent Joseph for his failure to meet expectations and for causing me embarrassment.
I believed that entrusting Liam with the reins of the Hernandez Corporation was a mistake. But if Liam continues to prop up the Chamberlains, we risk losing our standing as the city's leading family. "Without a moment's hesitation, Walter summoned his lawyer. "Come over," he commanded.
Within a day, the patriarch had relinquished all his shares and control of the Hernandez Corporation to Joseph.
The news quickly spread like wildfire throughout New York.The Hernandez heirs were the first to confront him.
Celeste was vehemently opposed to the decision.
"Father, have you lost your senses? How can you hand over the Hernandez Corporation to Joseph after all he's done to you? "Walter's anger flared at her words. "What did you just say to me?" he growled, his hand twitching as if he were about to strike her.
"Dad, I'm terrified. Joseph despises me, and once he assumes control, he'll surely target me," Celeste implored, clutching at her father's leg, her voice trembling with fear. "Brother, sister, please support me in this. "Isaac scoffed at her plea. "I have no quarrel with Joseph. Besides, without him at the helm, do you want the Hernandez name to be tarnished? The whole city is mocking us, anticipating our downfall. "Celeste lashed out at her brother. "Have you no shame? As the only son, we were supposed to depend on you. How could you let us down? "Walter, his patience wearing thin, turned to Liam. "Liam, what are your thoughts? "Liam's fists clenched in frustration. He had struggled relentlessly to secure his position at the top of the Hernandez Corporation, only to watch Joseph usurp control in a matter of days. How could he accept this? "Grandfather, are you truly comfortable with being manipulated by Joseph? He's never shown you any respect, and his behavior will only worsen once he's in charge. Let's not forget, he nearly killed his own mother during one of his fits just recently."
Celeste was quick to back up Liam's argument. "Exactly, how can a madman be entrusted with the Hernandez family legacy? "Walter fixed them with a steely gaze. "I didn't want to resort to this, but do any of you have a better solution? I gave you a chance, Liam, and your grand plan was to spread rumors about Joseph's mental instability? "Liam's head jerked up, his eyes reddening with indignation. "Grandfather, I didn't—I was framed! "Walter's piercing gaze then shifted to Marcus. "Marcus, what's your opinion? "Marcus stuttered, clearly taken aback. "I... I'm not certain. "Mabel interjected, unable to hold her silence. "Father, Marcus is always engrossed in his music composition. He never interferes in the Wilson and Hooper family matters. How could he possibly know? And Liam—he's my son. I trust him. He must have been framed this time. "Walter lifted his teacup, lightly skimming the lid with his fingers. "Well then... it's settled. No more discussion. I have no interest in any strategies or provocations. To me, nothing is more crucial than maintaining our position as the foremost family of Madison. "Walter was known for his unwavering resolve; no one dared to challenge him. Liam's fists clenched tighter, veins bulging prominently. Stepping outside, he lashed out at the car door with a forceful kick. He pulled out his phone and dialed Felix's number. "Joseph will be the key decision-maker for the Hernandez's now. The deal we had with the Chamberlains, giving up five percent—we'll likely see that go away once he's back."