Mr. Winston Sr.'s face flushed crimson instantly.
His eyes remained fixed on the screen before him.
"You vile woman!"
He roared, charging forward.
Mrs. Winston stumbled backward in panic.
"I tolerated you squandering money, but now you dare embezzle company funds!"
His hand rose, ready to strike.
A cane came down with a heavy thud.
Mr. Winston Sr. stood between them.
"Have you no shame left?"
His voice was icy.
The elder Mr. Winston clutched his arm, silent.
The patriarch turned to Mrs. Winston.
"From this moment, you are forbidden from setting foot in this estate."
His gaze was razor-sharp.
"Or you'll receive not a single cent."
The old man's chest heaved violently.
Sophia Sullivan stepped forward swiftly.
"Grandfather, take your medicine first."
She produced the Heart-Nourishing Pills.
He swallowed the pill, his complexion easing slightly.
Liam Winston stood frozen.
His mother's evasive eyes shattered his last shred of hope.
All these years of effort—
Nothing but a cruel joke.
Mr. Winston Sr. pushed Sophia's hand aside.
His cane pointed accusingly at his son.
"This strike is for your failure as a father."
The cane descended with force.
The elder Mr. Winston grunted in pain.
"Father, I was wrong."
The patriarch sneered.
A second strike followed immediately.
"This is for your foolishness in delegating power."
Liam trembled violently.
The unspoken meaning was clear—his authority was being revoked.
Sophia's pulse quickened.
The grandfather who doted on this grandson—
Now acting with ruthless finality.
Mr. Winston Sr. surveyed the room.
"My time is limited. I care only for the Winston legacy."
His voice held steady.
"Capability matters—legitimate heir or not."
The declaration stunned everyone.
Chloe Evans' wineglass shattered on the floor.
Her earlier triumph evaporated.
This wasn't part of the plan.
Not only had Sophia survived—
But Liam now faced more rivals.
Mrs. Winston collapsed to her knees.
"Father! Liam is your only grandson!"
Her voice shook.
The patriarch remained impassive.
"The Winstons have no use for incompetence."