Chapter 102



As Kane’s words settled, the spacious living room grew quiet for a moment.

Harold kept quiet, merely lifting his gaze to meet Lucas’. It was clear that the matter was Lucas’ to decide. Harold had made a commitment years ago during that critical incident not to meddle in such decisions.

Lucas broke the silence with a light chuckle. “So, Kane, you’re thinking of returning?”

Kane gave a nod. “Yes, I’m feeling the years now, and it’s getting tough for me to keep up with a lot of things. I’d really like to come back and spend more time with Dad. He’s aging, and having his family around would mean a lot to him.”

After a pause, Kane added, “Regarding my role at the company, you’re in charge. Place me wherever you think best.”

Belinda couldn’t help but roll her eyes at this. Kane was clearly trying to manipulate the situation by mentioning Harold. Yet, his readiness to accept Lucas’ decision showed he was prepared to yield.

Lucas’ face gave away nothing; Kane’s words didn’t seem to affect him at all. He replied with a faint smile, “If you’re eager to return, Kane, then you can do that.”

As soon as he spoke, everyone—except Belinda—stared at him in shock. No one had anticipated him agreeing so easily like this.

However, Belinda knew better; Lucas was likely not done.

In a casual voice, Lucas added, “You’ll start working tomorrow at Vortexsun.”

“Vortexsun?” Kane’s face tightened. “That is just a minor subsidiary!”

Indeed, it was a smaller part of the family business known for not performing well.

“That’s right,” Lucas responded calmly. “Is that a problem? Are you unwilling to work there?”

Kane narrowed his eyes slightly, catching the implications in Lucas’ tone.

He had been certain that, despite everything, Lucas would secure him a managerial role within one of Triumph Consortium’s departments. He had never anticipated being sent to a smaller, less successful subsidiary!

Yet, after pausing to consider the situation for a moment, Kane offered a smile and said, “I can work there. Lucas, you are the CEO, and I trust your judgment and will adhere to your instructions.”

Lucas and Kane locked eyes, the air between them charged with unspoken tension.

Lucas had agreed to Kane’s stay in Askya for two reasons. Firstly, he was curious about Kane’s intentions for being here. Secondly, he was aware that Harold, despite his outward silence, deeply missed Kane. Norma had once shared that she often found Harold late at night on the balcony, gazing at an old photo of him and Kane, accompanied by heavy sighs.

After hearing Lucas and Kane’s conversation, Harold beamed. “Excellent, that’s settled then. Now that we’re all here, let’s have dinner.”

It was clear Harold was truly pleased. Though he had long refrained from drinking before, he instructed Hooper to bring out some wine, ready to indulge a little today.

The dinner progressed in a cheerful, congenial mood. During the meal, Enzo unexpectedly offered Belinda a serving of fish, placing it on her plate.

“Here, Belinda, try some fish.”

Belinda looked at the fish warily and then, without much thought, moved it to another empty plate. “Sorry, I don’t eat fish.”

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