Chapter 9
Early morning at the Atlante estate, the staff was already bustling around–hanging decorations and preparing for the young master’s birthday party.
After returning from the chapel yesterday, Quentin had locked himself in his study and hadn’t come out since
He opened his desk drawer, revealing a will inside.
It was his father’s final testament, clearly outlining the conditions for inheriting the Atlante legacy and the requirements for taking control of the family shares.
Quentin stared at the document, finally feeling a weight lift from his shoulders
He was about to become the true head of the Atlante empire
The Adante family had a generations–old rule: only someone with an heir could inherit shares from their parents and become the real head of the family:]
His father had died young, naturally leaving this requirement in his will.
To inherit the family business, Quentin had no choice but to compromise with the family elders
But thinking about Jessica made him uneasy.
He knew this decision would devastate her, but he had no other option
“How’s everything at home? When is Jess coming over?”
His assistant stood respectfully nearby: “Don’t worry, Mr. Atlante. We’ve sent the stylist and driver to pick up Mrs. Atlante.”
Quentin grunted, rubbing his throbbing temples, feeling inexplicably agitated.
He’d been up all night with this gnawing sense of dread that wouldn’t quit the image of Jessica’s resolute figure walking away kept haunting him.[]
But thinking about the family’s future, he had to harden his heart.]
He could only tell himself that after today, everything would get back to normal.
Standing by the window, he watched Laurel in the garden, holding Carter with obvious adoration.[
“Carter, sweetie, it’s your birthday! Grandma got you your favorite present. Do you like it?”
Carter’s sweet “Grandma!” was enough to make Laurel beam with joy.[
“Carrie, you gave me such a wonderful grandson. I promise, as long as I’m alive, no one will dare mistreat you.”
Carrie’s face lit up
with a
a gentle smile: “Thank you for your kindness, Mrs. Atlante. Being able to continue the family line is my honor.“[
“As long as you’re happy and Carter grows up safely, I couldn’t ask for more.“]
Laurel patted Carrie’s hand approvingly: “You’re such a sweetheart, nothing like that stuck–up Rolando girl.
Carrie didn’t respond, just stood there looking meek and obedient []
A servant approached: “Mrs. Atlante, the guests have arrived.“]
Laurel nodded, taking Carter’s hand to stand up.
As if remembering something, she turned back “Carrie, why don’t you go rest upstairs? The Rolando family’s coming today, so it’s better if you don’t appear.”
A flash of venom crossed Carrie’s eyes, but she still nodded sweetly and disappeared []
The garden was already packed with people. Early this morning. Atlante Corporation’s official account had posted about celebrating CED Quentin Allante’s “new sOIL”
네
But everyone knew the story of Jessica being injured while saving Quentin and losing her ability to have children.[]
Many had come to find out where the hell this kid came from.[]
“Mrs. Atlante is so blessed. We all thought back then…” the guest trailed off meaningfully
As one of New York’s oldest power families, the Atlante succession had always been front–page news]
For years, Quentin and Jessica had been the golden couple with zero scandals.
Everyone assumed the Atlante line would end with them, but suddenly Quentin had produced a kid out of nowhere.
There had to be more to this story
Laurel shot the guest a cold look, though it was gone so fast you might’ve missed it ||
When she spoke again, her voice was warm: “Yes, Carter is an adopted child from an orphanage. He was meant to be an Atlante.“[]
But this excuse wasn’t fooling anyone.
Someone in the crowd stage–whispered: “That kid’s the spitting image of Quentin. Bet he’s Quentin’s bastard childr]
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