Chapter 3

3

Ashton was halfway through filming a reality show when he suddenly demanded to break his contract and return.

His manager called me, hoping I could talk some sense into him.

I replied coldly.

"Let him do what he wants. Don't report his business to me anymore."

I knew exactly why he was rushing back. Kayla needed something.

The three of us stood in my uncle's hospital room.

Kayla was sobbing while Ashton held her shoulders, comforting her gently, completely ignoring my presence.

"The doctor says my dad doesn't have much time. I want to help him fulfill his life's dream."

I leaned against the wall, tapping my heel impatiently. I knew what was coming.

Ashton looked at her with such tenderness.

"Tell me. I'll find a way to make it happen."

Kayla rubbed her red eyes, looking like a fragile damsel in distress.

"Dad has shares in Summit Media. He's always cared about your company like it was his own. His dream is to be the Chairman of Summit Media, even if it's just for one day."

After my parents died, my uncle didn't care for the company; he coveted it.

If I hadn't spent years blocking his every move, the company would have been under his name long ago.

I remained silent, offering no hope.

Kayla continued, her voice trembling.

"Maren, I know this is hard to ask. But I don't really want you to give him the throne. Just have HR send out a formal appointment email. Just so he can see it before he passes away. He'll be able to leave in peace."

I suspected that the moment the email was sent, my uncle would jump out of bed and head straight to the office.

I rubbed my temples and turned to the door. I shouldn't have come.

But Ashton rushed over and grabbed my arm, preventing me from leaving.

"Kayla's father is your elder. Shouldn't you do everything you can to let him die with dignity?"

I didn't even want to argue. I shoved him off and walked out.

That night, I was working late in my office.

I had already selected the professional CEO who would run things while I was gone.

Ashton showed up with a lunch box.

He opened it to reveal the same porridge I had seen on Kayla's social media.

"I figured you were too busy to eat. Try this, I made it myself."

He wore a faint smile, acting as if he were waiting for my praise.

He probably expected me to be moved to tears.

I just smiled back.

"No thanks. I make sure to eat on time every day now."

When his flattery failed, his expression soured.

"Maren, I really don't understand you. Why are you always so heartless? You have no parents left. Your uncle is your only family. Why are you clinging to your title so selfishly?"

I let out a sharp laugh.

"He's hardly family."

Ashton grabbed my hand, his voice pleading.

"I'm begging you. Just let him be Chairman for one day."

I pulled my hand away and looked at him with curiosity.

"I'm wondering... who exactly are you begging for?"

His eyes widened in shock. His poor acting couldn't hide his panic, so he chose anger instead.

"You're doubting me? How dare you!"

He slammed the lunch box onto the floor, spilling porridge all over the carpet.

"Maren, Kayla and I are perfectly innocent. If you don't believe me, go ahead and investigate!"