"I know we have invested $700 million on the project in NF, so you personally want to deal with the problem. But we all know that it'll be very dangerous. Therefore, I'm not gonna let you take that risk,"
Nicholas gave a sharp cough as he spoke.
Terence immediately stood up and helped him stroke his back. Then, he stated, "Grandpa, my decision to go there this time is not just because of the money. I got news that Marcus wants to separate from the family. He secretly transferred 80% of our estate in NF to his name."
He watched his grandfather's reactions for a little while. When Terence saw that he was still stable, he continued, "What's more, he even hired a group of mercenaries and he has already set up a state-of-the-art security system. If we continue to ignore it..."
That was what triggered the old man. He interrupted Terence and spoke, "Terence, what are you saying? I can't believe Marcus would do such a thing. How dare he?
He has already violated the rules of our family if he actually did that. And he will be expelled from the family!"
The reason why the An family could be as majestic and prominent the way they were today was because of their strict family rules.
It was strictly forbidden to set up his or her own business. Because this kind of behavior would definitely weaken the strength of the family as a whole.
If every child of the An family dispersed the family business, then the AJ Group would have already fallen apart.
And if that happened, the An family wouldn't have buildt their empire the way it was today.
"However, since Marcus has made up his mind to do it like that, it will be extremely dangerous for you to meet him. Besides, you know that he won't show you mercy," Nicholas warned as he continued to cough. He was really worried for Terence.
Marcus's intentions were crystal clear. He wanted to take Terence's place.
For Terence however, Marcus was his brother. He tolerated everything that he had done because he cared about him. That was why he almost got killed by Marcus's men the last time he was in BH City.
"But if I don't go there, then who else can we send as a representative of AJ Group? Can we ask the workers who have been here since the day AJ Group was launched to face the dangerous Marcus? Or my father? Or even Rhys?" Terence asked softly.
This time, he was sure that he had to handle it himself, even though he knew that if it really came down to it, he might fight against his elder brother. If he was meant to be in that bloody fight, then he would just face it bravely.
'If Marcus really wants to kill me, I won't hesitate to do everything that I have to do to save my own life. Even if that includes killing him. That would have been what he's asking for, ' Terence thought to himself.
Nicholas sighed and shook his head without saying another word.
After a while, he spoke, "Terence, I know you care about Marcus because he is your older brother. But you must remember that you are everything to Carla and me.
If he's determined to proceed with his plans when you do meet him, then don't be soft-hearted. Otherwise, Marcus will get his hands on the AJ Group. I'm not sure if he's going to do it before, after or during but I'm sure that plan comes with him crushing you into dust and even killing you,"
Nicholas said. Even though it was hard for him to speak, concern and worry were evident in his voice.
Nicholas was afraid that the AJ Group would fall into Marcus' hands. And his apprehension was not because he thought that Marcus would be unable to run the company well. But Nicholas knew that he was too ambitious. He seemed to be poised and alert in person. But gradually, people would find that most of the things that he did were to get himself and even the AJ Group in danger.
Indeed, the leader of the AJ Group should have some sense of ambition. However, his ambition should be for the benefit of the company, not just for his own.
"Don't worry, Grandpa. Both Rainer and Nathan will go with me. They will protect me. Besides, you have set up more than a hundred bodyguards for me. Trust me. I'll be back home safe," Terence calmly promised.
Nicholas remained quiet. He already saw himself worrying about Terence for the next few days and that was something that he did not look forward to at all.
Nicholas had always worried about the people he loved, which would no doubt be bad for his heart. After all, he had a heart problem.
Meanwhile, Carla was enjoying the flowers in the yard. She didn't know whether Terence and Nicholas had already finished talking.
After quite a while, Terence finally came down the stairs.
"Carla, sorry to keep you waiting for so long," Terence said as he walked towards Carla and gestured her to stand up. He added, "Let's go. My father has prepared lunch for us."
"Okay. How is Grandpa?" Carla asked as she got up from the chair. Then, she held his hand.
"He's fine. He felt a little tired and sleepy. So right now, he's sleeping soundly," Terence responded with a smile. Then he pulled her into his arms and whispered, "Well, just as I have told you, you don't have to worry about whether Grandpa will like you or not. As long as I love you, he will like you."
Carla tried to look at him as she snorted in laughter, "Well, are you saying that Grandpa likes me just because you love me? Is it not because I'm just too adorable?"
"What...You..." Terence burst into laughter and he leaned down to kiss her cheek. Then, he directed her to the car and headed for the East Yard.
However, Terence didn't pay any attention to him.
'Does he really think that I'm that easy to fool? Although I'm not that young anymore, just taking a closer look at Carla, I can already tell that she isn't pregnant at all, ' Edmund thought to himself.
Meanwhile, Carla was patiently waiting downstairs.
Of course, she didn't start eating before Terence and his father came to the dining hall. After all, Edmund was Terence's father. She must respect him and wait for him.
No matter how hungry she was at that time.
Finally, she saw Terence come down the stairs, but she didn't see his father.
"Don't wait anymore. My father has already eaten. Let's start our meal now," Terence said to Carla as he took his seat.
"Really?" Carla questioned, glancing at the stairs.
Terence grabbed his chopsticks and placed some food in her bowl. He said, "Just eat lunch for now. I remembered that you mentioned how hungry you are on our way here, right?"
"That's right," Carla said as she smiled at him. Then, she took a deep breath. She could sense that
Terence's father didn't like her before.
And now it seemed like he still hadn't changed his mind.
In fact, it was Carla's first official visit to Terence's family to pay her respect. But she didn't expect that Terence's father wouldn't even show his face.
However, she could easily tell that Terence didn't actually care about his father's opinions.
Because she knew that in his heart, Grandpa Nicholas' approval was much more important than that of his father's.
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