They had underestimated just how much weight the Wynn family carried in the business world—let alone the fact that Jonathan’s own corporation was among the top in the nation.
With the Wynn family publicly severing ties with the Treno family, no one else dared to test their luck by siding with them now.
Though the main branch of the Treno family had deep roots in politics, the collateral branches weren’t so fortunate—and those very branches were crucial financial backers for the core family.
Now, those same relatives came crying at their door day after day, complaining, pleading, exhausting everyone’s patience.
Even with mounting pressure from within, nothing was working.
Everyone was weighing their options.
And so far, it was clear—the Wynn family had the upper hand.
One afternoon, Talhand gathered all three family lines under one roof.
“Given the current situation, let’s hear what you all think we should do,” he said.
The second branch spoke up first, blunt and cutting. “This mess was caused by Maddox, so he should be the one to clean it up.”
“Last time, you didn’t hesitate to throw Trev under the bus and call it righteousness. What, Maddox doesn’t deserve the same treatment now?”
The third branch didn’t speak, but their expressions made it clear—they agreed.
Talhand had three sons and several grandsons, but he’d always favored Maddox the most. The boy was slick, resourceful, and the most promising heir.
No one ever said it aloud, but resentment had simmered for years.
Now that Maddox had slipped up, of course they’d seize the chance to take jabs at him.
Maddox remained silent, slouched on the couch as if none of it concerned him.
Since his falling out with Jonathan, he’d grown quiet—especially around family.
Trev nudged him. “Come on, you’ve always got something to say. How do you plan to fix this?”
Maddox lifted his gaze, sweeping across the room before replying with sharp sarcasm, “Fix it however you want. I’ve got no opinion.”
“Then go apologize to Jonathan!” Trev snapped. “Didn’t you say whoever messes up should take responsibility?”
He hadn’t forgotten nearly being beaten to death the last time.
Back then, Maddox could’ve kept his mouth shut and no one would’ve known—but instead, he’d thrown Trev under the bus.
Maddox shot him a cold glance, full of contempt.
Normally, that look would’ve terrified Trev, but today, bolstered by the situation, he puffed up his chest.
He was about to speak again when Talhand slammed his cane to the ground.
“Enough! I’m not dead yet. Save your petty squabbles for later. Do any of you understand the gravity of this?”
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