Genius Kids' Scheme Claiming Daddy's Billionaire Empire novel Chapter 31

Chapter 31: What’s Not Yours

“I’m just concerned, that’s all.” Nathan’s voice dripped with fake sweetness, like artificial honey trying to mask poison. As your brother, I should look out for you. Grandfather shouldn’t have to worry about these things in his condition.”

Like you’ve ever worried about me before, Irene thought, her stomach churning at his obvious act. She kept her face carefully blank as she helped Joseph with his tea, but inside she was counting backward from ten, using every trick she’d learned in med school to keep her cool. Funny how dealing with entitled patients had prepared her for family drama.

Joseph wasn’t buying it either. His hands trembled as he set down li teacup with enough force to make Irene wince. The sharp crack of china against china sliced through the fancy restaurant’s hughed atmosphere.

“Now I see what this is about!” His voice shook with a fury that made even Nathan lean back slightly. “This lunch wasn’t about family at all – you’re here about the shares, aren’t you?” Each word carried years of disappointment. “None of you cared how your sister was doing all these years! And I actually believed you were different!”

Irene watched the mask of concern slip from Nathan’s face like water off glass, revealing something cold and calculating underneath. There it is, she thought grimly. The real Nathan Sterling.

“Sister hasn’t been part of this family for twenty years.” He practically spat the word ‘sister‘ like it tasted bad. “She hasn’t earned the right to Sterling Group shares. Giving such a large stake to an outsider would raise serious concerns. His voice dropped low, reminding Irene of the way snakes moved right before striking. “She doesn’t qualify.”

The temperature seemed to plummet. Nathan’s carefully constructed CEO persona morphed into something darker, more threatening. “Besides, I’m sure you understand that taking what isn’t rightfully yours would be… unwise. Isn’t that right?”

Oh honey, Irene thought with a mixture of amusement and disgust, you really have no idea who you’re dealing with. She set down her fork with deliberate care, letting a slight smile curve her lips as she met his gaze head–on. Five years of wrangling three genius kids through terrible twos and beyond had given her nerves of steel. This corporate intimidation routine? Amateur hour.

“If Grandfather chooses to give me something, I’ll accept it.” Her voice came out steady and clear, carrying just a hint of try me. “Why shouldn’t I?”

She leaned forward slightly, channeling every bit of that scary–mom energy that could stop her kids‘ schemes with a single look. “Not rightfully mine? That’s interesting coming from someone who’s so desperately trying to prevent me from receiving it. You all jump out to oppose this, even resort to warnings and threats. Perhaps you’re the ones coveting what isn’t yours?”

Nathan’s face darkened like storm clouds rolling in. “That’s not what I meant at all!”

“Really?” Irene felt a surge of satisfaction as her perfectly arched eyebrow made him flinch. Still got it. “If that’s not what you meant, then drop this condescending act. Stop pretending to be the concerned older brother while looking down on me with pity. I answer to Grandfather alone – no one else has the right to dictate my choices or demand my compliance!”

She felt like one of those little hedgehogs her kids were always cooing over on YouTube – not aggressive by nature, but absolutely ready to bring out the spikes when threatened. The scared girl who’d run away in shame five years ago was gone, replaced by a woman who’d built her own life from scratch, faced down impossible odds, and come out stronger.

“You’re being unreasonable!” Nathan’s perfect control cracked like cheap paint, revealing the entitled brat underneath.

Outside, Joseph’s anger melted into guilt as he looked at Irene. His eyes filled with remorse that broke her heart. ‘I’m sorry, i shouldn’t have arranged this lunch.” His voice cracked like old glass. My dear girl, you shouldn’t have to endure this!”

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