| shrank away slightly. It was quite scary to think that so many women lived under the sroof, fighting for the
affections of the sman. It was like those old s one would watch on TV. Moreover, these women did not
want love. What they wanted were money and status. It was terrifying to think that ambitious women like them
lurked in every corner of the place.
"Tory is nothing but an illegitimate child. What right does he have to take over the family business? Wouldn't my
brother be more suited for the role?"
A shrill female voice sounded in the distance. When | heard Tory's name, | looked over subconsciously.
Two women were sitting in the gazebo. One was Seline, and the other was a woman who seemed slightly older.
She looked very similar to Seline and was probably her mother.
Seline was in her 30s, so her mother must at least be in her 50s, but she did not look like she was in her 50s at
all. She looked like she was only in her 40s, she must have spent a lot of tand effort taking care of herself.
When you compared the two, Seline did not look that young anymore. Perhaps it was because she was always
angry. There were too many things she wanted that she could not get.
Madam Esther looked at her and said calmly, "Don't be bothered with who's the successor anymore. This doesn't
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtaffect us much. Just take care of the companies you're in charge of. Nothing has changed. Besides, Tory won't
cast us out of the Zimmersons' home."
"He wouldn't dare!"
Seline snorted. "He should take a good look at himself and recognize his lowly status. His mother just got lucky
and ended up in Uncle Stefan's bed, then she got pregnant with that nasty spawn. We're not even sure if he's
Uncle Stefan's son. | can't believe Grandpa gave him the family business just like that. He wasn't thinking
straight.
Wasn't he worried that Tory will soil the family name? Our family is going to be a joke. We're letting an outsider
steal our business. People will think we're fools. You might be able to stand here and do nothing, but | can't."
Madam Esther sighed softly. "My child, have you always been this temperamental?
It doesn't matter whether the Zimmerson blood runs in his veins or not. He's a capable and successful man. With
him in charge of our wealth, he'll be able to retain it. Just wait and watch. Someone will eventually want him to
fall from his throne."
Seline was stunned for a moment, then she asked, "Mom, are you saying someone is going to do something?"
Madam Esther smiled softly with the sgentle look on her face. "The Zimmerson family's businesses span too
far and wide. Moreover, this isn't the only house in the estates belonging to the Zimmerson family. Those in the
main house might not be happy with this decision either, but let's not talk about them first. Those on Uncle Jack
and Uncle Andrew's side will never let Tory do as he pleases. Just take care of the companies that you own. Your
brothers will be hsoon. Your father said it too. Once they return, they'll join Zimmerson Corporations and
help Tory manage the company. You youngsters still have a long journey ahead of you. We still don't know who
will manage to take control in the end."
When she heard what her mother said, Seline understood immediately. "You're truly the more experienced one,
Mom. | still needed you to spell it out for me. If | cause a ruckus now, | would be giving Tory the upper hand,
right?"
As | listened to their conversation, a chill ran up my spine.
The battle among the wealthy was terrifying. They were willing to sacrifice their conscience and families for
money. Money was their only priority.
Realizing that | was not supposed to be eavesdropping, | turned to leave.
However, when | turned around, | saw myself face-to-face with Tory. | broke in a cold sweat.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm
"Mom, | think there's someone over there.
Madam Esther and Seline seemed to have noticed that someone was nearby.
Just as | felt myself start to panic without knowing what to do, Tory grabbed my arm and draggedaway.
He was familiar with the grounds and guidedout of the courtyard effortlessly. He broughtinto a villa.
He only letgo once he saw that no one was following us. Then, he said expressionlessly, "Theo is waiting for
you in the guest room."
| nodded, getting ready to leave.
'No matter what you heard, if you're smart
enough, you'll pretend that you didn't hear anything. Got it?" he said in an icy tone.
"I know what to say and what not to say. Besides..." | smiled softly. "You cbefore | heard anything."
| had no interest in getting dragged into their family's disputes.