Babel Novel
Chapter 89
Chapter 89
Are you discussing this with me, Grandpa, or just Informing me?” His tone was Indifferent, tinged with profound disappointment.
“Since you understand, just sign it.” Warren slid the agreement across the table toward him.
“Mr. Chadwick!” Gwendolyn clutched his hand, “Nobody can force you into this.”
She watched, powerless, as he was stripped of one possession after another that was rightfully his.
Howard looked up into the steely eyes of the venerable Warren, “I have something in
hand.”
He pulled out a voice recorder and placed it before Warren, then pressed play.
It was the recording of Bainbridge spilling the truth in a drunken stupor on that fateful night, a monologue of guilt. “The car accident was my doing. Why isn’t he dead? Being a cripple is not too bad. Howard should’ve died long ago, Waldo… ha, Waldo’s on my payroll, too.”
Warren’s weathered face grew darker, his tone menacing. “Drunken nonsense. That’s no evidence.”
“If I give this to the press, they’ll have a field day with it,” Howard said. “Justice resides in the hearts of the people. Plus, the poison prepared by Waldo is in our house. I suspect Bainbridge has nothing to do with that.”
Howard knew it wouldn’t stand up in court. A secret recording made by inebriated confessions couldn’t be considered hard evidence. It was merely leverage against
Warren.
“Are you threatening me, refusing to give up a measly 5% of the shares? You know the consequences of defying me. There are others in the second branch of the family.”
“I’m aware of your capabilities, Grandpa. I can sign that agreement but have one condition.”
His fingers danced around the pen as he spoke with a cold detachment, “I want out! To sever ties with the Chadwick family! From now on, I’m not part of the Chadwick family!”
Buzz filled Gwendolyn’s ears.
Howard was leaving the family! That was his shocking action.
“You insolent fool! What nonsense are you spouting?” Warren thundered.
“I want nothing to do with this family ever again.” His gaze was icy, as distant and
determined as an alpine blossom.
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his chest in fury. For generations, the Chadwick family’s creed has been
us face severe punishment. The rod of authority, the severing
He lose all the glory and power of the Chadwick family!”
1 was bom a Chadwick, raised under its protection, and I’ve contributed my share. The only thing I can’t wash away is the blood in my veins! Apply the family law to me. Kill or
at me ed well be even!” Howard’s eyes were frosty.
You
you! Bring the cane!” he ordered sternly. “Bring it here!”
The butler hesitated before heading toward the family chapel. It had been years since he invoked the family law. A storm was brewing in the Chadwick family.
“Mr. Howard is breaking family ties!”
is Mt. Howard severing his relationship with the Chadwick family?”
Whispers and uneasy glances spread through the house. Farrah lurked outside, relishing
the drama.
The butler carefully retrieved the rod of authority, a willow stick longer than half a foot, coated in a shiny red lacquer that gleamed in the light.
Warren grabbed it, his voice seething with anger. “Are you sure? There’s no turning back
from this!
“Please, Grandpa, write a declaration of disownment and stamp it with your seal so you can’t change your mind later, Howard challenged, standing tall and defiant.
“Fine! Fine“” In a rage, Warren wrote a few lines on a paper, signed it, and stamped it with a red seal. He threw the paper at Howard, who signed the ‘Share Transfer Agreement‘ in
return.
“Howard, you’ll regret this! Even with his favoritism, there was a soft spot for Howard.
Yet, his protection of Bainbridge and his actions against Howard are incredibly disheartening
“Proceed with the punishment!”
Howard lifted his head, his gaze burning brightly.
“Stop! Sir, Howard is still injured. He can’t take the beating!” Gwendolyn protested anxiously.
“Gwendolyn, please leave,” Howard said as he gently pushed her away.