Chapter 408

"Grandpa, if you want Nolan back, I'm cool with it," Michael spoke sincerely.

"That's your answer, huh?"

Aiden's tone was flat, giving nothing away.

But Michael could sense Aiden's reluctance. He knew Aiden didn't want Nolan back, especially since Nolan was gunning for the top spot. Aiden saw it clearer than anyone.

"Grandpa, I don't get it. If Nolan was the right guy to take over, why did you give me the reins back then? What are you hiding?"

Michael didn't know what had gone down years ago, but he could tell Aiden had trusted and admired Nolan's skills.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have looked so proud whenever he talked about Nolan.

Yet, just when the company was thriving under Nolan's leadership, Aiden suddenly announced that Michael would be the future heir of the Brown Group, handing the company over to him without any prep.

This decision forced Nolan to leave.

Hearing this, Aiden lowered his eyes. So many years had passed, and he still didn't know if that decision was right or wrong.

But in the end, he had hurt Nolan.

He had caused Nolan to go abroad alone for three years. How could he not feel guilty during those years?

Thinking about it, Aiden sighed and decided not to hide the truth any longer.

"I had planned to take this secret to my grave, but since you asked, I'll tell you the truth. But don't ask about it anymore after this."

"I chose to hand the company over to you because I made a promise to someone that I would never let Nolan take over the Brown Group."

If it weren't for that promise, he wouldn't have made such a sudden decision.

Michael was stunned. A part of his steadfast beliefs seemed to crumble instantly.

Aiden had suddenly announced him as the heir and driven Nolan out of the house just because of a "promise"?

What did all his years of dedication mean then?

He had thought that Aiden had chosen him because of his potential or talent, which was why the Brown Group was handed to him.

But it turned out to be for this reason.

If that was the case, he would have preferred that the Brown Group had never been handed to him. That way, he could have pursued what he wanted freely, without being bound by responsibilities that kept him away from the person he loved most. He wouldn't have had to watch Isabella leave.

"Grandpa, if that's the reason, then I think there's no harm in Nolan coming back. At least Nolan's abilities and vision are no less than mine. If he manages the company, he might do a better job than me."

"Why should you bear the burden of that promise for so many years?"

Aiden wasn't the only one trapped by this situation.

In front of Nolan, Michael was the villain who had seized power. Nolan directed all his hostility towards him.

But back then, Michael had been pushed into this position without knowing anything, without any choice.

For years, he had to hold onto power tightly for himself and his mother.

But what did he gain in the end?

He lost his child, and Isabella left him.

He couldn't even get close to her.

And now Nolan was about to confess to the family about his relationship with Isabella.

If Nolan wanted to take the Brown Group from Michael, Michael would rather give up the power.

That way, he could do what he wanted.

He couldn't stand by and watch Isabella and Nolan together without feeling anything.

Aiden looked at him deeply. "Michael, you shouldn't be saying these things. What are you thinking?"

Michael struggled to find the right words. "Grandpa, I just think Nolan might be more suited for that position. If you don't want to break your promise, why not discuss it with the other party again?"

"I knew I shouldn't tell you this. Don't ask anymore."

Aiden sat down wearily and waved Michael away. "I can't give you an answer about Nolan right now. I'm tired. You can go."

Michael said nothing more and quietly left the study.

The room fell silent.

Aiden stared blankly out the window, looking as if he had aged decades.

He knew what Michael and Nolan were thinking.

His decision back then was too hasty. It hurt Nolan and didn't give Michael any time to prepare.

Now, seeing the result, he knew he bore the greatest responsibility.

But he had made that promise.

Now that the other party was dead, he still clung to that promise, indirectly causing his two grandsons to almost turn against each other. Should he continue to hold on?

Meanwhile, Michael slowly descended the stairs.

His mind kept replaying Aiden's mention of that "promise."

Who could have made Aiden change the company's leadership with just a word?

How much did that person hate Nolan?

As he was about to leave, he glanced out the first-floor window and saw Nolan sitting in the garden.

Even though it was spring, the weather was still cold.

Nolan, dressed in a light blue cashmere coat, sat in a wheelchair, his gaze seemingly on the flowers or somewhere else, with a gray blanket over his legs.

He exuded a deep sense of loneliness.

Michael didn't plan to disturb him.

His feelings for Nolan had long faded over the years, but he didn't hate him either.

After all, Nolan hadn't actually harmed him.

But Nolan's presence had driven a wedge between Michael and Isabella.

So, whether Nolan eventually joined the Brown Group or not, Michael wouldn't feel any guilt. This was their fate as members of the Brown family.

At the Wilson Group, Atticus had just hung up the phone. Isabella hadn't boarded the plane to Auroria; she was already on her way back. He breathed a sigh of relief.

As he put down his phone, he ran into Holden, who had also received the news.

Before he could speak, Holden started ranting.

"Atticus, I have to say, even if you spoil her, you can't let her go to such a dangerous place like Auroria alone. Have you forgotten that the people who wanted Isabella dead last time were sent by that mysterious family from Auroria?"

"No way! I can't rest easy. Notify them that I'm taking a private jet to get there ahead of her. I'll block her at the airport before she lands."

Holden was about to leave when Atticus grabbed him.

"Calm down. You're getting worked up over nothing. Isabella didn't go to Auroria. She's already on her way home."

"Really?"

Holden paused, thinking Atticus might be lying to him, so he asked again, "Atticus, are you covering for Isabella, trying to delay me?"