Chapter 443

The next morning, Aiden was having breakfast at the Brown Villa restaurant when he heard a car pull up outside.

The butler came in and announced, "Mr. Nolan Brown is back."

Aiden glanced outside with an unreadable expression and said calmly, "Perfect timing. Have him join us for breakfast."

Stella, who had been eating with Aiden, looked displeased upon hearing Nolan had arrived.

She immediately stood up and said, "Dad, I'm done eating. I'm going back to my room."

With her son not around, she had no desire to face the illegitimate child her husband had brought back from outside.

Just seeing him brought her bad luck.

"Alright, go ahead."

Aiden didn't stop her, instead instructing the maid to prepare another breakfast.

At that moment, the bodyguard wheeled Nolan in.

"Grandpa."

"Nolan, come over here."

Aiden smiled and waved him over, indicating for him to sit beside him.

Nolan obediently took the wet towel handed to him by the maid, carefully wiped his hands, and then joined Aiden for breakfast.

They ate in silence until Nolan put down his utensils. Only then did Aiden speak, "Nolan, you didn't come back just to have breakfast with me, did you?"

It wasn't that Aiden was overthinking it, but Nolan had never been close to the family, especially after the inheritance swap incident. Nolan had left the country in a fit of anger and hadn't returned for three years.

So why would Nolan come home now just to see his grandfather?

Nolan's visit at this time must mean he had something important to discuss.

The last time Nolan returned, he had asked to rejoin the company.

Aiden had thought Nolan had finally forgiven him, but it turned out Nolan was after the position of CEO of the Brown Group.

Initially, Aiden had no intention of agreeing, but seeing what Michael had been through recently, he had a change of heart.

If his actions back then were wrong, he should be the one to bear the consequences, not the innocent Nolan.

With that thought, Aiden sighed deeply. At his age, he shouldn't be meddling in his grandchildren's affairs.

But fate had been unkind to him. Both his sons had passed away, leaving only his grandchildren by his side.

His eldest grandson had been taken abroad by his mother due to his background, severing ties with the Brown Family. His remaining two grandsons were at odds because of his actions.

In the end, it was all his fault.

Hearing this, Nolan dropped the pretense and got straight to the point, "Grandpa, you're right. I have something important to discuss with you."

"But this isn't the right place. Let's go to the study."

Nolan glanced at the file bag by his side, making his intentions clear.

He had come prepared, and this conversation was not for others to hear.

Aiden's old eyes dimmed, but Nolan didn't give him a chance to refuse.

He picked up his cane and headed to the study.

Inside the study, Aiden had just settled into his chair when Nolan opened the file and placed the contract in front of him.

"Grandpa, you might not be involved in the day-to-day, but you're still the chairman. You should check out this document. You might find it... surprising."

Nolan spoke with confidence, a sense of pride radiating from him even as he sat in his wheelchair.

Aiden didn't immediately take the document. Instead, he looked deeply at Nolan, sensing something had changed in his grandson. But he couldn't quite put his finger on it.

"Grandpa, aren't you going to take a look?"

Nolan asked again.

Aiden had no choice but to pick it up. As soon as he opened the first page, he understood Nolan's meaning.

He didn't read further and placed the document back on the table.

"Michael already showed me this contract. Nolan, just say what you want to say. There's no need to beat around the bush!"

Since their last conversation, Aiden had been considering Nolan's proposal. It wasn't that he was unwilling to fulfill the promise, but reality had forced him to compromise.

Moreover, he knew Nolan's management skills well. If he were to push Nolan out again, even Aiden would feel it was a waste of talent. Not to mention, Nolan was his grandson.

Nolan's gaze remained on the document as he sighed softly, "Grandpa, are you sure you don't want to read to the end?"

"What do you mean?" Aiden frowned.

He couldn't guess what Nolan was up to.

Nolan's lips curved into a smile, "I told you, there's a surprise in there that you need to see for yourself."

Aiden found it odd. He already knew the background of this document from Michael. It was a one-sided agreement.

Michael, despite his temper, had good judgment in important matters. Otherwise, Aiden wouldn't have handed over the Brown Group so easily. Over the years, Michael's abilities had grown to match Nolan's at an impressive rate. Michael even showed signs of surpassing Nolan.

Given Aiden's understanding of his grandson, Michael would never sign such a contract!

But as Aiden flipped through the pages to the end, he was shocked to see Michael's signature and the official Brown Group seal on the partner's line.

"This can't be!"

Aiden couldn't believe it.

Just days ago, Michael had assured him he would handle this tricky contract and prevent any financial crisis for the Brown Group. Yet, he had signed this obvious trap?

It involved billions of dollars.

If the contract took effect, Aiden couldn't imagine the Brown Group's fate.

Michael must be joking!

The Brown Group was Aiden's lifelong effort. If something went wrong, he would be letting down the Brown Family's ancestors.

Aiden's face turned dark with anger. He picked up the phone and called the headquarters.

"Where is Michael? Tell him to come back immediately. I have questions for him!"

He slammed the phone down, his anger evident.

Nolan remained calm, knowing his opportunity had finally arrived.

He wheeled himself forward, as obedient and respectful as ever.

"Grandpa, don't be angry. You know Michael's temperament. He likes to take unconventional paths. Maybe he has his reasons. Let's hear him out before you question him."