Chapter 444

But Nolan's words only deepened Aiden's disappointment in his grandson Michael.

Aiden had been worried sick about Michael and Isabella's marriage for a while now.

Isabella was the granddaughter-in-law Aiden had chosen, and she was carrying the only great-grandchild of the Brown family.

But what had Michael done?

He neglected the company, flaunted another woman in front of Isabella, and acted like a complete jerk.

In the end, he caused Isabella to lose the baby and become completely disheartened with the Brown family.

She even returned the family heirloom.

All of this was because Michael didn't appreciate what he had. If he hadn't been so reckless, he wouldn't have driven away such a good wife.

"Listen to what? His excuses?"

Aiden pointed at the documents, his hand shaking with anger.

"Everything is right here, and he still has the nerve to explain? As the head of the Brown Group, how could he be so stupid? It's a wonder I haven't stormed into the company to knock some sense into him."

"Michael, that idiot, just wait and see how I punish him!"

Hearing this, Nolan's eyes darkened.

He had thought that Aiden's first reaction upon seeing the documents would be to have Michael step down from his position as president.

Then Nolan could step in and become the savior of the Brown Group.

But all he heard was Aiden's anger at Michael's actions, with no mention of changing the heir.

So, even though Michael had made such a huge mistake that harmed the company, he was still forgivable in Aiden's eyes?

This favoritism had always belonged to Michael since they were kids.

But what had Nolan done wrong? He had worked tirelessly for the company for years without anyone caring.

As soon as Michael turned eighteen, Aiden replaced him without a second thought.

Nolan gritted his teeth. He was also a member of the Brown family, also Aiden's grandson. Why could Michael have everything, but he couldn't?

Jealousy filled Nolan's heart, and he clenched his fists on his lap.

But his voice remained calm.

"Grandpa, the company is in such a big mess right now. A verbal warning might not satisfy the higher-ups. The Auroria project involves a lot of money, and Michael made a huge mistake. If word gets out, who will still trust his lead?"

A leader must have the ability to manage the whole situation. If he wasn't transparent and couldn't win people's trust, it would lead to bigger problems over time.

Nolan knew how to push buttons.

A few words hit Aiden right where it hurt.

Aiden narrowed his eyes, his sharp gaze falling on Nolan, his tone unclear.

"Isn't this the result you wanted?"

"If the company fails under Michael's leadership, he will have to step down to take responsibility. You, being in the country and having managed the company before, would be the perfect person to take over after I'm gone."

Aiden's tone was calm, but his words sent chills down Nolan's spine.

He was old, but not senile.

He admitted that Nolan had the ability to help the company through tough times, but Nolan was too impatient.

Aiden wasn't dead yet, and Nolan was already trying to seize power.

In a big family, everyone had their schemes. Aiden wasn't an unreasonable elder, but if Nolan used his cunning against his own family, he was on the wrong path.

Aiden sighed deeply in his heart.

It seemed his actions had hurt Nolan back then, or Nolan wouldn't still be trying to take back the position from his brother.

Nolan was shocked and quickly tried to explain himself, "Grandpa, how can you think that of me? I'm just worried about the Brown family. Don't I even have that right?"

He lowered his head, looking aggrieved.

Anyone else would think he was being treated unfairly. The Brown family had treated him this way, so why should he bother doing thankless tasks?

But Aiden wasn't an outsider. He had managed the Brown Group for decades and had seen all kinds of people.

Nolan's act didn't work on him.

"Nolan, it's not that I can't see through things. I just don't want to embarrass you. I remember the hardships you've endured, so don't be too blatant."

Nolan's face changed, and just then, Aiden's phone rang.

It was Michael calling.

"Grandpa, it's me. I have some things to handle this afternoon, so I might not be able to come back until later or tomorrow."

Michael's voice was low, as if he was speaking from a quiet place.

Aiden didn't care. He was already furious with Michael, and now Michael was making excuses not to come back.

"Dare you say that again?"

"Michael, I'll give you half an hour. If I don't see you today, I'll come to the company and break your legs in front of everyone!"

There was a moment of silence on the other end.

When Michael spoke again, his voice was hoarse and his mood low.

"Grandpa, I'm not joking. I really can't leave."

"What could be so important? You never come home, and you don't care about the company."

"Grandpa, Isabella and I are in court for our divorce case."

Michael's heart bled as he said this.

After what he said to Isabella at the hospital, he had pushed Thomas to expedite the divorce.

Isabella had completely given up on him.

Even though he was doing it for her safety, it couldn't wait any longer.

Fortunately, Thomas was quick, and Michael received the court summons the next morning.

With Thomas personally handling the case, the process was much faster.

But this was what Michael wanted.

Isabella was the recognized heir of the Adri family. If Michael lost the battle with the Adri family, they would target her next.

If they were still married, she would inevitably be dragged into it.

The Brown Group's situation was worsening, and Michael had to consider Isabella's safety.

The only way to protect her was to end their marriage.

He sat across from Isabella in court, but she wouldn't even look at him.

They both had their own thoughts, and the only thing they agreed on was to sign the divorce papers quickly and cut all ties.