Chapter 2

A few security guards hesitated. They looked between me, Eleanor, and Chloe, noticing the unmistakable family resemblance in our faces.

Seeing their hesitation, Chloe snapped:

"If you don't drag this troublemaker out right now, consider yourselves fired tomorrow morning!"

I looked at the crowd, feeling a sudden surge of fierce authority. I shouted at the guards:

"I am the only heir to Vantage Group! I am Arthur White's only son! Let’s see who among you dares to touch me!"

My voice echoed through the massive boardroom.

To the wealthy shareholders sitting around the table, however, it sounded like a ridiculous joke.

Smirks spread across their faces. Cruel laughter broke out.

Their sharp, mocking chuckles pierced the air like blades.

"He got into college, yet he’s completely delusional. Next thing you know, he’ll claim he’s the President."

"The White family really drew the short straw. They sponsored an ungrateful leech, and now he wants to steal the family fortune."

Chloe stood by the podium, a triumphant smirk curling on her lips as she joined Brandon in mocking me.

"See? No one is stupid here. No one believes your pathetic lies."

I looked at Eleanor, desperately searching for a single trace of maternal warmth. There was none.

"Aren't you leaving yet?" she hissed coldly. "Everyone here is high society. If you keep making a scene, no one can save you."

Every word they threw at me cut deep.

"Where are the guards? Drag this psycho out! Don't let him spew nonsense in our boardroom!"

I tried to fight back, fighting for an ounce of dignity, but three massive guards pinned me firmly against the floor. I couldn't move an inch.

Seeing me pinned, Brandon grew bolder. He strutted over and kicked me viciously in the ribs.

"My kindness was wasted on a dog. I don't need to be nice to you anymore."

The shareholders watched the circus, some even clapping in amusement. Their cold indifference sent a chill through my spine.

I wondered if they would still be laughing when they realized I was the real young master of the White family.

A couple of younger associates tried to speak up for me, but the crowd's mockery quickly drowned them out, and security ushered them out as well.

I glared furiously at Brandon, but my words were directed straight at Chloe:

"Fine. Call me crazy. Say I have no right to speak here. But I wonder... does a bastard like you have any right to speak here, Chloe?"

Chloe had looked at me with pure disgust a second ago, treating me like a sacrificial lamb.

Hearing my words, her face paled instantly. She exchanged a panicked glance with Eleanor.

I knew the truth all along. Chloe and Brandon weren't White family blood. They were the illegitimate children Eleanor had with her secret lover, Charles Cole.

That was why they staged this coup today. In their eyes, I was just an obstacle to be wiped out.