Chapter 613

Arianna was right. If Eloise didn't retaliate, Joseph would soon oust her from the family.

Arianna and Nathaniel exchanged a look. Nathaniel sat down, saying knowingly, "Mom, you've done so much for the Tanners over the years. You've worked tirelessly and considered everything for them. We spent so much time apart because of that man. You even quit your job and devoted yourself to the Tanners—but what did you get in return?"

His words were like daggers, repeatedly piercing Eloise's heart. The more she considered it, the more unfair it seemed. For years, Eloise had forgone a reunion with her son, working tirelessly for the Tanners. She had given so much, yet Joseph abandoned her simply because she hadn't borne a son. How dare he?

"Mom, it's so unfair," Arianna said softly.

"You're right, but you know how stubborn your father is," Eloise sighed faintly, taking Arianna's hand. "It's a pity you're a girl." Arianna could have taken over the Tanner family business if she were a boy. With her skills and capabilities, she could have even supplanted Joseph's first wife's family and become head of the Tanner family.

Arianna hated hearing that. Her eyes gleamed with an idea, and she smiled. "Mom, although I am a girl, my brother isn't."

"Your brother..." Eloise was startled, her eyes widening as she looked at Nathaniel. Stunned, she shook her head. "No, your brother isn't a Tanner; he…"

"Who said he's not a Tanner?" Arianna interjected, smiling meaningfully.

"Ari?!"

"Mom, though he's not from the Tanner family, your blood runs in his veins. You, Nathaniel, and I are a family. Every bit of the Tanner family's property should be ours!" Arianna declared. Eloise had to admit her daughter's words were tempting.

"We…"

"Yes, we!" Nathaniel emphasized. "Mom, the Tanner men's actions were unacceptable. They ignored your sacrifices and Ari's capabilities, giving their business to an outsider. Are you willing to let this happen?"

Eloise was unwilling. Even if reluctant, she felt powerless, having failed to persuade her husband. However…

"Ari, what are your plans?" Eloise asked, sensing the duo had already formulated a strategy. Do they plan to tell me, or simply ask my opinion?

Sharing a look with Nathaniel, Arianna smiled. "Mom, I want Nate to join the company."

"You want him to do what?!" Eloise, though she'd considered it, was still shocked. "No, your father will find out!"

"Not only that, I'll handle the human resources aspect. Nate will join as an ordinary department manager. Dad won't find out. Even if he does, so what? Will he discover your relationship with Nate?" Arianna said confidently. "He didn't find out for all these years, and he won't now."