Chapter 682

"I recently heard about the new project department. You did a good job," Joseph's voice, laced with satisfaction, came from the study. "You didn't let me down."

Outside the door, Arianna paused, subconsciously holding her breath to avoid being overheard.

Damian's triumphant voice boomed from inside. "Dad, like I said, I won't disappoint you! I graduated from business administration, after all. Just wait and see! I'll impress all the company's old-timers!"

Arianna almost laughed. This so-called accomplished newbie was merely boasting. Joseph had paid for his mediocre college education and his gilded overseas experience. Though he might have graduated with honors, he lacked practical management skills. The complexities of the business were far beyond a sheltered "nerd" like him to grasp in a few days.

Joseph, needless to say, was overly confident in his son, tolerating his bluster without comment.

Arianna, however, didn't mind. The dumber Damian was, the easier he would be to manipulate. He was, at best, a pawn in her game.

Damian continued, "Dad, I'm still worried. The company's older employees are biased towards Uncle Derrick. They might not accept me. And he still has a son. Are you sure the company will be ours?"

He wasn't entirely stupid; he at least recognized the competition. Arianna shared his concern. While she could easily handle the situation, Uncle Derrick was less controllable. She had made contingency plans. If necessary, she would resort to extreme measures.

Before she could dwell further, Joseph replied, "Don't worry. Your uncle's health is failing. He's seriously ill, but hiding it. He won't last much longer. As for Benedict… never fear someone ambitionless and incompetent!"

His voice dripped with contempt. "Just focus on your achievements. I'll handle the rest."

Damian beamed. "Then I'm relieved! Thanks, Dad! I've already contacted Lily, the world's top perfumer. Everything's prepared for our company's first perfume. It'll be a blockbuster!"

"Excellent. I await your good news."

Father and son chuckled. Arianna, however, remained focused on Uncle Derrick. How ill was he? How long did he have?

She knew Derrick's health had deteriorated; he rarely came to the office, conducting business remotely. His condition was worse than she'd anticipated, and Joseph had kept it from her. Since Damian's arrival, Joseph had lavished attention on his son, treating Arianna like an outsider.

Joseph's patriarchal tendencies, always present, had been less pronounced while she was his only child. Damian's arrival had highlighted the disparity in their treatment, fueling Arianna's resentment.

Turning, she saw Eloise standing behind her. Arianna's heart leaped, but she quickly composed herself. She hadn't noticed Eloise's arrival, and Eloise had remained silent. With a meaningful glance upstairs, Eloise ascended without a word.

Understanding the signal, Arianna quietly followed her mother, leaving the father and son undisturbed.