Chapter 564
Cedric was shaking with rage. He raised his hand, ready to strike Simon, who sneered in defiance.
“Mr. Aicker, look around. So many people are watching. Are you sure you want to cut ties with me right here?” Simon’s voice dripped with arrogance.
He continued, “If you do, by tomorrow morning, every major and minor power in Jayrodale will know that the Aicker family has splintered. Do you really think you can handle the consequences of that scandal? Without me, the Aickers won’t even be relevant anymore!”
Simon’s bitter words were laced with hatred and conceit.
Cedric quivered with fury and hissed through gritted teeth, “You’ve gone mad! You’re blinded by greed and ambition. As soon as we return to the Aicker residence, you’ll pack your things and leave. From this day forward, you are no longer my apprentice!”
Simon’s face contorted with rage. “Fine! You want me gone? Then give me Fran as my wife, and pass the leadership of the Aickers to me. Otherwise, I won’t leave!”
“Do you really think that will happen?” Cedric spat. “You’re right about one thing—the Aickers need an heir, and Fran can’t shoulder the entire burden alone. But I’d rather let the family dissolve or hand it over to Andrew than give it to a poisonous snake like you.”
Simon’s eyes burned with fury. “So that’s it? You’d give everything to that pretty-faced Andrew? What is it about him that makes you so biased? What does he have that I don’t?”
Cedric gave a cold laugh. “What do you lack compared to him? Everything. You don’t even come close. I held back the truth all these years to protect your ego, but now that you’ve crossed the line, it’s time you heard it. Compared to Dr. Lloyd, you’re an incompetent fool in every respect.”
Cedric’s voice grew even colder. “I’d rather have Fran be Andrew’s mistress than let her marry you. At least that way, her life won’t be ruined under your control.”
With a final glare, Cedric turned on his heel and stormed off, leaving Simon shaking with rage.
Simon stood there, his fists clenched as he watched Cedric walk away. He muttered under his breath, “You senile old fool! You’re digging your own grave!”
His humiliation and resentment surged in waves, consuming him with each passing moment.
He replayed Cedric’s words in his mind, how Cedric would rather see Francesca with Andrew than with him. That thought clawed at Simon’s pride like a searing wound.
As his mind spiraled with hatred, Cedric climbed the platform at the center of the crowd, drawing everyone’s attention. The platform was set up for the Moonlit Apothecary’s grand opening ceremony, reserved for special guests.
The atmosphere shifted as Cedric ascended, his face clouded with frustration. People sensed that something was amiss.
Andrew, who had been welcoming Mark and other guests, noticed the tension and immediately found Francesca. He asked, “Fran, what’s going on between your grandfather and Simon?”
Francesca sighed in frustration. “I’m not entirely sure. I argued with Simon earlier, but I left before things escalated. I wouldn’t be surprised if he tried to force my grandpa to marry me off to him again. That’s all that maniac ever thinks about!”