Supreme Heir Son-in-law

Chapter 801: Forcing the Throne

"Why haven’t you left yet?" The twins and Nancy not leaving was within Marian’s expectations, but this girl’s decision to stay was unexpected for her.

"I wanted to listen a little longer, or do I need to leave now?" The girl looked at Marian with eyes like a timid little bunny and asked.

"No need, you can stay here." Marian didn’t chase her away; her presence was so low-key that they forgot there was another person in the room during their discussion.

"Can I share my opinion?" The girl raised her hand as they were in the heat of discussion, speaking softly, like she was answering a question in class.

The people talking stopped because of her words and looked in her direction, each taking a sip of their tea, to which Marian replied nonchalantly, "Go ahead."

"I think we’re caught in a misunderstanding, we’re all assuming the other side is targeting the father’s children, but is it possible they’re only targeting those three? Maybe it’s a trouble they unknowingly caused by offending someone outside?" the girl said softly.

"That’s unlikely. Among the three, only one has a notorious past, but the other two, one is seen as a model child in everyone’s eyes, and the other is so shy he barely speaks to others, though timid, is well-liked and couldn’t possibly offend anyone," Marian instinctively refuted the girl’s words.

"But I’ve noticed something strange, wherever the girl attended school, there were always unusually high rates of suicide and incidents. In every neighborhood that boy lived in, there have been frequent cases of cat abuse and even instances of missing or murdered children." The girl glanced at their thoughtful faces and gradually quieted down.

"Keep talking." Nancy gave her an encouraging look, prompting the girl to continue.

"It’s just that, although we haven’t found concrete evidence linking these events to them, I can’t believe it’s all coincidental. So maybe we can boldly hypothesize that they did these things, and the perpetrator found out. The person, driven by a sense of justice, might have killed them to stop them from harming others, and their mother was also killed by the killer for not raising them well, though her body hasn’t been found yet," the girl said quietly.

The room fell silent once more.

"What you said actually makes some sense. Maybe we have overthought things," Job muttered to himself, resting his chin on his hand.

"It seems we might have overlooked something. What you said isn’t impossible. I will order a deeper investigation," Albo said.

Nancy coughed lightly and nodded in agreement, "I agree with this. I suggest we cooperate this time and investigate this matter thoroughly. If the person is targeting these three out of personal vendetta, we can put our minds at ease. However, if their intentions are malicious and they’re planning to target us, we should join forces to eliminate this threat first," Nancy said menacingly.

"Let’s do it your way."

Meanwhile, the siblings had figured out a plan on how to deal with the mastermind through their discussion. On the other side, after studying in the dungeon with Xu Ke for a long time, Claude, with glowing confidence, arrived at the Calvin Family’s home with his butler and Xu Ke. At this time, they were waiting in Bart’s lounge, as Bart was occupied with some matters in his study.

Bart’s study was off-limits to everyone except the old butler, who could come and go freely.

Today, Xu Ke didn’t necessarily have to accompany Claude, but Claude insisted on bringing Xu Ke along to witness him acquiring the Calvin Family for himself. It was a moment he’d dreamed of and worked towards since he was young and he wanted it to be witnessed by someone he valued.

"I just finished dealing with some matters. What brings you to see me today?" Bart, exhausted, came from the study to the lounge. He just wanted to rest and didn’t care to keep up appearances with Claude, but years of habit made him reply with a certain level of politeness and detachment, even though it was more distant than usual today.

"Nothing of grave importance, mainly wanted to discuss the matter of succession with you," Claude said casually, glancing around the environment.

"What did you say? Repeat that?" Bart thought he misheard, stopping his hand, which was rubbing his brow, and fixating his sharp, albeit wrinkled eyes, on Claude.

"Didn’t catch that? Then let me repeat, I’m here to discuss your retirement," Claude said, meeting Bart’s gaze unflinchingly.

Claude repeated this notion, which Bart found especially rebellious, "I’m not dead yet, and you’re eyeing my position and my family’s estate already?" Bart slammed his hand down on the sofa back, glaring sharply at Claude.

"You’re destined to hand over this position to me eventually, right? Whether sooner or later makes no difference, does it? I’ve honed my capabilities and can stand on my own now, and you’re getting older; it’s time to enjoy life. By giving me your position now, I can help the company through its current hardships, and you can retire peacefully, isn’t that beneficial for both of us?" Claude said with a cheerful smile.

Bart, wise as he was, even with age, was not muddleheaded enough not to catch on. Hearing Claude’s words, for the first time, his gaze took on a shade of anger, "You’re the one behind the company’s troubles?"

Claude didn’t beat around the bush and nodded directly.

"How dare you? How could you? That’s the foundation accumulated by the Calvin Family over generations. Instead of protecting this root, you’re trying to infest it with worms to hollow it out. I’ve treated you well over the years, and this is how you repay that kindness? Have you no conscience? Are you not tormented by guilt?" Bart stormed over to Claude, intending to give him a harsh slap.

But halfway through, Claude easily blocked him.

"I’m no child anymore. Want to hit me? That’s not happening." Claude said with a smile at the corner of his mouth.