Then, Sophia called out to Jessica and Martin. “Let’s go.”
Leo’s actions had left Jessica and Martin shaken to the core. A son-in-law who not only threatened the old Mrs. Henley but also physically confronted her was beyond their comprehension. If Sophia hadn’t intervened, Leo might have actually lost control and harmed the old Mrs. Henley and Bruno.
Terrifying!
Absolutely terrifying!
This person was nothing like the useless son-in-law who used to kneel and apologize. He was now a king, an overbearing king who looked down on everyone.
It was only when Sophia pulled Jessica that she snapped out of her daze. She couldn’t fathom what she had just witnessed. Leo had dared to completely disregard the old Mrs. Henley, and she wondered where he had found the courage.
Leo and Sophia’s departure brought a sense of relief to Bruno and Fanny. While their attempt to deal with Sophia and Leo had failed, the old Mrs. Henley’s unwavering protection shielded them from consequences.
Not only were they safe, but the old Mrs. Henley showed no intention of investigating the theft of the betrothal money or Sophia’s kidnapping. She was truly an exceptional grandmother.
In the parking lot,
“Leo, I’m sorry. I know you did it for me, and I know you’re feeling uneasy right now, but she’s still my grandmother, so…” Sophia looked apologetic as she addressed Leo.
Leo’s mood had improved considerably. He smiled gently at Sophia. “Sophia, it’s alright. Let’s get in the car. We’re going home.”
Seeing Leo wasn’t angry anymore, Sophia finally relaxed. She nodded and opened the passenger’s door, getting in.
Once the car started, Sophia extended her left hand to hold Leo’s right hand. “Let’s put this matter to rest, alright? Don’t pursue it any further.”
“I’ll follow your lead,” Leo said, stepping on the gas pedal and leaving the Henley family mansion behind. Jessica and Martin followed in their own car.
In the living room,
“Grandma, that Leo, he’s gone completely out of control. If this continues, he’ll walk all over us.” Bruno, emboldened by the situation, tentatively spoke.
The atmosphere was heavy, and the old Mrs. Henley’s unconditional support made Bruno feel more confident. He was trying to test the waters.
The old Mrs. Henley couldn’t contain her anger any longer. She scolded Bruno loudly, “Bruno, you scoundrel! Do you think I’m blind or senile? You dare to steal the money and kidnap Sophia. Who gave you the audacity?”
“Grandma, Bruno and I…”
Fanny hurriedly interjected, but before she could finish her sentence, the old Mrs. Henley interrupted her, “Fanny, what can I say to you? I kept those betrothal gifts for you, and they’ll be yours eventually. How can you follow Bruno and create such chaos? If news of the theft reaches the betrothal gift sender’s ears, your prospects will be ruined!”
Fanny understood this principle very well, and she had some grievances in her heart. She muttered, “The person who sent the betrothal gifts are strange. He disappeared after delivering them. What is he up to?”
Watching these two grandchildren who couldn’t seem to learn their lesson, Teresa was on the verge of losing her temper.
Teresa couldn’t maintain her status as the head of the Henley family and the Henley Group without reason. She was well aware that the theft of the betrothal gifts and Sophia’s kidnapping were the doings of Bruno and Fanny, but she couldn’t use family law to punish them for Leo and Sophia’s sake.
If she applied family law, Bruno would be expelled from the Henley family. That would sever the Henley family’s lineage, and even though they would remain a first-class family, it would be meaningless.
The deep-rooted preference for male heirs was poisoning Teresa’s thoughts.
“Grandma, you can scold me or punish me as you wish, but I can’t accept this. Leo is just a freeloading son-in-law who married into the Henley family. He dared to act so arrogantly in our presence, even Sophia doesn’t take you seriously. I can’t swallow this humiliation!” Bruno had no intention of repenting; instead, his hatred for Leo and Sophia grew stronger.
The old Mrs. Henley’s breathing stalled for a moment. Bruno’s words almost made her lose her temper entirely.
When could her legitimate grandson truly grow up?
After a moment of catching her breath, Teresa looked at Bruno earnestly and said, “Bruno, the future of the Henley family will rely on you. Your impatience and vengefulness are fatal flaws for someone in a position of power. You must broaden your horizons. Sophia is your cousin and a member of the Henley family. Treating her like an enemy is a mistake. Before I go underground to join your grandfather, I will ensure that you ascend to the position of chairman. When that time comes, Sophia will be your subordinate, and her company will be your business. When you become chairman, you will have absolute control over the subsidiary companies under the group. So, there’s no need to compete with Sophia now. Do you understand? Now, you only need to cultivate your vision and broaden your horizons. This way, you can lead the Henley family to greater heights long after I’m gone. Do you comprehend?”
Bruno’s eyes lit up, and he suddenly felt enlightened. With his grandmother’s support, the position of chairman was undoubtedly within his grasp. At that point, Sophia’s company would be his, and everything he currently coveted would become his own.
With this realization, Bruno’s mind couldn’t help but entertain another thought, one he initially considered but then dismissed as outrageous.
As long as the old Mrs. Henley remained alive, Bruno had no idea when or if he would ever become chairman. The situation was filled with uncertainties, and the future remained unpredictable.
Bruno had previously tested the waters with the old Mrs. Henley, and her stance was clear. She would only elevate him to the position of chairman when she believed he could effectively oversee the entire family and conglomerate.
Presently, the old Mrs. Henley, though in her seventies, exhibited remarkable vitality. There was no sign of her relinquishing her authority anytime soon.
The day when she would deem him worthy of leadership was an enigma. If Bruno desired to expedite his ascension, there appeared to be only one avenue – the old Mrs. Henley…
When Bruno contemplated this possibility, he was shocked by his own thoughts. He berated himself for entertaining such ideas. But once the idea took root, it proved unstoppable.
Traditionally, upon the old Mr. Henley’s passing, Bruno should rightfully inherit the role of heir to the Henley family and chairman of the Henley Group. However, the old Mrs. Henley had seized power with an iron grip, solidifying her position within the Henley family.
Today’s conversation with the old Mrs. Henley served as a harsh reminder that everything he considered rightfully his had been forcefully taken by this indomitable matriarch.