Chapter 651 - Last Will

Why?

Why did Old Guan die when in the past, he was still clearly energetic at this time?

What prompted this change? Did something happen in the Guan family?

Xiong Zhi's eyes flickered.

The war for succession. 

Xiong Zhi's hands clenched.

She prevented Old Xiong's death with her timely intervention in the Xiong family, yet Old Guan's death was hurried forward. 

The old man's death was eerily similar to her grandfather's death in the past life.

Old Guan's death was, without a doubt, man-made.

Her eyes turned to Guan Gao Huan. 

Since that poison came from Guan Gao Huan, there was a possibility that Guan Gao Huan used the same poison on Old Guan as well. In the past, Xiong Zhi did not suspect that Guan Gao Huan had a hand in Old Guan's death, but now... knowing that he was fake, he was the very suspect. 

However, why so soon?

The fight for sucession would end tomorrow.

The shareholders would hand their votes in and determine who would be the heir of the Guan Empire tomorrow. Why not let the old man live for another day and cast his vote? Based on the information she got, Old Guan seemed to favor Guan Gao Huan. Now, without the old man's votes, Guan Gao Huan's chances...

A thought occurred to Xiong Zhi.

She scanned the room. 

The old man's last will and testament.

Was it possible that the old man promised Guan Gao Huan something? 

Did he decide already on his candidate in advance?

Since the old man's will would be traditionally read on the same day that he passed away with the presence of the witnesses who were the headmasters and heirs of the other families, if there was a statement regarding the succession, then it would greatly impact tomorrow's voting results.

Xiong Zhi's eyes became grave.

Her eyes lost in thought stared at the heartbroken Guan Gu Ri and Guan Xixin. Her heart throbbed with guilt. She closed her eyes as she let the painful howls of the people around her seeped into her heart.

***

On that same day, many people gathered inside the large meeting room of the Guan mansion.

It was already dark outside. Old Guan's body was being handed over to the experts to take care of while the relevant people of important status gathered to hear the old man's last will and testament.

It was to make sure that the ill-minded would not have the chance to tamper with the will.

The lawyer read the old man's last will in front of the witnesses.

After reading the formalities of the old man, it finally came to the inheritance of his three grandsons.

Everyone straightened up.

It was the most important turning point of the Guan family.

"I appoint my eldest grandson, Guan Gu Ri, to be the head of the Guan Family. He will oversee the other branches and his decisions concerning the family must be adhered by all family members. I hope the head branches would respect my decision regardless of the result of the succession."

!!!

All the head branches present were momentarily stunned.

Guan Gu Ri was the new headmaster of the Guan family!

Before, whoever won the succession trial would be the headmaster and the leader of the Guan Empire, but due to this accident, it was decided the other way around.

Now, with Old Guan being unable to cast his vote, the eldest young master would likely get the favor of the board. After all, the headmaster of the family had always been the chairman of the Guan Empire.

Regardless of their thoughts, they stood up and bowed to Guan Gu Ri to express their agreement and allegiance. 

It seemed that the eldest young master would direct the waves of the Guan family in the future.

Recovering from his surprise, Guan Gu Ri also slowly stood up and bowed in return. 

...Never in his entire life did he expect his grandfather to entrust him such a great power and responsibilities.

The lawyer continued on reading.

"I request the board of directors to assist and follow my second grandson, Guan Xixin, concerning the matters of all business overseas. He will be the chief director of all the subsidiaries and foreign branches of the Guan Empire outside of the domestic and continental scope. His decision is my will."

Guan Xixin solemnly lowered his head in obedience.

The Guan Empire's overseas business composed thirty percent of the total Guan Empire properties and shares. If he nurtured it properly, it could grow more and might rival the Guan businesses here in the country and in the continent.

The members of the board that favored Guan Xixin hid their pleasant smiles. It was good news to their faction.

"I nominate my third grandson, Guan Gao Huan, and vote for him as the candidate for the heir position of the Guan Empire--"

Gasps filled the room.

Everyone's eyes were shocked as they stared at the lawyer.

What did they just hear?! 

The old man had decided his vote in advance!

He voted for Guan Gao Huan?

But the headmaster was Guan Gu Ri!

Guan Xixin had the most violent reaction. He stood up angrily.

"What is the meaning of this?! There is no way that grandfather will vote for this fake!"

"Xixin!" Guan Gu Ri called out to his second brother. 

"But brother, you are the new headmaster--"

"Calm down. The reading of grandpa's last will is not yet done."

Guan Xixin bit his lips. He glared fiercely at the lowered head of Guan Gao Huan. 

When Guan Gao Huan looked up, he faintly smirked at Guan Xixin, before resuming the look of melancholic surprise.

Guan Xixin: !!!!

He was so frustrated that he wanted to break things. 

But with the presence of the other head masters and board of directors, he begrudgingly sat down. Still, the fury in his eyes did not dissipate.

Xiong Zhi who was silently sitting beside his grandfather watched the interactions carefully.

Hearing the declaration about the vote, she confirmed one thing. 

Old Guan's sudden death was definitely the work of Guan Gao Huan.

But how could they prove it?