Chapter 78 - Chapter 77

@International_Pen

(ZHIO)

"Ah here he is," Eriez clamped his hands at his hips.

Something about his big smile unnerved me instantly as I approached the company entrance; my men tailed behind me like black ants.

"How's your night?" Wenziel was also grinning ear to ear.  

They seemed to know something more, else they wouldn't be as happy as they looked.  

Did Wenziel have me followed again? I greatly doubt it was Deo. Might be my men at the cabaret doing double-missions. After all, their loyalty was shared unevenly between me and my foster fathers. They'd be doing more favor for Wenziel and Eriez than they will for me.  

I'm pissed.

"I heard you brought a woman to a hotel," Eriez teased.

Of all the people present, I guessed he was the happiest about it.  

Fuck.

"The project 'Rose'," Wenziel smiled sweetly as he nodded.

"And everything you've done to help Claire Masadra. We'd finally got a name."

Even that?

"…Although I'm not happy with your nightclub mess again- with Derick Brundon of all people," Wenziel crossed his arms.

"But I'll let it pass for the most interesting part. You and Claire Masadra sharing one hotel room…don't tell me nothing happened?"

I smiled at the cunning man.

"Well, too bad. Nothing happened between us, especially not what you two were expecting."

The two froze.  

I walked past them but kept my words coming out.

"I guess I wouldn't be able to fulfill that responsibility to the clan anymore. But the adoption can."

The doctor followed at my side and kept his voice low for only the two of us to hear.

"Think about it Zhio. I'm not considering your option to adopt."

"It's still up to me," I shrugged.

"I'll have the adoption papers done and draft my succession plan. What's bad about that?"

"Everything about it," he exhaustedly dropped the topic and handed me an envelope when we reached my office.

"An invitation from the Brundons."

The image of Derick's face that I've delightfully punched came into mind.

The Brundons inviting me to come over their place?  

Heck. I don't ever want to go to that pathetic hellhole.

I ignored the little card that he placed at my table and looked instead at the folder of documents piled in the corner. It was brought in by Wenziel the previous day.

Those were the irrevocable living trusts that he and Eriez made. Those trusts were basically the declaration of transferring everything they owned to me as both the trustee and absolute beneficiary. All of it would be in effect once they die or become disabled to even manage their own affairs.

@International_Pen