Chapter 2

At the estate, along the long banquet table, Martin sat at the head, while Denise sat beside him. I took Ethan and Ryan and sat next to Denise. Behind us were the rest of the Lockheart relatives.

Though Charles was Martin and Denise's only child, Martin's brothers had large families. But they were all good-for-nothing, spoiled brats. Otherwise, the Lockhearts' huge empire would never have ended up in my hands.

Among them, Charles' cousin, Harold, had some ambition. But he was foolish and had no business sense.

He raised his glass toward me. "Brittany, you're truly amazing. You raised Charles and Whitney's kids and got them all the way to Hallwood. That takes real vision and generosity."

I didn't respond, while Martin merely called out, "Harold," in a mild but warning tone.

Denise held Ethan and Ryan like treasured jewels, reluctant to let go. "You both look so much like your father. Just as handsome, and just as outstanding."

Harold didn't get the reaction he'd wanted from me and refused to let go. "Hah! Until today, people at the company still say Charles and Whitney looked more like a real couple. Who knows who the boys really take after?"

From beginning to end, my expression remained calm. They talked about me as if the woman whose husband cheated and left behind two illegitimate sons wasn't me at all.

Seeing how indifferent I was, Harold lost his temper. "Brittany Morrison, let's be honest. Why are you, an outsider, hogging the Lockheart family fortune? Yes, Ethan and Ryan were young before, and you used them to pressure Uncle Martin. But now that they're adults, you should return the assets to the Lockhearts."

I looked toward Martin.

He nodded in tacit approval. "Harold has a point. Ethan and Ryan are grown up now. They should hold some assets and shares. Brittany, you've worked hard all these years. It's time to rest. Hand the company over to Harold. He needs the experience."

The excuse was too perfect.

When I first returned, the Lockheart family had been in a financial crisis. I had swallowed my pride, using my connections to secure investments. That was how we survived.

Now, Lockheart Group was thriving. Ethan and Ryan had minds of their own. The Lockhearts realized they could no longer control me, so they wanted to push me out completely.

Did they really think I was a pushover?

I traced the rim of my wineglass. "I agree, Martin. Well, I've already set aside shares for Ethan and Ryan. They'll receive them after their graduation. As for who runs the company… Didn't you hear? At yesterday's shareholders' meeting, I was unanimously re-elected as CEO of Lockheart Group."

Harold waited, but when I didn't mention giving him anything, his face twisted with anger. "What about me? Am I worse than those two brats? You're just a Morrison. How dare you act all high and mighty in the Lockheart family?

"I'm telling you, your good days are numbered. Soon, you'll be begging us to treat you better. After all, the Morrison family doesn't even want you anymore!"

After Harold finished smugly, even Martin, who was trembling with anger at the news of my re-election, smiled faintly.

Yes. The Morrison family. I couldn't go back. Years ago, I had broken ties with my family to raise the boys myself. They had since emigrated overseas.

I lowered my head, as if his words had struck a nerve.

Holding his glass of champagne, Harold stood up, passed by me with a sneer, and went off to socialize.

The party was about to begin. More guests filled the hall. Everyone admired Ethan and Ryan, complimenting their handsome looks and intelligence, and asked me to share my parenting wisdom.

With an arm around each son, both of whom stood a head taller than me, I felt steady. I slowly walked up to the second floor and cleared my throat. "Ethan and Ryan's accomplishments come from their own hard work…"

A voice suddenly cut in. "With sons this outstanding, of course it's thanks to their parents' excellent genes!"