Chapter 268

EDWIN POV

As I stood in the shadows of the parking lot, hidden from view, I listened intently to the heated exchange between Lucas and my uncle Kendrick.

For weeks, I had been lurking around the Busch offices, waiting for the perfect opportunity to exploit any cracks in Lucas's facade.

I knew that his rebellious nature would eventually lead to conflict with Kendrick, and I had positioned myself strategically to witness it firsthand.

Lucas's lack of ambition and his refusal to conform to Kendrick's expectations only reinforced my belief that I was the rightful heir to the family empire.

I couldn't comprehend why Kendrick continued to favor his son over me, especially when I possessed the drive and determination necessary to lead the company to greater heights.

But now, as I listened to their argument, I realized that this was my chance to seize control of my destiny.

With Lucas's rebellion destabilizing the family dynamics, I saw an opportunity to step into the spotlight and assert my authority.

Lucas's defiance had humiliated Kendrick, and it was evident that my uncle's attempts to mold his son into his desired successor had failed miserably.

I couldn't help but feel threatened by Lucas's bold rejection of his father's authority, knowing that it could potentially alter the course of the family business and, consequently, my own future.

"Fine, Lucas! If that's how you want it, then so be it! I don't want to see you again until you come to your senses. Edwin will be taking over your responsibilities from now on." I heard Kendrick shout.

As I contemplated my next move, a sinister smile tugged at the corners of my lips.

Now was my time.

Once both Kendrick and Lucas had departed, I slipped away unnoticed, my mind racing with thoughts of what I had overheard.

I needed to seek counsel from someone I could trust, someone who understood the intricacies of our family dynamics better than anyone else—my father, Bradford.

My father and Kendrick were brothers, however, Kendrick has always shut out my father. Growing up, they were close.

I recalled the days when my father and Kendrick were inseparable, their bond unbreakable, and our family united in purpose and ambition.

But as we grew older, tensions emerged, and Kendrick's rise to power drove a wedge between him and my father. Their once-close relationship soured, leaving my father on the outskirts of the family business and me caught in the crossfire of their rivalry.

Despite the rift between them, I knew that my father still harbored resentment toward Kendrick for shutting him out.

Lucas was right when he said that Kendrick only cares about two things: power and money. If anyone or anything gets in the way of that, Kendrick rejects it.

It was my father's resentment that I hoped to leverage to my advantage as I sought his counsel in the wake of Lucas's rebellion.

Arriving at my father's house, I hesitated for a moment before knocking on the door. The anticipation of our conversation weighed heavily on my mind, but I knew that I needed his guidance now more than ever.

He opened the door after minute, surprised to see me there. "Edwin?"

"Can I come in?" I questioned, looking around to make sure that nobody had followed me by any chance. "It's important."

My father let me in his house and led me to his study.

There was piles of paperwork scattered around the room. He returned to the seat at his desk, his brow furrowed in concentration as he looked over documents resting there. His gaze shifted to me after a moment, his expression curious.

"So, Edwin," he set aside his work, tilting his head as he spoke with me. "What brings you here at this hour? What is so important?"

Taking a deep breath, I recounted the events of the evening, sparing no detail as I relayed the argument between Lucas and Kendrick.

"Lucas wants no part of the Busch business, and Kendrick said he didn't want me to take over the business, but without Lucas he has no choice."

Bradford's features darkened with each passing moment, his anger simmering beneath the surface.

"Kendrick is a disgrace," he muttered, his voice laced with contempt. "He's let his obsession with power blind him to what truly matters—family."

"I couldn't agree more," I replied, my own frustration evident. "But what are we to do? We can't exactly stop him."

"That's what you think." My father's eyes gleamed with determination. "I've been waiting for a day like this to come."

"You have?" I questioned, coming closer to him.

My father gestured for me to take a seat as he poured us each a glass of whiskey. Sitting across from me, he took a sip before continuing, his gaze fixed on me with a steely intensity.

"Kendrick has always been driven by his desire for power and control," he began, his voice low and measured. "But he's blind to the consequences of his actions. He's so focused on maintaining his grip on the family empire that he fails to see the damage he's causing."

I nodded in agreement, my frustration with Kendrick growing with each passing moment. "But what can we do about it? He won't listen to reason, and he's already made it clear that he's willing to cut ties with Lucas."

"That's where you come in, Edwin," my father said, his tone taking on a hint of urgency. "You have an opportunity to step up and fill the void that Lucas's departure will leave. With my guidance, you can become the leader our family needs to steer the Busch empire back on course."

"Are you saying that you have a plan?" I asked.

My father nodded, his voice lowering to a whisper. "No, Edwin. We have a plan. It's time we took matters into our own hands."

I nodded, feeling a thrill of excitement at the thought of finally getting what I've always wanted... as much as Kendrick wants power and money... so do I.

I've been desiring this for years, lusting it, jealous that I wasn't in Lucas's position.

He was truly foolish for not wanting to take over his own birthright. But his foolishness will be my success.

"What do you mean?" I asked, leaning in closer, eager to hear his solution.

"We'll use this opportunity to our advantage," Bradford explained, his tone calculated. "We'll let Kendrick believe that Lucas's rebellion has severed ties between them, but in reality, we'll strengthen our position within the family."

"How do you propose we do that?" I inquired, intrigued by his strategy.

"Revenge, in the sweetest form."

A chill ran down my spine as my father's lips stretched into a wide smile.

"It's about damn time we got what we deserved. And you deserve this, Edwin."

I nodded slowly, considering his words. Revenge was always a risky game, but if executed correctly, it could catapult us to a position of power within the family business.

"And what about Kendrick?" I asked, a hint of uncertainty creeping into my voice.

"We'll deal with Kendrick according. It's all part of the plan," Bradford stated, his gaze hardening. "We need to focus on securing our future."

As we continued to discuss our plan late into the night, I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation building within me.

This was our chance to reshape the future of the Busch empire, and I was ready to seize it with both hands.