Heartstrings on Fire (Agnes and Jared)
Chapter 665

Laura spoke up, "Cilian, may I have a word with Berlin privately?"

Cilian rose from his seat, "You two should talk. I don't want matters to escalate to the point of no return."

Cilian stood, "Everyone else, please proceed to the dining room for dinner."

The others moved to the dining room, leaving Laura and Berlin behind.

At dinner, Kevin Thomas tried to lighten the mood, "The Thomas family is becoming quite lively. It's about time Uncle Berlin's philandering caught up with him. Valeria, thank goodness you are nothing like him. Despite your husband's scandals, you've remained faithful. Did Uncle Berlin influence you in some way?"

Valeria looked up, her gaze sharp, "The influence of one's upbringing is undeniable. But Kevin, was your own sexual orientation influenced by our uncle?"

Kevin's sexual orientation had always been a sore spot for Cilian. He dared not quarrel with Valeria in front of Cilian and swallowed his words.

Cilian's expression darkened; the recent events at the company and their home had taken a toll on him. He was exhausted.

He turned to Ryder and said, "Ryder, have you given any thought to what I mentioned last time?"

Everyone's gaze shifted to Ryder. They all knew Cilian's one wish for Ryder was to return to the family business and eventually take over. Unfortunately, Ryder had no interest in this.

"I have no interest in business matters and I have no business acumen," Ryder stated.

"With your intelligence, if you're willing to learn, I have no doubt you could be running the show in three to five years. I'm getting older and lack the energy. Apart from Valeria, I have no reliable help. Moreover, when you marry Agnes and have a child, you can't live overseas forever. I want your child to be by my side and groomed as the heir."

Ryder replied calmly, "Even if we have a child in the future, I would want them to live their life as they please, not as an heir."

Cilian's anger flared, he threw his cutlery into his plate, "Are you all trying to drive me to an early grave? Is it that you all want the Thomas family's empire to perish after me or do you wish for me to work myself to death, even in my old age? I have three sons, all of whom I had high hopes for and yet..."

Cilian, too upset to eat, left the table.

Once Cilian had left, Kevin sighed, "Ryder, you should accept dad's offer. In his eyes, you're the only capable son. Valeria and I are just for show."

Valeria replied coolly, "And that's all you are, for show."

Kevin rose abruptly, "Valeria, I've held my tongue for long enough. Don't think that because you're the CEO, you can step on me. I spent a year on that proposal and you rejected it without a second thought. You clearly have no respect for me."

"Kevin, don't bother bringing such garbage proposals to me in the future. The investment is too large, the risks unpredictable, and the market unknown. Business is about realism, not your romantic fantasies." "Valeria, all you see is money. No wonder no man wants you with your greed."