As soon as Morgan heard I had left the Lawsons, he followed without hesitation. Everyone else on my team said they would stand by me, too.

"Mr. Lawson, wherever you go, we go."

What Kenneth didn't know was that the Lawson family hadn't held its ground all these years because of some old-money legacy they loved to brag about—it was because of me.

Even so, I was determined to attend his welcome home dinner.

…

The Lawsons had gone all out, hosting the dinner at Ravine Manor. All the big names were there, and so was I.

The moment I arrived, I spotted a few wealthy heirs I used to hang around with. Smirks played on their lips as soon as they saw me.

"Gregory? You've got some nerve coming here. You got kicked out, and you're still putting on airs. Aren't you embarrassed?"

Another added, "Exactly! Just look at the scale of this event. It's obvious who the real son is. You spent all these years building things for someone else, but now, you've got nothing."

"Why don't you beg me? Maybe I'll offer you a job." One of them sneered. "We happen to need a security guard, and you look decent enough. All you have to do is stand at the door, and you'll get eight thousand dollars a month. How about it?"

My gaze swept over them, and I scoffed. "No wonder your families would rather raise their illegitimate kids than hand the companies over to you."

As soon as my words settled, their faces twisted with rage. They were just about to come at me when Kenneth appeared, so they had no choice but to back off.

"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for taking the time to attend tonight's dinner," Dad began. "We've finally found our long-lost son, Kenneth. And from now on, we'll do everything we can to make it up to him."

Dressed in a tailored suit, Kenneth walked onto the stage.

It had only been a few days, yet he already carried himself with an air of refinement. Still, the look felt forced on him, like he was dressing up as something he wasn't.

When his gaze met mine, he straightened with confidence and announced, "Even though Gregory isn't the Lawsons' biological son, he's spent years working for the company. I'm willing to let him stay on."

Then, he addressed me, "Greg, stop making things difficult for Mom and Dad."

The moment he said that, everyone turned to me, their gazes heavy with mockery and disdain.

The corner of my lips curled into a faint smile. "No need. I'm not short on money."

"Of course, you're not short on money," Kenneth replied. "Unlike me… I had it rough out there, but I never gave up on my education.

"Greg, if possible, I'd like you to stay and work for me."

Just then, my parents approached me. "Greg, we won't hold it against you for moving out. But Kenneth is right. We raised you all these years, and it's time you gave something back."

"It took me ten years to build the Lawson family into what it is today. And you think that's not enough?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

I went on, "Work for Kenneth? I only work for myself. If a boss can't handle me, he shouldn't expect my loyalty. That's something you taught me, Mr. Lawson."

The instant Dad heard that, his expression darkened with anger.

Meanwhile, the Lawson relatives wasted no time piling on. "Look at him! He's so full of himself. Does he think he's still the heir?"

"He's nothing without the Lawsons, and he still has the nerve to run his mouth like that!"

Another said, "Rob, you're too kind. You should've kicked him out long ago. He's been taking Kenneth's place all this time and still isn't grateful!"

All the while, Kenneth looked down at me with smug satisfaction.

I laughed to myself. This idiot couldn't actually believe these people were on his side, could he?

"No need for you to throw me out. I'll leave on my own," I said with a sneer. "But just remember that once I walk out that door, I'll have nothing more to do with the Lawson family."

"Gregory Lawson!" Dad yelled before letting out a heavy sigh. "Don't blame us for being harsh. It's time you learned to rein in that temper."

"Fine. Then make it official. Announce to everyone that Kenneth is now in charge of Lawson Group. I'm done!"

With that, I turned to leave. As I walked out, I sent a message announcing that I had severed all ties with Lawson Group.

The moment I was gone, Kenneth flew into a rage. "Dad, Gregory is being way too petty! He—"

But before he could finish, Robert's phone rang. And it wasn't just his.

Phones began ringing all around the room, one after another.

"What? Matrix Corporation will only work with Gregory? The contract is void?"