While I Was on a Business Trip, They Stole Everything

Before his death, my grandfather entrusted family power to me.

Unexpectedly, while I was away on business, my illegitimate son colluded with my wife and forced the lawyer to alter the heir’s name.

He summoned all shareholders and my uncle for a meeting to “confirm” the rightful heir, even bribing Uncle Wang—who once favored me most—and several shareholders.

“Everyone, now that you’re all here, I announce the new heir of the Langston family—Lucas Langston. Mr. Langston asked me to tell you before his death.”

At these words, everyone froze.

They all knew I was the Langston family’s only direct-blood heir.

Yet in my absence, those bribed by Lucas rushed to defend him.

Just when the decision seemed final, I kicked open the conference room door and strode in with heavy, deliberate steps. “When did the Langston family’s power become the inheritance of a bastard unfit to be seen in public?”

——

My sudden arrival silenced the room. No one expected me—supposedly abroad—to appear in the doorway.

The traitors stiffened, their faces pale.

Only Lucas sat calmly, smoking politely, his ambition curling through the smoke. “Brother, what nonsense is this? Yes, I’m illegitimate, but Grandfather valued my ability. Handing the Langston family to me was a deliberate choice.”

“I swear to heaven—no tricks. Grandfather entrusted me with the family fortune, and I will lead us into a greater future.”

“While I’m in charge, no one will interfere with my work.”

The cold sharpness in his eyes cut into me like a blade.

A pity. I’ve weathered greater storms; I won’t sink in this shallow ditch.

Our gazes locked, the tension pressing down on the room until no one dared speak.

I stepped forward, but one of his men blocked my way. “Mr. Langston, there’s no place for you here. Leave.”

I narrowed my eyes. “Block me, and you’ll lose that hand.”

“Tsk. Who do you think you are? Still imagining you’re the untouchable, high-handed Theo Langston?”

Spittle flecked my cheek as he spoke.

Backed by his master, his lackeys were arrogant beyond measure.

As he reached to push me out, I drew my ancestral dagger and drove it into his palm, spraying blood across his face.

“Ah! It hurts!”

The lackey collapsed, wailing.

The sight chilled the room. Everyone knew my thunderous methods.

Years straddling the line between the underworld and the law had taught me—without ruthlessness, I’d be swallowed whole. “Didn’t I say? Stand in my way, and you’ll lose a hand.”

I wiped the spit from my face with a tissue, then met Lucas’s now-shadowed gaze with a half-smile.

But his other lackeys still dared to speak.

“Theo, don’t push it. The old man had already changed the heir’s rights. Like it or not, you’ll have to accept it.”

“That’s right. You’ve fallen, and we’re no longer afraid of you.”