Chapter 273 Caleb, your grandpa passed away, and you're up to bat for the funeral, Henry said, his Yolce somber as he stepped out of the car.
| eyed him with suspicion, knowing full well his visit wasn’t solely motivated by funeral arrangements.
“Your grandpa’s body is still at the morgue, waiting for a direct family member to sign off on the cremation. You wouldn't want to leave him in limbo, would you?” Henry said, his face the picture of compassion, like a concerned elder fretting over his kin.
| frowned, realizing the true situation as | spotted the line of cars behind him, packed with reporters.
Brendan's death was big news in the business world, and with the media circus that followed, Henry had to play his part to the hilt.
| stepped in front of Colin, speaking softly. “Colin, don’t be scared...” With the media on our heels, Colin was safe for now.
They surely wouldn't dare to harm him under the glaring spotlight.
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Out of sight, Henry's eyes sharpened with anger. He was irate that his attempt to dispatch Caleb on the way to the mental institution days earlier had failed, and now, with the media swarming, his hands were tied.
Colin stood behind me, his eyes signaling to the person holding Melody to let go.
The man relented, stepping back behind Colin with a tense air.
It was clear Colin trusted him.
never “Mr. Fitzgerald, | appreciate you helpingfind Caleb. The boy has a wild streak could keep him home,” Henry said with a smile, playing the doting elder to perfection in front of the reporters.
Dexter emerged as well, his aggressiveness subdued. He was a businessman too, no different at heart than Henry.
“The passing of the head of our family is a serious matter. | won't express my gratitude today. Let's save it for the charity gala when we can discuss the partnership between our two families in detail,” Henry said, extending his hand to Dexter.
Henry's talk of a partnership referred to a potential alliance between the Langley Group and the Fitzgerald Group.
Clearly, he already saw himself as the master of the Langley Group, announcing a partnership with the Fitzgerald Group in full view of the media as a power play and a way to pressure Colin.
| glanced back at Colin, anxious, but a barely perceptible smile played on his lips.
“Colin, with the media here, he won't touch you. Just play along for now, | whispered.
Don't resist, follow my lead and watch for the right moment.” Colin subdued his emotions, his eyes flickering with fear. “Phoebe will protect me.” gripped Colin’s hand reassuringly before turning to the reporters, wiping away a tear. “Grandpa’s passing has hit Caleb hard. He's been working through his grief, and he’ll step up to lead the Langley Group in no time, ensuring Grandpa's legacy isn’t squandered.” The cameras zeroed in on Colin. He seemed to despise the attention but didn’t shy away.
“Caleb’s been rumored to have mental health issues. Is that true?” a reporter asked.
| smiled at the inquiry. “I believe we all have our share of mental battles, don’t we? He's fine, perfectly normal, and has been on the mend for a while now.”
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“Are you Caleb's wife? With Brendan gone, who will run the company? i's been said theres resistance to letting someone with mental health issues take over, especially with Henry being the most respected.” Henry's expression darkened, clearly displeased with the media's interference.
“Despite being from a collateral branch and benefiting from the Langley family and our grandfather, Celeb is the sole heir. The Langley Group rightfully belongs to him,” | said, locking eyes with Henry challengingly. | hadn't forgotten his attempt on Colin’s life, and | was far from letting it go.
Henry regardedwith a loaded gaze but, uncharacteristically, remained silent. His silence was a tell- he was definitely cooking up smischief.
“Phoebe... | want to go home,” Colin whispered from behind me.
| nodded soothingly, projecting an ‘I've got your back’ vibe.
The reporters were gearing up for more questions, but | cut them off "Sorry, I'm a bit worn out.I've been pregnant for a while, and standing too long makesdizzy. We'll be taking our leave now.”