Chapter 393

Chapter 393
“I'll give you one year,” Lilian said, relentless. “One year to turn around the financial situation at that branch. You have to turn it from a loss-making venture into a profitable one. If you prove you can do it, I'll bring you back to headquarters. But I warn you: when you return, you'll start at an entry-level position, in line with your actual skills. Do you agree?”
Josh let out a deep sigh, feeling the weight of reality crush what remained of his ego.
“Do I have any other choice?”
“Of course not.” Lilian smiled, but there was no warmth in that gesture. “It's take it or leave it. If you accept and work hard, I guarantee you a future. If you refuse... well, your future will be quite uncertain and lonely. The decision is yours.”
“I agree,” Josh replied promptly, his voice hoarse.
There was no more struggle inside him. When he woke up from surgery, he had a frank conversation with his grandfather, who offered him similar options. Then his mother, pale and thin, said just one sentence to him that remained engraved in his soul: “Listen to Lilian and everything will be fine.”
At first, Josh was confused. But now, seeing his sister laying down the law with such authority, he realized that the world had changed. The Arbex Group, the family, everything was different. And the fact that she was Ethan Legrand's wife was the final nail in the coffin of his arrogance.
He felt like an insignificant fly in front of her. Lilian flew in skies he couldn't even see.
“Josh, wake up! You've gone too far,” he thought, feeling bitter shame.
Hearing her brother's agreement, Lilian's smile softened slightly, becoming more satisfied.
“Great. And the last thing I want to tell you...”
Josh looked up, curious and apprehensive.
“My status as Ethan Legrand's lawful wife is top secret. Never tell anyone. And just so you know... we have a son named Théo. If you behave yourself, you can meet him later.”
Josh blinked, shocked.
“You have... a son?”
“Brother, I hope you can behave normally in front of my son. Keep all your toxic negativity away from him, or you'll never see him again. Am I clear?”
Josh nodded, still stunned.
Lilian ended the conversation and turned to leave, accompanied by Ethan, who had remained silent, a menacing shadow on the sofa.
However, before they walked through the door, Ethan gently held her arm.
“Honey, would you mind going to your mother's room first?” he asked, his tone too calm. “I need to have a word with your brother before I go.”
Lilian was on high alert. She scanned her husband's face, trying to read his intentions.
“Does he think Josh is still a threat? If he hits Josh now, my brother will fall apart.”
“Ethan...” She lowered her voice. “I've already hit him enough that he needs surgery. Promise me you won't send him to the operating room again.”
Ethan chuckled softly and pinched her cheek affectionately.
“I won't, honey. Trust me. I just want to talk, man to man. No violence, I promise. Even if he asks for it.”
Lilian hesitated, but she saw the sincerity in his eyes.
“All right. But don't be long.”
As soon as Lilian left, Ethan closed the door slowly. The click of the lock sounded like a gunshot in the silent room. He turned to Josh, and the affectionate smile he had given his wife disappeared, replaced by a cold, impenetrable mask.
In the hallway, Lilian walked toward her mother's room, followed by Carlos Montana. The doctor had insisted on accompanying her, using the excuse that he had a meeting at noon and wanted to take advantage of his free time to meet his mysterious nephew.
Before entering, Lilian stopped and stared at her husband's friend.
“Carlos, about the pregnancy... keep your mouth shut. It's a secret.”
“Relax, sister-in-law. Harry already gave me the lecture.” Carlos raised his hands in surrender, making the peace sign. “I'm a tomb.”
Lilian thanked him with a nod and opened the door.
“Mom!” Théo shouted, running toward her. “What took you so long? Where's Dad?”
The boy's enthusiastic voice died away when he saw the stranger in the white coat behind his mother. Théo stopped, eyeing Carlos suspiciously, and pulled Lilian's hand, subtly moving her away from the intruder.
“Mom...” he whispered, loud enough for Carlos to hear. “Who's that doctor?”
Lilian smiled, amused by her son's protective instinct.
“This is Carlos Montana, dear. He's Daddy's doctor and his best friend. He just came to meet you. Say hello to Uncle Carlos.”
Theo looked Carlos up and down, assessing him with a seriousness impressive for a four-year-old.
“Hello, sir...” Theo greeted him, stiffly and formally.
Carlos, delighted with the miniature Ethan in front of him, crouched down to his level.
“Hello, Theo!” Carlos said, with his best smile. “I hear you're a very brave boy.”
Did you know that your father and I have been friends since we were younger than you?“
Théo's expression softened a little, curiosity overcoming his mistrust.
”Really? Did Daddy play too?"
Lilian laughed, watching the interaction, relieved to see her son distracted from the family tensions, while in the next room, a very different conversation was about to take place.
“Hello, Théo. It's very good to see you. I'm Carlos, one of the doctors at this hospital and a friend of your father's. You can call me Uncle Carlos.”
Théo just nodded solemnly. No words came out of his mouth. Not even a smile.
Carlos kept his sweet smile, completely enchanted by the beauty of Ethan's son. Even though it was their first meeting, the resemblance to Ethan's childhood photos was undeniable.
“My boy, you are so handsome, the spitting image of your father.” Carlos opened his arms, hopeful. “Can Uncle Carlos give you a hug?”
Seconds passed. Théo didn't move an inch. He just stared at him with a blank expression, putting up an invisible ice wall.
Carlos swallowed hard, his smile faltering. Had he upset the kid? Worried that he would be hated by his best friend's son, he glanced at Lilian for help.
“Carlos, I'm sorry...” Lilian intervened, gently squeezing her son's hand to calm him down. She could feel the tension in his small body. “Théo doesn't easily warm up to people he's just met.”
Carlos let out a nervous chuckle, folding his arms. If Ethan found out he had intimidated his heir, he would be in big trouble.