Chapter 394

Chapter 394
“I understand, Lilian. You don't need to apologize.” He smiled, regaining his dignity, and turned to the boy. “Theo, we'll meet another time. Uncle needs to go now...”
Carlos quickly excused himself, citing a meeting, and left the room.
As soon as the door closed, Theo exhaled and whispered:
“Mom, that uncle seems scary...”
Lilian blinked, surprised.
“Why? What made you say that?”
A grimace of displeasure appeared on Theo's face.
“I don't like doctors... men.”
“But you liked Aunt Angie,” Lilian reminded him.
“Um... I like female doctors. But not male doctors,” he explained, with the irrefutable logic of a child. “They scare me.”
Lilian sighed, understanding. The old trauma of an unsuccessful blood draw was still fresh in his memory.
“Sweetheart, Uncle Carlos was very kind. He even cured Mommy when I had a fever a few days ago.”
“Really?” Théo looked up, curious.
“Yes. Will you give Uncle Carlos a chance, please? You might grow to like him, just like you like Uncle Antony.”
Theo pondered for a moment and nodded.
“Okay, I'll try.”
“Thank you, dear.” Lilian kissed his forehead. “Now, can you go play with Aunt Ana in the other room? I need to talk to Grandma about something adult.”
“Sure, Mom.”
Théo ran to the adjoining room to look for Ana, leaving Lilian and Juci alone in the living room.
Lilian sat down next to her mother and recounted the conversation she had had with Josh, omitting the part about physical violence but detailing the rehabilitation plan at the remote branch.
Juci's eyes filled with tears.
“Thank you, daughter.” Juci's voice trembled with emotion. “You gave your brother a chance. He may not deserve it, but the fact that you did shows that you are a much better person.”
For Juci, Leandro's divorce was enough; her greatest fear was seeing her children become mortal enemies.
“You don't need to thank me, Mom.” Lilian held her hand. “I'm just keeping the promise I made to Dad and you. Once family, always family. I can't just erase my brother from existence. What I'm doing is best for him, whether he likes it or not. It's the only way to make him human again.”
Juci nodded, wiping away her tears.
“I hope he changes, Lilian. It worries me that the more I look at Josh, the more I see your father in him.”
“He's still young. There's hope.”
“It's okay, dear.” Juci took a deep breath, making a decision. “There's one more thing. I want to pass on the shares your father gave me to you and Josh. You decide how to divide them.”
Lilian's eyes widened in shock.
“What? Mom, those shares are your security...”
“I don't understand anything about business, Lilian. And I don't want anything that comes from your father. It's the least I can do to repay you for the kindness you've shown your brother. Take them.”
“Mom, thank you.” I appreciate the gesture, but no.“ Lilian was firm, though her voice was soft. ”I don't want anything that comes from my father, much less his share in the Arbex Group. You can do whatever you want with it. If you'll take my advice, save it all for Josh. But don't tell him now. Wait until he proves himself worthy."
In the back of her mind, the refusal was absolute. She had sworn she would never depend on a penny from that man.
“But Lilian... why refuse?” Juci frowned, confused. “Your father left five percent. If we divide it, that's 2.5 for each of us. Even if you don't need it, it's a considerable amount. It's your right.”
Lilian smiled, holding her mother's hands affectionately.
“Mom, I already told you that I'm the majority shareholder in the Group, right? I control more than sixty percent of the company.” She blinked, amused by Juci's shock. “Believe me, I don't need these crumbs. Give Dad's share to Josh. He's a man, he'll need that capital to build a future, since he'll have to start from scratch.”
Juci squeezed her daughter's hand, stunned. How had her “little” Lilian gained so much power? Had Ethan helped her?
Before she could ask, Lilian spoke up:
“Mom, I have a wonderful husband who supports me and my own profitable company. You don't need to worry about me or Théo. We're fine.”
Juci sighed, defeated. She knew she wouldn't win this argument.
“All right. I understand. I'll take your advice about your brother.”
“Thank you.” Lilian smiled, relieved. “What about the properties? Are you going to sell them?”
“Leave them alone.” Juci shook her head, with a distant and serene look. “I'm not going to touch anything Leandro left behind. I'm happy with my life now. As long as you don't abandon me and let me see my grandson grow up, I don't need anything else.”
Juci's eyes welled up as she looked at her daughter.
Lilian's heart warmed.
“Mom... of course you'll stay with me forever. Don't ever say that again, you hear? I'll never leave you alone.”
“Thank you, dear.” Juci pulled her daughter into a tight hug, finally feeling at peace. After so many years of sadness, God had blessed her with true happiness: her family reunited.
They talked for a few more minutes until the door opened again.
Ethan entered the room, his expression calm and inscrutable as always.
Lilian's curiosity was immediately piqued.
What had he said to Josh? Had he been harsh? Had he made threats? However, a quick glance at her watch reminded her that time was short. She had commitments and needed to take Gabriela to the airport.
“Shall we go?” Ethan asked, holding out his hand to her.
Lilian swallowed her curiosity. She would have time to question him later.
She kissed her mother goodbye and waved to Théo, who would be in the care of his grandmother and Ana until late afternoon.
“Bye, Mom! Bye, Grandma!” the boy shouted happily.
Lilian left the hospital hand in hand with her husband, ready to face the rest of the day, feeling lighter than ever.