25 The Real Villain.

Lately, Lincoln had been reluctant to go to the office, all because of Grayson Harrington. His cousin had started demanding shares for himself. The son of Aunt Veronica truly had no shame. Instead of working properly, he kept making a mess of everything.

The ringing of the phone on Lincoln’s desk broke his train of thought. Lazily, he reached for the phone and saw the name on the screen—his personal secretary, Nathan Cole.

Lincoln sighed before finally answering, “What now?”

“Sir, sorry to disturb your morning, but you need to come to the office immediately. Mr. Grayson has signed a cooperation contract with a foreign investment company without conducting proper risk analysis. This could be a disaster,” Nathan's voice sounded tense.

Lincoln took a deep breath, trying to suppress his anger. “What kind of contract?”

“He agreed to a partial merger with Mellington Group. They are known for taking over growing companies and then selling off their assets at high prices. If this goes through, we could lose one of our main business lines!”

Lincoln clenched his fists. “For God's sake... Grayson is completely brainless! I told him not to make any major decisions without my approval!”

“I tried to stop him, but he claimed he was acting on your behalf. And now the media has started picking up on the news.”

Lincoln ran a frustrated hand over his face. “Damn it! I’ll be there right away.”

He ended the call abruptly, grabbed his jacket, and stormed out of his room. This time, Grayson had gone too far. If he didn’t step in now, the business he had built with so much effort could be ruined in an instant.

***

Stuard Corporation – Executive Meeting Room

Lincoln Stuard stepped into the meeting room with a cold, authoritative presence. The previously buzzing atmosphere filled with whispers and worry instantly turned silent at his arrival. All eyes were on him—the company executives, his secretary Nathan, and, of course, Grayson Harrington, who sat at the far end of the table with a smug expression as if nothing was wrong.

Lincoln walked to his seat at the head of the table, unbuttoned his jacket, and sat down calmly. His sharp gaze locked onto Grayson.

"Grayson," Lincoln began, his voice low but menacing, "Would you care to explain the brilliant reasoning behind your idiotic decision to sign a contract with Mellington Group?"

Grayson leaned back in his chair, trying to appear confident.

"I was only doing what’s best for the company, Lincoln. This deal could open up huge opportunities for us!"

Lincoln chuckled darkly. "Mellington Group isn’t looking for a partnership. They’re looking for prey. You just handed them one of our core business lines, and if I hadn’t stepped in, they would have devoured this company like parasites."

Grayson shifted uncomfortably but still tried to defend himself.

"You're overreacting! I'm sure this could be a great step toward our international expansion!"

Nathan, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke up.

"Mr. Lincoln is right. After further analysis, we found that the contract contains a clause allowing Mellington to take over the majority of our business shares. This means they could control the company without paying a cent more than what was initially agreed upon."

Lincoln’s eyes burned with fury. "And you didn’t bother to check the documents before signing them?"

"I thought it was just a formality," Grayson replied defensively.

Lincoln let out a short laugh. "A formality? Do you think business is child’s play? I've had enough of your stupidity, Grayson!"

He slid a document across the table toward Grayson. "I’ve already taken care of everything. Your deal with Mellington is canceled, and as compensation for the time and reputation lost by the company, you will sign this."

Grayson picked up the document with a frown. The moment he read it, his face turned pale.

"This… this is a complete revocation of my rights in the company?! You can’t do this, Lincoln!"

Lincoln leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable.

"I am the rightful owner of this company. You are only here because of family ties. But if you behave like this, it’s the same as stabbing me in the back! Enough! Take care of the business my father gave you—if you have any talent in business, that should be enough for your livelihood!"

"But I’m your family! I have a right to this company too!" Grayson protested.

“No!” Lincoln interrupted sharply. “My father only had one child, and that’s me! You’re just the nephew of his stepbrother, who already got your share long ago. I’ve let you run around with my family name for too long. Now it’s time for you to stop calling yourself a part of this company.”

Grayson glared at him with anger. “You can’t just get rid of me like that!”

Lincoln stood up, towering over him with dominance. “I just did. Sign that document, or I’ll take this matter to court. I’m sure you wouldn’t want an investigation into your foolish transactions reaching the ears of other investors, would you?”

Grayson gritted his teeth, knowing he had lost completely. With trembling hands, he picked up the pen and signed the document.

Once he was done, Lincoln took the document back and handed it to Nathan.

“Make sure all of Grayson’s access to the company is revoked today. I don’t want to see his name connected to Stuard Corporation ever again.”

Nathan nodded firmly. “I’ll take care of it immediately, sir.”

Lincoln gave Grayson one last look. “Get out of this building, and don’t ever try to use my name again.”

Grayson stood up, his face filled with anger and humiliation, then walked out of the room without saying a word. Once the door closed, the room fell silent again.

Lincoln let out a long sigh, then looked at all the company executives who were still quiet. “Meeting’s over. We have a lot of work to do to fix this mess.”

Without needing to be told twice, everyone quickly returned to their work. Meanwhile, Lincoln sat back down, staring blankly at the table. One problem was solved, but he knew this wasn’t the end. Now that he had gotten rid of Grayson, the next step was facing his aunt, Veronica.

Harrington Residence

Grayson slammed the living room door open, creating a loud bang that echoed through the luxurious house. Veronica, who was relaxing with a glass of wine in her hand, turned with a sharp expression.

“What is this, Grayson? You startled me!” she said, placing her glass on the table with a loud clink.

Grayson stormed toward her, his face red with anger and humiliation. “Lincoln revoked all my rights in the company!”

Veronica frowned, crossing her left leg over her right, her expression turning cold. “What do you mean, dear? What are you talking about?”

“I was kicked out! Lincoln canceled my contract with Mellington and removed me from Stuard Corporation! He even made me sign a document to ensure I have no rights left!” Grayson shouted, his voice full of frustration.

Veronica clenched her teeth and stood up from her chair. “That insolent boy! Does he really think he can play us like this?”

Grayson ran his fingers through his hair, still unable to believe what had happened. “But fortunately, Lincoln has no idea that part of Mellington Group’s shares belongs to you, Mom! He thinks it was purely my mistake and that the company was completely out of our control!” he said with a sly smile.

Veronica’s eyes narrowed wickedly. “So he doesn’t suspect a thing?”

“No!” Grayson nodded quickly. “He thinks I’m just an idiot who made poor business decisions!”

A small smile began to form on Veronica’s lips. “Oh, Lincoln... You may be smarter than Xavier, but your naivety is still the same. But don’t worry, Grayson, there’s always a way to bring Lincoln down!”

Grayson furrowed his brows. “What do you mean, Mom?”

Veronica slowly walked to the window, gazing at the vast garden of her estate. “Just like his father, he trusted me. They were always naive and never thought I was capable of going to great lengths!”

“To great lengths? Like what?” Grayson asked.

“Xavier never even realized that I was the one who got rid of his wife, Lincoln’s mother! Even though I whispered the truth in his ear before he died, it was too late—he just stared at me and said nothing. You know, a dying man can’t do anything!” Veronica said with a wicked smile.

Grayson swallowed hard. “You—you really did all that?”

“Of course, Grayton! Everything I’ve done is for you! I will make you the sole owner of Stuard Corporation by any means necessary, so be patient!”

“Do you have a plan?”

Veronica walked closer, lifting her hand to gently stroke her son’s shoulder. “He’s alone, Grayson. No wife, no child, no legitimate heir.”

Grayson raised an eyebrow. "So?"

Veronica gave a cold smile. "So, if something were to happen to him... who would inherit his wealth?"

Grayson's eyes widened. "Us?"

"Exactly." Veronica stepped closer, her voice dropping to a dangerously low whisper. "We just need to hasten his death—without anyone knowing."

Grayson's body tensed. But after everything his mother had done, it was all for his own good. It was far too late to feel guilty or back out now.

"Alright. I'll follow along with your game!"