"Kaden, what's your take?" Absolon asked coldly.

Kaden gritted his teeth, his voice icy, "You can't just take back a gift."

"Shares are not ordinary objects, Kaden. Have you lost your conscience?" Absolon's gaze was penetrating, cutting through Kaden's facade to strike at his core.

"Uncle Absolon, please don't blame him. He must have his reasons. It's alright, as long as he returns them to me, "

Marlene said softly." Kaden, though I want to help you, my father... "

"I'll give you the money, Kaden growled, his voice a low rumble, like a beast long caged.

"No need for you to pay, Absolon said, turning to Karol.

"

Shouldn't you be the one to cover this?"

Karol froze, murmuring, "Dad, I didn't... it wasn't me... "

Karol was on the verge of losing her mind; she never thought she'd find herself in such a predicament.

"I'll give it to her. As a friend, I can lend her some money out of pity. But, Dad, her character is really questionable, she...

"Enough." Absolon waved his hand dismissively, unwilling to listen to Karol's ramblings any longer. "Transfer two million to her right now."

Karol's face turned ashen. Two million wasn't a small amount!

"Thank you, Karol. My father will thank you too," Marlene said, her acting skills on full display.

Karol felt utterly disgusted. But with Absolon staring intently at her, she had no choice but to make the transfer.

Marlene accepted the money and glanced triumphantly at Lilah, as if to say: See, I can make this jerk bleed on my own!

However, reclaiming shares from Kaden would be a challenging task.

Once something is taken, it's hard to give back.

Lilah had lost interest in the unfolding drama. After saying their goodbyes, the family of three headed home.

Jerrold remained silent throughout the journey, pondering why the adult world was more complicated than he had imagined.

Lilah leaned back in her seat, feeling a bit drowsy. Her mind kept replaying Absolon's expressions and movements during the incident, filling her with an inexplicable ache.

At that moment, Gerard received a document. He opened it and skimmed through the contents.

"We have information on Alivia. Do you want to take a look?" he asked.