?Chapter 996:


    His next words came out bitter, edged with disappointment. “But he dragged our name through the mud this time.”


    He looked past Kiley, eyes fixed on something unseen, and his voice dropped, cold as ever. “Maia needs to be handled.”


    “Of course, Dad.” Kiley gave a slight nod, her face steady despite the turmoil inside.


    She kept her eyes lowered, answering softly but firmly. “I’ll take care of it. Just give udius another shot, Father.”


    Kolton remained silent for a moment, his eyes locked on her. After what felt like ages, he reached over and rested a hand on her shoulder.


    “You have to earn your ce,” he said, meeting her eyes with a look that cut right through her. “Both of you are my children, so the chance to lead Cooper Group belongs to each of you. From now on, show me what you’re capable of. I’ll be watching closely.”


    He let the words hang for a moment before adding, his voice grave, “Starting today, thepany is yours to run.”


    At the entrance of Maple Hospital, Hurst lingered at the bottom step, his hands clenched so tightly that his knuckles ached, his palms slick with sweat. Dressed in a perfectly tailored charcoal suit and a tie that passed any inspection, he exuded an air of dignity and polish. Yet, despite his appearance, he kept fidgeting with his cor, like someone bracing for an important speech.


    “Try to rx, Dad. Are you really ready for this?” Mnie’s patience wore thin as she eyed her father. “You look like you’re about to bolt. Forget impressing Maia—right now, you look more like a nervous kid than anything else.”


    He shot her a nce, refusing to back down. “You have no idea what you’re talking about. This isposure, not nerves. I’m the picture of calm.”


    The tales you love are at g?lnσν???s?c?m


    Just then, a few women strolling past slowed their pace, ncing his way with open admiration.


    The sight amused Mnie, and she gave her dad a quick thumbs-up and a broad smile. “Seriously, Dad, you’re looking sharp. There’s nothing to worry about.”


    “Of course,” Hurst replied, a flicker of confidence crossing his face. But still, his hands felt stickier than ever.


    Thoughts of Maia rejecting udius spun through his mind. What hope did he have against that?


    “Quit standing around!” Mnie eximed, handing him a bouquet of carnations wrapped in shiny paper. “I had to pull a lot of strings to get her number. Maia already knows we’re stopping by, so you’re not backing out now. Just get in there and show her what you’ve got—maybe I’ll finally have a stepmom!”


    A small cough caught in Hurst’s throat, making his replye out stiff. “Mnie, you need to stop with the nonsense.”


    She rolled her eyes and let out a little huff. “Call it what you want, but anyone can see you’ve got your heart set. And as for Maia’s so-called husband? The man’s nowhere to be found—probably hiding from his own shadow. He’s not evenpetition.”<fn6f71> Find the newest release on Find?Novel</fn6f71>


    Mnie’sments hit a nerve, spurring Hurst to stiffen with renewed determination. His teeth clenched as he straightened his jacket, slipping back into hismanding business persona. “Let’s move. We’re going up.”


    Sunlight filtered through the hospital room’s window, mingling with the ever-present scent of antiseptic. Pattie sat nearby, her hands steady as she worked a paring knife around an apple’s skin.


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