?Chapter 459:


    William set the documents down, his voice calm, almost bored. “Same old thing.”


    Dexter’s face darkened. “Same old thing? They’re back to fight for the Briggs inheritance. They’re here to grab Briggs Group right out from under you. Do you get that?”


    William stayed calm. “If they can run thepany better than I can, let them have it. No big deal.”


    Dexter mmed his hand on the table. “You idiot! You think your parents would rest easy hearing you talk like this?”


    William pressed his lips into a thin line. His memories of his parents were barely there—fuzzy, distant, almost gone. “Will my managing Briggs Group bring them back?”


    Dexter was so furious he nearly choked. “William, are you trying to put me in the grave early?”


    William shrugged. “That’s not the n.”


    Dexter sat there for a long moment, trying to steady his breath. Finally, he calmed down enough to speak. “Cut Isabe’s line from her. The longer she holds it, the bigger the threat to you. Did you reach out to the folks abroad?”


    “Yeah, I’ve set up a meeting,” William answered.


    That finally settled Dexter’s nerves a bit.


    A servant brought over a tray of fresh fruit. As he picked up a slice, Dexter asked, “How are things with Willow?” William’s expression shifted. “Not bad.”


    Dexter raised a brow. “You mean she’s not bad, or the rtionship is not bad?”


    “Both,” William said without much thought.


    Dexter didn’t look the least bit surprised. “Feelings can grow. Besides, with the Lawsons backing you, your uncle and aunt won’t dare make a move.”


    William didn’t bother replying. From the beginning, marrying Willow was never really on his list.


    Dexter switched topics. “Your cousins areing by tomorrow. Be home for dinner.”


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    William frowned and shut it down immediately. “I’ve got an experiment tomorrow. I can’t leave.”


    Dexter looked over, about to call it a night, but here William was, defying him—again.


    “How long does a meal take? You can’t spare that much time?” he asked, a flicker of irritation crossing his face.


    “I need to submit my experimental data tomorrow. I really can’t make it. Next time.”


    William threw on his coat and left without looking back.


    Dexter watched him walk out of the vi, shaking his head with a long sigh.


    “Let him be,” the butler said softly. “Mr. William Briggs has his reasons. Every time those two show up, it’s always a torment for him at every turn. Good reason he avoids them.”


    Dexter grunted, turning to head upstairs. “He’s not a kid anymore. He can’t keep dodging them like this. It’s just a meal, for God’s sake.”


    The butler chuckled, trying to soften the mood. “Don’t be too hard on him.


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