?Chapter 577:


    “Later?” Theo snapped, frustration palpable. “Wesley wants me in Tauledo within three days—a miserable, godforsaken dump where I might as well disappear off the face of the earth!”


    Zoie quickly cut in, trying to inject optimism. “Theo, don’t talk like that. You’ll be fine.”


    But Theo’s expression remained icy as he shot back, “Mom, I’m stating the harsh reality. Wesley is plotting to keep me away from the for good, terrified of losing his grip on power because of me.”


    At that moment, Zoie’s gaze shifted to Lawrence, who said nothing, a figure of defeated resignation. Her eyes flickered with scorn. How useless of him—couldn’t even keep his own damn son in line. If not for Joseph and Theo, she would have abandoned this failed marriage long ago.


    With a veneer of concern etched on her face, Zoie implored, “Honey, are you alright? We can’t afford for you to falter now—not with everything resting on your shoulders and Theo’s dilemma hanging in the bnce. If we lose you, I… I simply don’t know how I’d manage.”


    Tears welled up in her eyes, each drop a calcted disy of vulnerability.


    Trying to mask his rising frustration, Lawrence reassured her with a calm, steady voice, “The doctor assured me it’s nothing serious. Just a quick round of IV, and I’ll be ready to leave.”


    Zoie wiped away her tears, a smile breaking through. “That’s a relief. I’m so d you’re okay.”


    She frowned as she added, “But honey, what about Theo’s predicament?”


    Lawrence was consumed by frustration. Wesley hadpletely shut him out, and there was nothing he could do about it.


    Karen, still hopeful, spoke gently with steady resolve. “Mom, Dad, why don’t we sit down and have a proper talk with Wesley? I’m sure he’ll see reason and won’t send Theo away to Tauledo.”


    “Wake the hell up—you’re way too naive!” Theo snapped bitterly. “Dad already tried that today, remember? And look where it got him. Wesley had security throw Dad out, and that stressnded him right here in this hospital bed. If Wesley had any decency, he wouldn’t have just stood by after Dad copsed.”


    Karen opened her mouth to argue, but no words came.


    Lose yourself in stories on gα?ησν????s


    A sly grin spread across Theo’s face as an idea took shape. “I have a n…”


    Intrigued, Lawrence leaned in, his voice a mix of skepticism and curiosity. “What kind of n?”


    Theo’s tone was bitter. “Wesley holds his position at the Spencer Group solely because of Gerald’s favor. But what if Gerald’s affection fades? I’m also Gerald’s grandson. There’s no way Gerald would let me rot in Tauledo!”


    Lawrence’s expression tightened, doubt flickering across his features. “Wesley has been carefully groomed by Gerald. How could Gerald’s feelings change so suddenly?”


    Gerald had unwavering faith in Wesley’s abilities and character, unlike his son.


    Zoie, urgency in her voice, leaned in. “Well, Theo? Have you figured something out? Tell us!”


    With a slow, deliberate nod, Theo outlined his n. “If we can embroil Wesley in a scandal so shocking that it shakes the to its core, Gerald will have no choice but to distance himself. The simplest way? We spike Wesley’s drink and livestream the fallout across the inte!”


    Karen shook her head, her voice a mix of dismay and caution. “We’re all family, Theo. That’s crossing a line.”


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