ANGEL INLAW

who is the successor

Lord Walter lightly tapped the arm of his pure gold chair. "If you can contribute ten billion, how about I give you my seat?"

"Too bad the fool can't even contribute a penny!" A chorus of laughter erupted.

Deborah, disgusted, practically yelled, "Who let this idiot into our house? Do you know how embarrassing this is?"

At that moment, Khloe and her parents truly wished the ground would swallow them whole.

"You moron, what are you doing here!" Kim raised her hand to strike Quincy, but he effortlessly stepped back, dodging the blow.

Everyone froze in surprise. They stared at Quincy, bewildered. The "idiot" had never reacted quickly enough to avoid a beating before.

"Quincy, you've recovered?" Seeing the newfound clarity in his eyes, Khloe gasped, covering her mouth in disbelief at her husband's lively appearance.

"Yes, Khloe. I have recovered," Quincy said, his eyes welling up with tears despite his own history of hardship.

Khloe burst into immediate sobs, and Quincy pulled her into a tight embrace. He felt deep remorse for the years of suffering he had unintentionally inflicted upon her and their daughter.

Vincent, Deborah’s husband, stood up, adjusted his jacket, and sneered, "So what if you’ve recovered? You’re still a worthless nobody." He scoffed, sat back down, pointed at a small table in the corner, and announced loudly, "Get over there and sit down. Contributing ten billion? Keep dreaming!"

Quincy frowned, ready to object, but Khloe quickly silenced him and pulled him toward the corner. The five of them sat at a small, wobbly table. While everyone else enjoyed a lavish feast, Quincy and his family were served four cups of instant ramen, with Ashley getting a single chicken bone as a supposed treat.

Charles made a grand entrance, walked straight to Lord Walter, and with a wide, smug smile, handed him a business envelope.

Lord Walter looked up from the envelope, surveyed the expectant atmosphere, and felt a rush of self-importance. "Quiet, everyone. I have an announcement to make."

All chopsticks were promptly set down. Lord Walter nodded with satisfaction. "I have here a proposal that Charles intends to present to Galumanation Investment Company, seeking an investment from them. I trust you've all heard about Galumanation's high-profile entry into the Gatto Republic. They are a world-class company, a titan in the industry. Their arrival will cause a power shift, and it presents a massive opportunity for our family."

He paused, then looked pointedly at Khloe and Quincy. "Charles here will make it happen for us. With this move, I am almost certain that Charles is far more suitable for Khloe than this useless husband of hers."

His voice grew louder. "Their divorce will be finalized tomorrow, and her engagement to Charles will be announced immediately after."

Lord Walter grew excited as he spoke, his face flushed. "I want to encourage ambition, so I hereby declare: whoever secures an investment from Galumanation will receive ten percent of the company shares and the position of General Manager."

The news sent a shockwave through the room. "Ten percent of the company shares is huge!" someone whispered. "And more importantly, General Manager! That's the second-highest position!"

"I am definitely getting that investment," Deborah declared. "Vincent already submitted a proposal. I have a strong feeling it will be approved."

"Deborah, if you get the investment, you will be the next in line to inherit the family business," Lord Walter said with a beaming smile. "And I will host a magnificent birthday party for you—remember, your birthday is in three days."

Khloe and her family were stunned by the announcement. In the extended family, the position of the heir was always a sensitive issue, especially for Khloe’s father, Hector Walter, who was the second son. Deborah’s father was the eldest, and his family had always treated Khloe's side poorly. If Lord Walter passed away and Deborah was chosen as the successor, Khloe and her family would suffer immensely.

Seeing the pale expressions on his in-laws' faces, Quincy spoke up. "Grandfather, does that mean if Khloe gets the investment, she will also be considered a candidate for succession?" His question silenced the entire room.

Charles scoffed at the question. "Quincy, of course, Khloe would only get the investment through my influence."

Vincent looked at Quincy with utter contempt. "Idiot, you just recovered, so you probably don't know, but Khloe and her parents are deep in debt. She just begged Grandfather for money for your treatment, and before that, your daughter Ashley was crying for chicken legs. Tell me, how on earth could Khloe possibly get an investment from a company like Galumanation? They are selling everything they can and borrowing money everywhere. I wouldn't be surprised if Khloe has to sell herself to put food on the table."

"Oh, I remember," Deborah chimed in. "It’s Khloe’s birthday in three days as well—we share the same day. But class differences show in our finances. She's so poor she wears clothes from the second-hand market." Everyone laughed again.

"Enough," Lord Walter commanded, calming the room. He addressed Quincy. "If Khloe gets the investment, I will clear her debts and pay back their bonuses from previous years. Since you’ve recovered, she won't need the money for your treatment anymore."

Khloe’s parents were visibly delighted by Lord Walter’s promise, though they fully believed the investment would come through Charles.

However, before they could fully settle into that thought, Lord Walter added, "But Khloe must also recover the land from Kubus..."