CHAPTER HUNDRED AND SIXTY-NINE

RICHARD’S POV

The next morning, my phone buzzed with a text from my father, summoning us to his place. As expected, I was the last to arrive. Jonathan and William were already lounging on the leather couches in the living room, exchanging smirks like they’d just won the lottery. I plastered on a neutral expression, giving them nothing. They’d get no satisfaction from me today.

“Glad you could join us, Richard,” my father said, his voice cold and clipped as usual. He didn’t bother with pleasantries.

“Wouldn’t miss it,” I replied, matching his tone. I took a seat across from my brothers, who were now sporting identical smug grins.

My father wasted no time. “I have a new task for you all. It’s crucial. You’ll need to get a letter of approval from my favorite relative. Without it, you can’t proceed.”

I leaned back, trying to play it cool. “And who exactly is this favorite relative?”

His lips curled into a tight smile. “That’s for you to figure out.”

I glanced at Jonathan and William, who