The Castaway Billionaire

Chapter 7

The small commotion in the house regarding the disagreement about whether Niko should take the position continued to be heard. Meanwhile, Niko, the man, could only sigh lazily because the debates about wealth and power in his family were still ongoing.

"I can't accept Papa's decision this time!" Benny exclaimed passionately.

Surya immediately raised an eyebrow after hearing Benny's outburst. He didn't quite understand why Benny was so adamant in opposing Surya's decision as the eldest in the Nikholas family.

"What's the reason behind your rejection?" Surya asked curiously.

This time, Benny fell silent upon hearing Surya's question. Justin's father tried to string words together so he could later make a strong argument to convince Surya and end the debate.

"Because newcomers can't be trusted, Pa. You should know that only close family members can be trusted," Benny confidently explained, as if he was certain Surya would agree with what he was saying.

As a father, Arshad was naturally angered. However, for now, he tried to contain his emotions so as not to jeopardize his son's position in the house. Niko had just returned, and Arshad only wanted what was best for his child.

"So, you mean Niko isn't a close family member? If Niko isn't close family, does that mean I'm not your brother either?" Arshad retorted skeptically. Despite trying to appear calm, Benny's words continued to resonate in his mind.

Benny became increasingly flustered because Arshad always managed to leave him speechless. Meanwhile, Alma, the woman, gently stepped on her husband's foot to help steer the conversation. Moments like this should be used wisely by Benny, such as capturing the attention of the extended family gathered there.

"I-I didn't mean it that way, Kak. It's just that he's been away for so long—" Benny didn't continue his statement because Arshad interrupted him once again. Benny's frustration was mounting, especially since Alma had signaled for him not to say anything inappropriate.

"Whether Niko has been here for a long time or just returned, he's still my flesh and blood. What has happened doesn't change his status as Papa's first grandchild," Arshad declared with conviction.

Once again, Benny shifted his gaze towards Surya, who seemed uninterested in listening to the ongoing debate. Sensing that he was being watched, Surya turned his gaze away.

"Why are you looking at Papa like that? Is there something wrong with your brother's words?" Surya joked.

Benny shook his head several times before finally saying, "Dad, don't trust his presence too much. We don't know the true origin of the man who claims to be Niko. Remember, Niko has never even met our family. It's possible that the person brought by my sister is a fake!" he said passionately, trying to provoke Surya into agreeing to send Niko away.

"Do you have any evidence for your baseless claims? If you do, please share it with all of us," Surya challenged calmly.

Benny became increasingly flustered. In the midst of his fear of his own words, Alma, Justin's mother, began to speak with unwavering confidence. She seemed to possess an almost godlike power when addressing her family.

"I apologize if Alma is being bold, Dad. What kind of evidence should Mas Benny provide? Shouldn't it be the young man claiming to be Niko who should provide the proof?" Alma asked confidently.

"What kind of evidence do you need, Alma? And why should Niko be the one to provide it? He was brought here by Daniel at my request," Surya replied calmly.

"Furthermore, I had a DNA test done before deciding to have Daniel bring my son here. I wouldn't act recklessly without thorough preparation!" Arshad chimed in sharply. Arshad didn't like it when anyone spoke ill of his son, even if it was Alma.

Alma felt compelled to remain silent after hearing what Arshad had to say. Especially when Arshad spoke up after a prolonged silence. Alma's gaze shifted to Benny, who remained silent and didn't defend Alma's position, which he had been so passionately arguing for earlier.

"There's no need to defend Benny, who is, after all, guilty, Alma. Yes... I know you're defending him as a good and obedient wife. But try to recall what happened decades ago..." Surya deliberately didn't immediately continue his statement, knowing it would be a terrifying reminder for both Benny and Alma, who had always denied it. "Back when Benny made a heinous accusation against Riana, claiming she was pregnant with another man's child. Because of that accusation, I had to kick Riana out when she was heavily pregnant!" He continued as he stood up. As a father, Surya would do whatever it took to protect his child from potential heartbreak. That's why he had foolishly kicked Riana out without fully understanding what had actually happened. It remained Surya's greatest regret because he never got to see his daughter-in-law again.

Arshad clenched his fists. His mind returned to the time when he was still with his wife, Riana. She was heavily pregnant at the time, but fate wasn't on their side. Riana had to be evicted from their home because of Benny's claim that the child she carried was not his blood. Arshad didn't immediately believe the accusations made by Benny back then. However, he also couldn't do much because Surya, as the eldest, had issued a threat.

"Dad, why do you only consider me guilty here? You were also involved in that turmoil. You agreed to—"

"Shut up!" Surya roared. "Now, my grandson is here. Niko... Arshad's first child, who is the heir to the company. I hope you all won't cause any more trouble like this, or I'll kick you out of here without taking anything!" Surya's gaze narrowed sharply at all of them, who had been sneering since the defense had fallen on Niko.

'Kicked out of here?' Those dreaded words made Benny shrink. He couldn't imagine Surya actually throwing them all out just because they disagreed about Niko.

Raditya still wore a pleased smile because his grandfather was still defending them. From the moment he arrived, Raditya had promised to always be on his brother's side.

While they debated Niko's status and position, the blacksmith was thinking about revenge against anyone who had caused Riana to be expelled. And Niko's choice fell on Benny. The man who was Justin's father, he could be certain, would be the target of revenge for slandering his mother.