Ralph continued his rant. “And that adopted daughter of yours, Jacqueline. What have you been teaching her all these years? A daughter of the Jacobson family teaming up with an evil scoundrel to commit despicable crimes? You and Sophia have failed as parents!”

“You’re right,” Caleb acknowledged as he dropped his head even more, allowing Ralph to berate him as much as he wanted.

Ralph was extremely vexed and aired out all his grievances from the laptop screen. He was currently in Jordanville with a high-ranking position. If he wanted to leave Jordanville, he would have to first obtain the approval of his superiors, which meant that he wouldn’t be able to return in the near future.

As such, he could only scold his useless son through the video call.

It took Ralph some time before he could finally calm down. Then, with a low voice,

he commanded, “Call Stephen over.”

“Yes.” Caleb moved the laptop to face Stephen, who stood at the side.

“Hello, Grandpa,” Stephen greeted politely with a nod.

Ralph gave Stephen a once-over and asked seriously, “What do you plan to do moving forward?”

“James has recently secured a big project. I’m prepared to make things difficult for him, especially when he has spent a lot of time and effort on this project. If something goes awry, it would be a big blow to him.”

“Good. Make sure to teach him a lesson. Get it through his head that the Jacobsons are not to be trifled with,” Ralph insisted.

“However…” Ralph’s expression became even more serious as he continued. “From what we have seen of him, James is a lunatic. If you plan to go against him, make sure you’re fully prepared for his retaliation.”

Stephen’s voice was passive when he declared, “I know. The only reason he succeeded the last time was because we let our guard down.”

“I’ve never had to worry about you. You’re much more capable than your father.” Ralph nodded in approval, shooting a displeased glance at Caleb, who was at the side.

Caleb could only remain silent.

Several moments passed before Ralph spoke up again. “Stephen, you’re not a child anymore. It’s almost time for you to take over the family’s business. I know it was difficult for you to carry out your investigations or do anything at all when you had limited authority in the past.

“Now that something of this severity has occurred once I pass the family’s full power and business to you, it will be easier for you to deal with James. I heard that he’s been making a name for himself overseas. His power is not tot underestimated. You can’t let your guard down.”

be

“Don’t worry, Grandpa. I know what to do,” Stephen reassured Ralph calmly.

Ralph nodded again. “I’ve never worried, except for that time when you rushed forward and took the blow meant for that Yates girl.”

Stephen’s lips were pressed together. With his gaze lowered, his eyes gave away nothing. He was quiet, his inner thoughts a mystery.

A pregnant pause fell over the room before Ralph continued to speak.

“Stephen, you have to bear in mind that you’re the only heir of the Jacobson family. You can’t let something like that happen again. Don’t risk your life for a mere woman. Do you understand?”

Stephen flexed his hands resting on either side of him. It was impossible to discern the emotions in his eyes. He murmured, “I understand.”

Next, Ralph addressed Caleb. “In the future, as long as it doesn’t go against the Jacobson family’s principles or the law, don’t interfere with what Stephen does.”

A burning anger was set aflame in Caleb’s heart. Ralph was still fit and healthy for his age. Caleb found it hard to accept that Ralph had ignored him completely, instead passing over the power and family business to Stephen.

Caleb was incensed but dared not voice his opinion directly in front of Ralph. After all, the cause of the entire mess was James, his

illegitimate son. If he had been able to control his libido back then, none of this would have happened.

He had no right to fight for anything. Even if he was angry, he could only swallow

his anger.

Caleb comforted himself with the fact that the person in power was still his son and not a stranger. “I understand,” he said.