Villain: The Play of Destiny
chapter-77

"The president of the Lin Group of Industries will address a press conference in the evening to reflect on court's decision and Mr Feng's decision to sell his shares in the Lin Pharmaceuticals..."

Keith switched off the Television and sighed when he looked at the tear-stricken face of Celine.

The trial had just ended in favor of Zhao Feng, where he managed to take full control over the Transportation Company that he had founded under the banner of the Lin Group. Additionally, his Divorce to his wife was approved, and he was entitled to everything that he had given to her since their wedidng. His ex-wife was sent to prison for 6 years, and her bastard was struck off from his Will.

The Court penalized Lin Houtian as well in a lawsuit of 4 Billion Neris, however, Zhao Feng did not want money and asked for compete control over the Transportation Company that was jointly owned by him and Lin Houtian. Additionally, he even showed his desire to sell all his Shares in the Lin Group of Industries, except for the shares in the Pharmaceutical Company, back to Lin Houtian.

Such an offer made it easier for his former friend to make his decision, and he readily accepted to hand over his side of the shares in the Transportation Company, which were nearly worth 5 Billion Neris.

However, the real blow that struck the Lin Group of Industries was when all the trusted men of Zhao Feng openly resigned after Lin Houtian bought back the shares from Zhao Feng. This resulted in the shares of the Lin Group to take another hard hit, and just in three hours, they suffered a loss of more than two Billion Neris.

But nothing could have prepared Lin Houtian for what happened next.

Zhao Feng held a press conference, where he ended all his ties with the Lin Group of Industies, and then he announced that he was selling his 7.5% Shares in the Lin Pharmaceuticals, which were worth nearly 6 Billion Neris, to the Grayson Family, who already owned a 2.5% stake in the company.

This would make the Grayson Family the third biggest Shareholder of the Lin Pharmaceuticals, behind Lin Family's 51%, and the Federal Government's 25% stake in the company.

It wasn't an event that financially hit the Lin Family, but it did give immense power to the Grayson Family in the company's decision making. Now, the Lin Family could no longer veto any decisions since they would fail to get the 2/3 majority in the Board of Directors in case the Government and the Grayson Family stood together.

However, none of these things were the reason why Celine was in such a pitiful state.

The court had officially decreed that Lin Houtian was now a father of three. His Eldest was his daughter, Lin Qingyue, and his second child was Lin Zihan, who was formerly Zhao Zihan, and lastly, his youngest was the current Heir to the Lin Group of industries, Lin Haoran.

Since Lin Zihan was officially his son, and Lin Houtian had not made him sign any legal documents to give away his right to an Inheritance, he was now entitled to an inheritance, and the Will of Lin Houtian would soon be amended. Even if Zihan could not be made the Heir, he was still entitled to as much as 15% of the Lin Family's Fortune if he later took the matter to the courts.

"Don't cry, Mother." Qingyue sternly said. "I don't need any inheritance, and I won't let Haoran suffer."

"Why did he not make that boy give up his right to inheritance?!" She cried out. "Is he that dumb of a man? Or is he really thinking about handing over the family business to this boy in the future?"

Lin Haoran had made it clear a few days ago that he would never accept Zihan as his brother. And Lin Wudao had forbidden his son to bring his bastard home. However, by not making Zihan give up his rights to inheritance, it was akin to making the brothers enemies to each other, now it was clear that there was going to be a fight in the future over the Family Business.

"And you are not giving up your rights!" The grey-eyed woman sternly said to her daughter.

"Mama... I don't need the inheritance." She lowered her head. "Please have faith in me, I can make my own Business flourish and even stand toe to toe with the Lin Group of Industries."

"It's not that your Mother doubts your ability, Qingyue." Keith interjected before Celine could say something. "To be willing give up your rights is a sign of weakness, and if I be blunt, it's stupid. Almost everything that your family has is thanks to your Grandfather. He established the Business so that his legacy could enjoy it. You too are the legacy of the Lin Family. You dislike your father, I understand it. But why are you willing to refuse the goodwill of your Grandfather?" He questioned. "And you must not forget that most of what forms the Lin Food and Beverages was given to your father in dowry upon his marriage to your mother. The company would not be what it is today if it did not have its prized beverage, Red Bliss Cola, and the Waves, its most prized brand of snacks." He informed her and smiled. "These things belong to you and I am sure they are in your Inheritance."

"He's right." Celine nodded her head to his words. "Both these brands are in your Inheritance, as well as the Alcohol brand Whispers. You must not give up on them!" She said with finality and her daughter obediently nodded her.

"I am sorry." She apologized for not thinking over these things thoroughly. How could she let what belonged to her mother fall in hands of others?

And Keith was right. The Lin Business was not established by Lin Houtian. It was all thanks to her grandfather. If her Grandfather was willing to give her something, no one had any right to make her not accept it.

"If your father has not made Lin Zihan give up on his inheritance, it is likely that he plans on giving him something from his personal assets." He suddenly said and smiled. "So, don't fret over these things."

"At other times, I would have believed in it, but with everything that has transpired in the last two weeks. I don't think I ever understood Houtian." Celine sighed. "You don't know, Keith, but he favors Zihan over Haoran. I don't know what is going through his head, but I have a bad premonition about everything."

Keith frowned and pretended to think things over.

"Even if he prefers Zihan over Haoran, he can't just make him the Heir. Yes, he is officially his son now, but the truth is that he was conceived as a bastard. The world knows it, and it won't reflect well on the image of the family if he later becomes the Heir to the business. I don't think Mr Lin would do it." He mused.

"It's not what he would do that worries me, Keith." The grey-eyed woman sighed. "I am worried about Haoran and how he would react to everything. What if that bastard does take fancy to the Family Business? You don't know what greed can make people do. If he harms Haoran..."

"Aunty," He stopped her from losing herself to some grim thoughts. "Let's not talk about these things." He requested. "And you promised to give me my wedding gift today." He reminded her.

Celine wiped the tear that slipped out of her eyes and nodded her head to him before lightly smiling.

"Wait here." She said and stood up to walk towards her studio.

"He won't harm my brother, would he?" Qingyue fearfully asked after her mother was gone.

Keith knew that she was worried about Haoran, and Celine's words had taken root in her mind.

"He will be fine." He assured her with a smile, and somehow, her worries eased a lot after seeing him smiling at her.

"I hate him." She said, referring to her father.

He sighed when he heard her words and helplessly shook his head.

"You should be focusing on your life, Qingyue. If you dislike him so much, why do you allow yourself to be sad because of him?"

The frown that marred her face after hearing his words was a little too cute, and he couldn't help but chuckle after seeing it.

"Focus on the future of your business, and your Cultivation."

"Mhm.." She nodded her head to him, finding herself in a much better mood now.

"And do not let your mother worry over these things too. She needs your company, and you should make her focus on her dream of opening an Art Gallery."

"Thanks, Keith!" She sweetly smiled at him.

"What for?"

"For being here for us." She said as her cheeks turned a little red.

"Always there for you, Miss Qingyue." He grinned at her, making her blush some more.

"Keith!" Celine brightly called out as soon as she entered the living room, holding an Art Tube in her hand. "Here!" She excitedly handed it over to him.

Keith curiously opened the lid and took out the painting that was stored inside the Tube.

When he unfolded it and spread it on the table, the grey-eyed girl gasped in awe at how enchanting it was.

"It's beautiful, Aunty." He sincerely said as he found it hard to take his eyes off the painting of him and Amelia in their wedding dresses, holding each other's hands and looking into each other's eyes. "It's just perfect!"

"Thank you!" She giggled happily, delighted that he loved her work. "It's one of my best works to date."

"I don't doubt that." He chuckled and carefully folded the painting before storing it back inside the Tube. "Thank you for such a perfect gift, Aunt Celine." He grabbed her hand and planted a kiss on her knuckles.

"You're welcome!" She giggled some more and stepped forward to hug him. "Always be happy!" She blessed him.

"You too!" He hugged her back and whispered.