Chapter 142: People Need Space
Mr. Stone exhaled deeply before shaking his head to answer Chloe's question. "He didn't exactly say it like that but then he stormed out of here after yelling at me," Mr. Stone said, his jaw tightening.
"I know he sees me as the villain because I'm trying to help him secure what is his but no matter what he thinks, he's still my son, and that restaurant is his birthright. Whether he likes it or not, I'll get the restaurant to a better place, which ever way possible. By the time, I'm done, I know he'll come crawling back, begging to take his place."
Chloe's lips twitched into a small, amused smile. "Maybe he will, or maybe he won't. Either way, it doesn't have to be so serious, Dad. I'm here. I'm your daughter, and I'm more than capable of running the business. Why not just... let him go like you said you would?" she asked, hoping that would make him do what he promised.
Her father's expression darkened, and for a moment, he said nothing. He stared into the flickering flames of the fireplace, his face unreadable.
"I've always been proud of you, Chloe," he finally said, his tone softer but no less firm. "You've been loyal, hardworking, and dependable—everything Hunter refuses to be. You're a good child. Unlike your rebellious brother, you've never questioned me, never turned your back on this family. I appreciate that more than you know."
Chloe's heart swelled slightly at his rare praise, but she kept her expression neutral. "Thank you, Dad. I've always just done what needed to be done."
Mr. Stone nodded, his hands finally unclenching as he seemed to relax slightly. "You understand what's at stake, Chloe. The restaurant isn't just a business—it's our legacy. As much as I want to hand it down to you, I can't. Hunter loves the restaurant abd it's the only thing connecting him to his mother. He has to keep it, Chloe whether he's dancing to my tunes or not—"
"But, Dad, you said—"
"I know what I said, Chloe. But you should know I never really meant to entrust it to you. I only just say that to make him dance to my tunes seeing how he distant himself from me since his mother's death. I needed to keep him close."
Chloe shallowed hard, fighting hard not to lose her cool. So, after all these years, she had only just been a pawn to her father?
She was just his means to keep Hunter under control? After making her believe she could get the restaurant if he failed to do what he asked, now he was telling her to her face that it had just been a lie?