493: Shadows of the Past

Tension crackled in the air as the siblings tried to mask their discomfort, a near-impossible task given the history of strife that Clarke Zodiac's presence dredged up. Clarke Zodiac broke the uneasy silence, his voice dripping with coercion. "Since there seems to be nothing left to say, I plan to extend my stay. Son, remember, our company's prospects are bleak. Clinging to past grievances won't aid our situation. After all, you consented to this visit, didn’t you? Without your agreement, I wouldn’t be here." Teddy's expression darkened visibly, his frustration palpable. He had indeed agreed to this meeting, hoping against hope to forge a beneficial business deal with Emma and her siblings for the sake of the company's future. "The dire state of our company is on you," Teddy retorted, his voice tinged with bitterness. "If not for your antics, we wouldn't be in this mess. You’d do well to keep out of trouble—and don’t think for a moment I'm oblivious to your scheming. I know about A