Chapter 16 Fiancée?

Joseph was acutely aware that Liam would demand the return of Dragon Seal, and he had long devised countermeasures to confront this inevitability. "I'm not telling you now. You'll see." "Fine." At noon, Liam arrived at the hospital accompanied by Thomas. - His gaze fell tenderly upon his pale-faced grandson. "Joseph, are you feeling better?" Joseph could have been transferred to a regular ward the day before. Feigning weakness, Joseph coughed lightly. "Grandpa, I nearly lost the chance to see you again." "You're safe now. Do rest up. The company is in good hands with Liam and me." Thomas said. To the casual ear, these words sounded caring, but his underlying intent was a power grab. Joseph, perceptive as he was, responded with a weak smile. "I may not be able to attend the company, but that does not prevent me from managing it. The partners will not sign any contracts without my direct oversight." This blunt truth soured Thomas's expression, prompting him to retort with thinly veiled irritation. "If it weren't for the concern over your health, your grandfather and I would not wish to be burdened with it!" "Thank you for your concern, Thomas. The projects are nearly finalized. I am perfectly capable of handling alone." "I don't want rumors to spread that Martinez Holdings depends on an ailing CEO to remain afloat." With a smile, Joseph replied, "If I am able to sustain our operations, it proves my injuries are not serious. Therefore, the stock remains stable. " At a loss for words, Thomas fell silent. Liam had always known that Joseph would not easily relinquish control over the projects in his charge. "Joseph, I've come to discuss another matter with you."Liam said. Joseph thought to himself, "This moment has arrived." Joseph inquired, "Grandpa, are you referring to the family ring?" "Although you almost died, the fact remains you did not pass. Thus, you must return the ring." Thomas chimed in, "Dragon Seal is the family's emblem of leadership. It is unsafe in your possession." "Thomas is correct. Once you've recovered, I will give you a second chance." Joseph gazed at his plastered leg, a chill settling in his eyes. "Grandpa, the doctor doubt I will be able to stand again. Do you believe I still have a chance to lead the family?" Upon hearing this, displeasure flitted across Liam's face. "What do you mean?" Thomas interjected scornfully, "What else could it mean? He's unwilling to hand over the ring!" Thomas added, "If you didn't pass the test, holding the ring is still meaningless. You are not qualified to become the head of the family!" Compared to his imposing demeanor, Joseph appeared particularly calm. He was about to speak when he saw Megan carrying a meal box outside the ward. Megan was intending to leave it with the nurse and depart. However, she noticed Joseph beckoning her. At the same moment, both Liam and Thomas turned to see her, their faces registering obvious displeasure at this interruption during a crucial conversation. - Ignoring their hostility, Megan greeted them with a polite smile. Liam's cold gaze settled on Megan. "Who is this?" - Despite his intimidating posture, Megan did not feel cowed. Joseph suggested, "Megan, please introduce yourself." Uncertain of Joseph's intentions, Megan partially stated, - "My name is Megan. I saved Joseph in an incident. Coincidentally, my grandma is also hospitalized here. So, I prepared an extra meal to deliver to him." Upon hearing Megan had saved Joseph, a flicker of murderous intent crossed Thomas's eyes. The assailant had been critically wounded and apprehended by the police, preventing Thomas from gathering information. Consequently, he was unaware of how Joseph had escaped death. Learning this, he wished he could tear Megan apart with his bare hands. Liam's scrutiny of Megan intensified. "Megan, I appreciate that you saved Megan. We will later present you with a check for one million as a token of gratitude." His words were diplomatic, but Megan understood his intent. Liam wished to sever any ties between her and Joseph with this money. Megan met the elder's stern gaze. "There's no need. Joseph has already rewarded me." Mistakenly believing that Megan failed to grasp his insinuations, Liam elaborated bluntly. "Megan, your services are no longer required. Considering the scrutiny surrounding him, any proximity to you could be detrimental to both of you." - "Why is his proximity to me prohibited? I saved his life. You want him to be ungrateful?" Liam was taken aback by Megan's retort. - Joseph, ignoring his grandfather's silent plea to dismiss Megan, said, "Megan, your cooking is delightful, thank you." This prompted Thomas to contemplate further schemes. After placing the meal box on the bedside table, Megan said, "You're welcome. Please don't forget the promise you made to me. I'll come by later." With that, she exited the room. Once the door closed behind her, Liam's anger became evident. "How well do you know this woman? Are you cognizant that she may have deliberately sought proximity to you?" Joseph lift the lid off the meal box, releasing the fragrant aroma of the food. "Grandpa, all I know is—if not for Megan, I would be dead." "Cease all contact with Megan immediately. We wouldn't want any misunderstandings with your fiancée." Joseph's gaze shifted from the meal box to Liam's face. "Grandpa, when did I acquire a fiancée?" "The Rogers were admittedly subpar. But now…" Liam's implication was clear: you're crippled now. Be content that Katie is still willing to marry you. "Grandpa, arranged marriages are outmoded. I'll decide for myself whom to marry." Liam dismissed Joseph's comment. Previously unable to control his strong-willed grandson, he now felt emboldened to manipulate his disabled descendant. Liam steered the conversation back to the topic. "We can discuss you marriage later. For now, hand me the family ring."