From Broken to Beloved-Chapter 173- despicable

Channing was overjoyed and rushed to the café Bert had named as soon as he received the call.

Bert arrived shortly after—but not alone. He brought with him a man in a sharp suit. After they sat down, Bert introduced him as his company’s lawyer.

Channing didn’t understand why Bert had brought a lawyer to meet him. Bert gestured to the man, who opened his briefcase, took out a document, and handed it to Channing. Then he spoke in a professional, official tone:

"Mr. Channing, on behalf of Washington Group and Bert Technologies, we are formally proposing the acquisition of your company, Channing Corp. We have already completed the purchase of the shares held by your other shareholders."

Channing was stunned.

"An acquisition?"

He then stared at Bert in disbelief.

"Why would you acquire my company?"

The word acquire left his mind blank. No matter what, Channing Corp. was the result of half a lifetime of effort. Whether it was thriving or on the brink of bankruptcy, it was still his life’s work. To have it taken over so abruptly—how could his heart not ache?

Bert let out a soft laugh.

"Otherwise, why do you think I invested so much money in you before? I never do business at a loss."

Channing felt his blood surge.

"You—"

"You didn’t help me because of Cici?" he demanded. "Wasn’t it for her sake?"

Bert gave a cold laugh.

"Are you worthy of that?"

"How have you treated her all these years? Do you really think you deserve for me to help you for the sake of someone I love?"

"In this world, only those who give earn something in return. I don’t need to teach you that, do I, Mr. Channing?"

Bert’s words were cold and merciless, accusing Channing of his years of indifference and cruelty toward Catherine. What right did he have now to ask anything from her?

Channing was too furious to speak. He glared at Bert, despair and rage burning in his eyes.

"You’re despicable!"

Bert had kept injecting funds and claiming he wanted to help him survive, lowering Channing’s guard—only to reveal that he had been preparing for this takeover all along.

To Channing’s shock, Bert nodded in agreement.

"Yes," he said calmly. "I know I’m despicable."

Here is the polished English translation:

At his reaction, Channing didn’t even know what to say anymore. After a long pause, he glared at Bert and roared through clenched teeth,

"You’re a designer—what do you want with my jewelry company?"

At that, Bert curved his lips into a smile again. This time it wasn’t cold or mocking. It was unexpectedly gentle, softening even his eyes.

"To me, it’s completely useless," he said. "I’m buying it as an engagement gift for Cici."

Channing was stunned once more, staring at Bert in shock.

Bert continued calmly,

"Cici studied jewelry design. Giving her a jewelry company is the most fitting gift I can think of. And handing Channing Corp. to her also means she inherits Mr. Channing’s life’s work. I think you should be happy."

Channing was so furious at Bert’s remark—that Catherine had effectively inherited the fruits of his life’s work—that he felt as if he were about to cough up blood.

He, Channing, had a son. Since when did a daughter have the right to inherit the family business? Even if the company was nothing more than an empty shell, it should still go to a son—never to a daughter.

Deep down, Channing’s belief in male superiority was deeply rooted. The company was meant for his son alone. Neither Lucca nor Catherine had any place in his plans.

But these words had come from Bert. Channing could not refute him. All he could do was let the rage churn violently inside his chest.

In the end, he swallowed his pride and changed his tone, pleading with Bert:

"Bert, you can’t do this. If you take over Channing Corp and give it to Cici, I’ll have nothing left. I’m already old—what am I supposed to do with the rest of my life?"

Bert replied calmly, trying to soothe him.

"You don’t need to worry about that. Cici is still your daughter. From now on, she and I will take care of you. I’ll make sure you receive a fixed allowance every month."

He meant every word. No matter how heartless Channing had been to Catherine, no matter how badly he had treated her, he was still her father. The responsibility to support one’s parents was something no one could escape.

In truth, this was already the best possible outcome for Channing. He could place no hope in Lucca—given his current situation, he could barely protect himself, let alone support his father in the future.

As for Channing’s younger son who was still in school, Bert had already investigated him. His grades were mediocre, his character spoiled and arrogant, hardly better than Lucca’s. He was clearly not someone with a promising future. Even if the company were handed to him, bankruptcy would be inevitable.

So how could Bert possibly allow a company he had fought so hard to save to fall into the hands of someone like that?

It wasn’t that Bert insisted on giving Channing Corp to Catherine. But in the entire Channing family, there was no one else capable of running it. Channing himself no longer had the ability to manage it. And besides—why should Bert let Channing continue running the company he had rescued, only to fund Lucca, his son, and Tracy’s extravagant lifestyles?

Handing it to Catherine was simply the most sensible choice.

Catherine’s personality might be gentle and not well-suited to business, but she had him standing behind her. With his presence, no one would dare to mistreat her or the company.

Yet for Channing, no matter how he tried to justify it, he could not accept Catherine taking over the company. But he was powerless. Bert was too dominant, too ruthless. Channing had no strength to fight back. All he could do was shout in fury,

"This is a hostile takeover!"

Bert laughed lightly.

"Yes, it is. And what about it?"

"Are you planning to unite with other companies to fight my hostile acquisition?" he mocked. "I’m afraid no one would be willing to work with you, President Channing."

The words were merciless. Channing had already begged, cursed, and humiliated himself—yet Bert remained firm in his decision to proceed with the acquisition.

At that moment, Bert’s lawyer kindly stepped in with a reminder:

"President Channing, allow me to point something out. We have already purchased all the shares from the other shareholders. We now hold more than you and your daughter Lucca combined. Objectively speaking, you no longer have any decision-making power."

"Today, our Lord of Washington has come here in person not only out of respect, but also to discuss the matter of your future support. But judging from President Channing’s reaction, it seems you do not value the support of the Washington family. If that is the case, then we shall consider the matter closed."

After speaking, the lawyer turned to Bert and asked for his opinion.

"Lord Washington, what do you think?"

Bert did not reply. He lowered his gaze to the ring on the index finger of his right hand—the one Catherine had given him. He toyed with it leisurely. Even in silence, the cold, severe aura around him was enough to make the air feel oppressive.

For a moment, Channing felt that perhaps accepting the offer would not be so bad. Yet a trace of unwillingness still gnawed at him—he hated the idea of leaving nothing behind for his son. So he remained silent, simmering in anger.

After a long pause, Bert suddenly stopped playing with the ring. He lifted his eyes to his lawyer, his tone relaxed and casual.

"Since that’s the case, let’s go."

Then he turned to Channing.

"President Channing, I already gave you time to consider. Since you’ve chosen not to accept my proposal, then forget everything I said earlier about supporting you with a monthly allowance. The acquisition will proceed as planned."

So that silence just now had been his time to consider.

Channing clenched his teeth in fury. Bert had never said that the silence was meant to give him time. If he had made it clear, Channing might have felt the urgency and thought more carefully. But instead, Bert had said nothing at all and simply decided that the time was up.

What a madman.