Relentless Pursuit After Divorce-Chapter 2043: Summer Hall Extra (245)

Charles Smith never expected that just as he was planning to be a bystander, trouble would find him the next day.

"What did you say you wanted?"

Charles Smith sat in the living room, sipping his morning coffee with an air of nonchalance. His gentlemanly face showed no trace of any other emotion.

Thomas Smith stood in front of him, looking proper, yet feeling somewhat guilty about his request.

But when he thought of his unborn child, his guilt transformed into a calm strength, and he repeated to Charles Smith:

"I want a share of the Smith Family’s stocks."

Charles Smith, with his customary gentle demeanor, took a light sip of his coffee before looking up at him. He placed the coffee on the table and spoke in a steady tone:

"Thomas, have I stayed home so long that you’ve forgotten your father’s temper?"

Thomas was momentarily taken aback by Charles Smith’s question.

Looking at the man in front of him, who seemed more of a professor with his elegance, Thomas really had forgotten he used to be a dominating figure in the business world.

How could a man so successful in business possibly be as mild and harmless as he appears?

His true gentleness was always reserved for his mother alone.

Thomas was intimidated by the seemingly gentle yet mounting pressure from Charles Smith. His previous calm gradually turned into slight unease.

"Repeat your request to me once more."

Charles Smith still spoke as if it were mere small talk.

This time, Thomas hesitated but eventually repeated his earlier words.

"Is this Olivia’s idea?"

Charles Smith asked again.

Thomas was first stunned, then quickly shook his head, "No, no, it’s my own idea."

Charles Smith watched his eager attempt to explain with a calm expression, saying nothing.

His gaze remained gentle, yet the unspoken pressure steadily chipped away at the courage Thomas had barely mustered.

Even without a word, Thomas began to feel more and more insecure under his father’s stare.

"Dad, truly... it’s not Olivia’s idea, I..."

"Thomas."

Charles Smith’s voice carried a noticeable chill compared to before.

"You’re my son, and I know best whether an idea is yours or not. Don’t take me for a fool."

In the deceptively gentle gaze of Charles Smith, Thomas finally caught a glimpse of coldness.

"Understand this, the reason we allow Olivia into the family isn’t because of her or her unborn child; it’s because you’re still part of the Smith Family. The opportunity we give is for you, not her. You’d best not exhaust the little goodwill we have."

"If she stirs up trouble as soon as she’s in, I can make her leave anytime. As for the Smith Family, we certainly don’t lack grandchildren, understand?"

Thomas was so stumped by Charles Smith’s nonchalant words that he dared not make a sound, only continuously defending Olivia.

"Dad, it really wasn’t Olivia’s idea, I..."

"Enough!"

Charles Smith finally lost his patience and got angry.

Olivia had been hiding in a room, keeping the door ajar and listening to the ruckus downstairs.

Their room was near the staircase, so she could hear the voices clearly.

When she heard Charles Smith mention her name, her heart filled with fear.

Yet she firmly believed Thomas wouldn’t betray her, so she remained somewhat calm, but she didn’t expect Charles Smith not to believe Thomas’s words at all.

And when Charles Smith shouted just now, it frightened Olivia, turning her face pale.