After Ignatius was brought back, hey on the bed, looking unwell.


    Martin and Dax arrived with sinister intentions.


    Most of the Lincoln family’s distant rtives were present, each with their own motives.


    They still believed I was the weak and easily manipted Stephany who was brought in to secure


    the Lincoln family’s inheritance.


    Unbeknownst to them, I wasn’t the same old Stephany anymore.


    “Ignatius is sick, and the Lincoln family can’t go without a leader for too long. I don’t see anyone


    competent enough here. One’s a fool, and the other’s an outsider,” Martin remarked disdainfully as


    he cast a nce at Steven.


    That outsider he referred to was me.


    Smirking, Martin approached the bedside. “Ignatius, if you agree to let me take control, just nod. I’ll


    ensure Lincoln Group prospers under my leadership.”


    Despite his anger, Ignatius was unable to utter a word. He gripped the covers tightly, shooting a


    fierce re at Martin.


    “Mr. Lincoln Senior mustn’t be agitated,” Ewan interjected solemnly.


    “I believe Ignatius has agreed,” Martin dered.


    “Who says Grandpa agreed?” I entered the room, standing firmly by Ignatius‘ side. ”


    Everything that belongs to the Lincoln family, including the shares of the Lincoln Group, is for my


    unborn child who’s the rightful heir of the Lincolns. Am I right, Grandpa?”


    Ignatius stared at me as I spoke. Though taken aback by my statement, he reluctantly nodded in


    agreement.


    Martin’s expression darkened.


    Dax sneered, “Mind your ce, woman, or your child may never see daylight.”


    Ignatius shot Dax a furious re, his lips slightly parted as if on the verge of cursing.


    I suddenly felt a pang of pity for Ignatius. Despite his life of prominence and influence, he nowy


    confined to his bed. Even his wealth and power left him powerless.


    “You find pleasure in intimidating a mere woman, don’t you? Is that the best you can do?” I


    countered, meeting his gaze without flinching.


    N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    For all their intimidation, could these people be any more fearsome than a serial killer?


    Taken aback by my defiance, Dax sneered and walked forward.


    With Ignatius incapacitated on the bed, he certainly felt emboldened.


    As I began to step back, Steven stood before me.


    His tall and imposing figure gave me an inexplicable sense of security.


    Dax frowned and looked at Steven. “You’re nothing but a fool, yet you have the audacity to defend


    her?‘


    Steven stared at Dax and remained silent.


    He was used to the rough and tumble of the underworld, but now he seemed intimidated by the


    fool, Steven.


    Steven rarely spoke, maybe because of an old injury that left his voice raspy. Yet, when he got


    serious, he was truly intimidating.


    “The Lincoln Group can’t stay without a leader. Are you letting this idiot take over, or will it be her?”


    Martin’s voice broke the tension.


    “I’ll take over thepany,” Steven spoke up.


    I had intended to offer to temporarily assume control, but Steven beat me to it.


    His words stunned everyone, including myself.


    Even Ignatius stared at Steven in disbelief. His expression wasplex as he struggled to


    articte his thoughts.


    A glimmer of fear reflected in his gaze.