âSteven, your grandfather has passed away. You need to oversee the funeral, Martin said in a deep voice as he stepped out of the car.
I watched him warily because I was aware that his visit was about more than just about a funeral.
âYour grandfatherâs body in still in the morque, and we need a direct relative to sign for the cremation. You canât let him rest unattended, can you?â Martin put on a compassionate look, as if he was just a concerned elder.
Frowning. I glanced at the cars following him and realized the presence of the media.
Ignatius death was a big deal in the business world, and many media reporters were watching.
Even if Martin was putting on a show, he needed to make it convincing.
I stepped in front of Steven and whispered, âSteven, donât be scared.â
With the media around, Steven was safe for now.
After all, they wouldnât dare harm him under the spotlight.
Martinâs eyes, unseen by others, were sharp. I knew he was furious about his failed attempt to kill Steven a few days ago. Now, with the media swarming in, itâd be difficult for him to make a second attempt.
Steven stood behind me. His gaze signaled the person holding Yasmin to release her.
The person complied and stood with a cold demeanor behind Steven.
It was evident Steven trusted him.
âMr. Ford, thank you for helping me find Steven. This boy loves freedom too much to be confined at home, Martin said gently while playing the role of a kind old man in front of the media.
Michael brushed away his gloominess and walked over. He was also a businessman and fundamentally no different from Martin.
âThe passing of my family head is a big deal. I appreciate your assistance today. Letâs discuss the collaboration between the Lincoln and Ford Groups at the charity dinner.âMartin extended his hand to Michael.
His mention of collaboration clearly meant assuming control of the Lincoln Group.
Apparently, he had assumed ownership of the Lincoln Group.
He deliberately announced the collaboration in front of the media.
He was trying to hype as well as Steven, pressure I was a little worried as I looked back at Steven. However, the corners of his mouth seemed to be carrying a hint of a smile that was hard to detect.
âSteven, the media is here. He wonât do anything to you at the moment. Letâs stabilize the situation.
Donât resist. Follow my lead,â I whispered.
Steven hid his emotions and put on a scared look. âStephie, will you protect me?â
I held Stevenâs hand tightly and nodded. Following that, I turned to the reporters and wiped my tears. Grandpaâs death has deeply affected Steven. Heâs been managing his emotions lately and heâll be sure to get over his grief in the shortest time possible. Heâll be back to manage the Lincoln Group so that grandpaâs hard work isnât let down.â
The cameras turned to Steven.
The latter appeared reluctant but didnât dodge them.
âIs it true Steven has a mental illness?â a reporter asked.
I smiled at the reporter. âI believe all of us, even the soâcalled normal people, have mental illnesses to some extent. Heâs fine and has already recovered.â
âAre e you Stevenâs wife? Who will manage the company now that Mr. Ignatius is gone? I heard no one agrees to have Steven, a mentally ill person, run the company. Meanwhile, Martin seems the most qualified.â
Martin frowned. He seemed to be displeased by the mediaâs involvement.
âMartin is just a distant relative who benefited from the Lincolns and grandpa. But as the sole heir, the Lincoln Group rightfully belongs to Steven.â I gazed over at Martin in challenge.
His attempt to kill Steven hadnât been forgotten.
Martin looked at me meaningfully but surprisingly stayed silent.
Things didnât seem right. He was definitely plotting something.
âStephie, I want to go home, Steven whispered from behind me.
I nodded to him reassuringly and hinted that I would protect him.
The reporters wanted to ask more, but I cut them off. âSorry, but Iâm tired. Iâm pregnant, and I get dizzy if I stand for too long. Weâll be leaving now.â
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