Chapter 1098: not giving anyone that control

Vacation... Zoren had been working everyone to the bone so they could take a vacation without worrying too much about the company. It was supposed to be a stress-free time, a moment to relax, a short break from the world.

But now...

Both of them carried looks of horror, not even blinking as they hung their heads low.

Now, everyone else was just staring at the two of them with conflicted expressions. It wasn’t like Zoren and Atlas weren’t allowed to leave the company at the same time. After all, they worked closely together, but their schedules and broad scopes of work sometimes sent them away from the company to execute their tasks.

The only reason it seemed like an issue was because Jonathan was left in charge.

"First Brother, was it really necessary for you to be here?" Zoren asked quietly, his voice full of dread.

Atlas nodded, still not blinking. "I had no choice. It’s about the resort project that’s been on hold for a long time. What about you? Had you not checked my schedule?"

"I told Benjamin to look after the company while I’m gone."

"..."

As Zoren and Atlas exchanged words, Penny’s face contorted slightly. She shook her head, sighing, because now she sort of felt sorry for the two of them. Even so, it was Grandma Pierson’s arrangement.

"Well, if Grandma sent everyone here... I guess she’s got it under control?" Hugo suggested, scratching his cheek with his index finger. "I mean, there’s no need to feel down about it since we’re already here. Besides, First Brother can’t just fly back home tonight since he’s here for business, and brother-in-law is here with Penny for a vacation."

"Still, it’s a little concerning since there are a few troublemakers in the company," Allen mumbled, only to hear Benjamin protest. "It’s not my fault, though! The chairwoman was very serious about sending me here!"

"But didn’t you just say you agreed because it’s a free trip?" Slater shot back quietly, only to see Benjamin glare at him. "Why are you looking at me like this? It’s not like whether I’m here or not affects any company except my agency."

Quite irritating to hear, but what Slater said was true.

"Well..." Penny cleared her throat as she studied her husband and First Brother, as if they were already at the final stages of making a decision. Even though this was supposed to be a honeymoon she never had, one that was being breached by her brothers, she still didn’t hate the idea of spending a bit of this vacation with them.

It wasn’t like they would barge into her room and stay there.

"Well, I know Yugi is not part of the Pierson Corporation, but I can ask him to guide some people to watch the company while we’re away," she suggested, but she only got a look from Zoren and Atlas. Her face twitched when they avoided her gaze, signaling their refusal. "Come on. Why are you being difficult now?"

Now, Penny couldn’t help but wonder if this vacation would even be all right. First, she had to face the shock of seeing her brothers already on the plane with her, and now this. It was starting to make her concerned.

After a second, Zoren and Atlas looked at each other in determination. They hadn’t been talking for a while, as if they were simply conversing in their heads, and now it seemed they both reached an agreement.

"I’ll do the meeting," Zoren uttered, and at the same time, Atlas spoke, "Do the meeting. I’m flying back."

But as those words flew out of their mouths, they heard their phones ping.

DING!

"Hm?" Zoren and Atlas furrowed their brows as they looked at everyone, both wearing the same expression.

"I think it’s mine..." Slater trailed off when he heard another ping coming from his second brother.

Hugo peeked down and pulled out his phone. Before he could check, he heard another ping. This time, it was coming from Penny. Soon, one after another, their phones pinged—except for Benjamin and Allen’s.

[From: Grandma Pierson

By the time this letter reaches you, I’m certain you’ve already landed at your destination. And you must’ve met with little Slater and Benjamin. I am also certain this must have surprised you, so allow me to explain myself.

For the times I’ve watched all of you from afar, I’ve always admired how hard you work. Sometimes, I find myself concerned about how hard you work and whether you’re taking care of yourselves. Above all, I was getting worried that, because of the ever-competitive world of business, you might not be noticing the little joys life has to offer.

So, I wanted to give you all some time to rest without worrying about the world outside. I know you are all worried, but do not be. During the time you are away, I’ll be looking after the company with the help of some people I trust.

This might be temporary, but I hope the days you are away will give you the rest you deserve.

- Grandma]

Everyone received the same message—except for Atlas, as Old Mrs. Pierson had written a more personalized version for him, using a more old-fashioned style that she knew he liked. Still, it carried the same content, just written differently.

******

[OLD PIERSON RESIDENCE]

"Old Madam, are you sure about this?" Butler Hubert asked with a sigh as he poured Old Mrs. Pierson her night tea.

The Old Madam laughed, making her rocking chair creak slightly. "Of course! Those children needed to relax! The company can always wait for them, and it will continue to move forward with or without them. So, they didn’t need to worry about it every time."

"I heard they’ve been working a little too much before the vacation," Butler Hubert chuckled as he straightened his back, holding the tray close to him. "However, I’m sure they were worried since they’re leaving the company with Jonathan Russel in charge."

Old Mrs. Pierson didn’t answer immediately. She reached for the cup on the table beside her rocking chair.

"Atlas and Zoren are capable men," she said. "That’s why I won’t let a snake lock them in a place just because they’re afraid the snake might bite someone while they’re away. I’m not giving anyone that control over those children’s lives."

She held her cup of tea and the saucer as her chair came to a halt. "Moreover, I know Zoren is already looking into the clinic that did the DNA testing. I want to find the truth myself before he comes back. After all, Enzo has always been his hero... and that poor child would not let anyone taint his father’s reputation without consequences."

"My Renren has been through a lot since his father’s death," she continued solemnly, gazing at her reflection in the tea. "I’m not letting anyone add more torment to his life... even if it means spending the rest of my life uncovering the truth."