Master of his heart (Max and Brielle)
Chapter 950

Given his already sour mood, William's irritation only grew as he woke to his grandfather grilling him with questions. He didn't bother to conceal his true thoughts. "Dorsey International is like a glamorous tapestry, but underneath, it's crawling with maggots," he said bluntly.

Back in the day, Michael had been a powerhouse, a titan in the business world, renowned for his influence. But his obsession with power and his coldness towards his own family had eroded any semblance of affection within the Dorsey clan starting with his generation. His early decision to favor Max had effectively written off his other sons and grandsons, filling their lives with jealousy, resentment, and discontent.

And in his dealings with Everett, he had mercilessly crushed a man's pride.

In many ways, he and William were alike, except William lacked his grandfather's finesse. When Michael was in charge, at least Dorsey International was thriving. But his stubborn self-reliance had left the rest of the family feeling excluded. Unaware of his own failings, Michael saw his son as nothing but a disappointment, pale in comparison to Max. And since Max had left the family business behind, Michael's mindset was to destroy what couldn't be used.

"Who says I'm only counting on you? Ashton is still here. At least Ashton is more level-headed than you. You just focus on getting better, and leave the company matters to Ashton."

His tone was detached as he called out, "Ashton, come in here."

Antonio entered, head bowed..

William's eyes narrowed at the sight of his son, but then he brightened. If Dorsey International was entrusted to his son, wasn't it also a win for him? Ashton had always been obedient to him. William thought he was playing his cards right until he heard Michael's instruction.

"Ashton, don't take after your father. From now on, you're the President of Dorsey International. If you can steer us through these rough waters, the company will be yours." Michael's voice was calm, betraying his belief that he still held the reins.

But inside, he was starting to panic. William and Antonio were no match for Max-Antonio was only marginally better. Look at the mess William had made of Dorsey International. "Ashton, I'm giving you 20% of the shares. Make it count."

For once, it wasn't just empty promises. He was willing to part with some of his shares.

But Antonio wasn't dazzled by the offer. Even with 20%, Michael still held the majority. Even if he helped Dorsey International through this crisis, Michael would remain the one with the real power. FindNovel

20% wasn't enough for Antonio to secure his footing in the company.

He wanted the absolute control that Max had. If his grandfather wouldn't hand it over, he'd take it himself.

"Grandfather, I understand," he said, his face a mask of compliance.

Michael had no choice but to relent seeing that Antonio wasn't as easily

fooled as William. He needed to offer something to keep himonside.

After Michael left, William, glowing with triumph, turned to Antonio.

"Son, that's 20% of the shares. Once you wrestle more from him, we'll call the shots at Dorsey International."

William was so excited he nearly leapt out of bed, but his body was too weakened, and he collapsed back onto the mattress.

Antonio stood silently at the bedside for a moment before he spoke with a smile.

"Dad, you should just focus on your recovery at the hospital. Leave the matter of Dorsey International's shares to me."

The implication was clear: the shares, and the company, were no longer William's concern.

William thought he'd misheard, looking up in disbelief before succumbing to a violent coughing fit.

"What did you say?"

"I said Dorsey International is not for

you to worry about. Grandfather

may be getting on in years, but what about you? You've never had a knack for business. If it weren't for Max keeping us afloat, you and Ryan would have run Dorsey International into the ground by now."

"You! You ingrate! I am your father!"