Chapter 390

Before Nolan could get a word in, Michael jumped at the chance.

"Look, the Brown Group might be under my management, but I don't make all the calls on personnel changes. If you're thinking about this, you should really talk to Grandpa first."

"If he gives you the green light to take over the company, I won't stand in your way."

Michael spread his hands, acting like he was giving Nolan all the power to decide.

But in reality, the real authority was still with Michael.

Sure enough, Nolan's face darkened at this.

"Michael, what are you trying to pull? Don't think I don't know what's going on. Ever since you took over the Brown Group, Grandpa hasn't been involved in the company's affairs. How could he possibly agree to this if I talk to him?"

"You're just bringing up Grandpa because you're scared I'll take what you have, aren't you?"

Memories of the past rushed back to Nolan. Every time he thought about that day, it felt like a dagger to his pride.

Back when the Brown Group was in crisis and Aiden fell seriously ill, the whole company was in chaos.

At that time, Nolan was the most suitable candidate.

So, even though he never planned on taking over the Brown Group, Nolan was thrust into the role of CEO as a last resort.

Within a year, he had the Brown Group back on track, and by then, Aiden had mostly recovered.

Nolan thought he could step down, but Grandpa's health took a turn for the worse after surgery, making it impossible for him to handle the high-stress work and social engagements.

So, the entire burden of the Brown Group fell on Nolan's shoulders for three whole years.

To live up to Grandpa's trust, Nolan worked tirelessly every day, and his efforts paid off.

Under his leadership, the Brown Group thrived, and his status within the Brown Family grew increasingly important.

Even Grandpa often praised his business acumen.

Being recognized and encouraged made Nolan believe this was his life's purpose.

He was even willing to dedicate his entire life to it.

He worked harder, for the Brown Group and for himself, pushing himself to become stronger.

At that time, his reputation in Evergreen City was unmatched, and he was in the spotlight.

He thought it would always be this way.

After all, his older cousin had no interest in business and had moved abroad with his family, leaving only Michael and him in the family.

Michael, at that time, was in his rebellious phase and showed no interest in managing the company. In fact, he often expressed his disdain for it.

And Grandpa doted on Michael, the youngest grandson, indulging his every whim.

Since Michael disliked it, Nolan naturally wouldn't force him.

So, the Brown Group would eventually fall into Nolan's hands.

He even felt a bit guilty towards Michael, thinking that once the Brown Group grew stronger, he could just support Michael financially, as long as he stayed out of trouble.

It wasn't because Nolan particularly liked Michael as a brother, but because only during those three years of managing the Brown Group did he find his true purpose.

That feeling was something only he understood.

Until that day came, and his world collapsed.

On Michael's twentieth birthday, the Brown Family threw a grand party, attended by nearly all the elite of Evergreen City.

It was then that Aiden, holding Michael's hand, made the big announcement.

He was handing over the entire Brown Group to Michael.

Nolan, the current manager, felt like a complete joke at that moment.

People around him clapped and congratulated, but Nolan's mind went blank. He couldn't hear a single word after that.

After the party, Aiden called them both into the study.

He placed a prepared appointment document in front of them.

Nolan wasn't the only one stunned; Michael, suddenly thrust into this position, was equally shocked.

What was supposed to be an ordinary birthday party had turned into this?

Nolan didn't care about anyone else's reactions. He just wanted to understand what was happening.

But Aiden spoke first.

"Nolan, I know you've worked hard managing the company these past few years. Now that your brother Michael is old enough to take on the responsibility, you can relax and not be so tightly wound, stuck in the company all day."

Nolan was speechless.

Was Grandpa pushing him out?

But how could he just leave? He forced himself to stay calm, but inside, he was on the verge of breaking down.

"Grandpa, is it because I'm not doing well enough that you want to push me out of the company? Tell me, and I'll change, okay?"

In three years, he had poured all his efforts into the Brown Group.

Now that the company was thriving, Grandpa wanted to hand it all over to Michael, who knew nothing about it.

What did Nolan's years of dedication count for?

Nolan panicked.

He grabbed Aiden's hand, pleading, "Grandpa, I don't want to leave the company. I don't know what else I could do if I leave. Please, let me stay."

Before, he might have longed to leave the Brown Family and go somewhere far away.

But after taking over the Brown Group at such a young age, he had devoted himself entirely to its management. Over the years, he had come to see the company as his future.

He didn't know what he would do if he left.

But this time, Aiden pushed him away, speaking seriously and firmly.

"Nolan, just because I haven't said anything doesn't mean I don't care. Your position means you can never take over the Brown Group. I didn't explain this before out of consideration for your feelings, but today I'll make it clear."

"Everything in the Brown Family has been destined for Michael since he was born. No one can take that away."

"You were just a temporary stand-in while he was too young. I've already let you hold this position for three years out of gratitude for your contributions to the Brown Group. Do you still want to keep it?"

Aiden's words extinguished the last hope in Nolan's eyes.

From the beginning, in Aiden's eyes, there was only Michael.

Nolan was just a temporary substitute.

His efforts, his hard work, were never truly valued. To them, the fact that he could even be involved in the company's affairs was a great fortune.

He was only allowed in because Michael wasn't grown up yet.

How ironic.

Nolan couldn't even dream of having those that Michael didn't want?

This was the reality of a wealthy family.

Nolan felt a sharp pain in his chest.

He wanted to say more, but Grandpa's stern gaze silenced him.

How could a child ignored by everyone ever hope to be favored?

Asking further would only bring more humiliation.