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Valerie kept twirling her pen, not even bothering to look up. 

Everett picked up smoothly where Skyler’s words trailed off. “As the saying goes, even between brothers, money should be kept clear–and the same goes for fathers and daughters. 

“The property deal involves a huge sum. My client is just a young lady with little real–world experience. Without a professional looking out for her, if she were to be taken advantage of, it would make everyone look bad.” 

He nudged the pen back toward Skyler. “Having a lawyer present avoids disputes later. Mr. Woodward, surely, you wouldn’t want to see a father and daughter dragged into headlines over a single house.” 

Skyler felt a prickle of unease. Something about this went deeper than appearance. 

Valerie was young, and young people cared most about immediate benefit. Compared to an old house in the suburbs, a two–billion–dollar cash transfer would serve her far better. 

Yet, Everett never once mentioned the payout, insisting instead on making the property the centerpiece of negotiations. That alone was enough to make him suspicious. 

The old mansion out in the suburbs had been sitting vacant since the day it was bought. The location was mediocre, the structure dated, and as far as he knew, the city had no redevelopment plans for the area anytime soon. 

Without redevelopment, there would be no buyout or compensation. So, why was Valerie so fixated on it? Was it really because Lilith had once purchased the place as a coming–of–age gift for her? 

Catching the flicker of doubt in Skyler’s eyes, Valerie glanced at Everett. The look was a silent reminder that the matter of the mansion could not be delayed. 

Everett read her cue and pressed forward. “Let’s be honest, Mr. Woodward. My client has never forgiven her parents‘ failed marriage. She spent those years in the countryside, living poorly and scraping by on odd jobs. 

“Meanwhile, as her biological father, you enjoyed a happy family and a successful career, yet you failed to provide for her.” 

He leaned in, his voice steady. “Years of resentment have left her deeply dissatisfied. She asked me once if she had the right to demand half your estate.” 

Everett looked Sklyer in the eyes and said, “My answer was simple–yes.” 

Before Skyler could interrupt, Everett kept going. “And let’s not forget–Woodward Group’s 

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success today can be traced back to Ms. Lilith. She created the recipes that built its foundation. That entitled her to be a shareholder.” 

Skyler jumped in quickly. “When we divorced, Lilith walked away clean. That was her choice.” 

“I asked Ms. Valerie whether Ms. Lilith signed any agreement renouncing her rights when she left the Woodward family,” Everett counted. “Her answer was no.” 

Skyler’s confidence faltered. “That… And what of it?” 

“It means,” Everett said smoothly, “that if Ms. Lilith chose to pursue her rights to those recipes, Woodward Group would not only face lawsuits but crippling compensation claims.” 

Skyler gave a cold laugh. “As far as I know, Lilith disappeared more than a decade ago.” 

Valerie’s voice cut through. “My mom disappeared, but she’s not dead.” 

Everett added, “My client’s request is simple–the mansion that was meant for her, plus two billion dollars in cash. In return, she will sever ties with the Woodward family forever. 

“If you refuse, we’ll follow her original plan–take you to court for the long haul. And we both know what lawsuits mean–wasted time, wasted money, and damaged stock prices. Surely, 

Mr. Woodward, you don’t want that.” 

He slid the pen toward Skyler again. “It’s better to resolve today what doesn’t need to be dragged into tomorrow.” 

Valerie had already proven at The Glasshouse that nothing was beyond her. If she could smash a hotel to pieces, there was nothing she wouldn’t dare do. 

Skyler still wondered why she was so fixated on that old house, but under Everett’s relentless pressure, he finally signed the contract. 

With the agreement secured, Everett would immediately tap into his network to push Valerie’s transfer through. With his connections, the property would be officially under her name in less than three days. 

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Chapter 62