Chapter 569

The Stone Corporation now implicitly recognized Lambert as its de facto leader. Within just a few short years, he had systematically dismantled the influence of both the first and second branches of the Stone family. In any other family, such ruthless efficiency might have intimidated onlookers, but it would also have left the current patriarch quietly displeased—like an ancient emperor watching his chosen successor prove *too* capable. Satisfaction would be tinged with unease and resentment. But not in the Stone family. Old Mr. Stone was a ruthless man himself, selfish and cold to the core. Yet he admired those who were even more merciless than he—like Lambert. Seeing his grandson purge the company of its long-standing parasites, as well as anyone who dared threaten his own position, filled the old man with unexpected delight. 'Admirable.' Only someone like this could inherit the Stone Corporation and carry the family legacy forward. That Lambert’s methods had been so brutal, leaving