Chapter 772

The statement was deliberately ambiguous, laced with an undertone of provocation. Wrapped in such phrasing, it almost painted Arnold as the victim. Had this happened in the past, Old Mr. Stone might have indeed harbored a seed of doubt. But not anymore—Arnold had simply chosen the wrong moment. By now, the entire Stone conglomerate was effectively under Lambert’s control. The old man’s authority had dwindled to almost nothing. Even if he were to suspect that Lambert was purging potential rivals and systematically eliminating his brothers, there was little he could do. Moreover, judged by the standards of a successor, Lambert’s actions aligned perfectly with the old man’s expectations. The patriarch shot a glance at Finley, whose earlier smugness had vanished from his eyes. Arnold’s words had visibly shaken him; his face paled, and he glanced nervously toward the old man. Noticing this, Old Mr. Stone’s eyes darkened with deepened disappointment. Jolene stood by, anxious and worried. She