The sound of sobbing echoed at the entrance of Henderson Manor. Many people stood there weeping, clutching large bags and suitcases, and the area was already piled high with luggage.
In the bitter cold of winter, Henry Henderson made a decision: he ordered the Branch Family members to move elsewhere. Houses had already been prepared for them, and they were given money as well. No one had expected this.
"Grandpa, why is this happening? Clearly we..."
Harold Henderson glared at Henry Henderson in protest, but Henry merely sneered at him, making Harold lower his head immediately.
"John Chou is completely unfit to be the head of the Henderson Family."
As Harold Henderson shouted in anger, many people around began to speak up at once. But Henry Henderson remained unmoved. Over the years, if not for the deaths of his two sons, Henry would never have accepted the Branch Family. He did so partly out of fear of having no successor, and partly to select capable people from among them. He had already found quite a few, most of whom had served the Henderson Family for generations.
Last night, Victor Fan came to see Henry Henderson and explained that John Chou was anxious, afraid that Henry would choose Harold Henderson as the heir, which would make life difficult for John and his mother. He was worried sick all night. So, early this morning, Henry gathered all the Branch Family members and ordered them to move elsewhere. The head of the family had already been decided—John Chou would inherit. Because of this, the Branch Family members were no longer allowed to live in Henderson Manor.
There were more than 300 Branch Family members, all of whom had to leave Henderson Manor today. Many were dissatisfied with Henry Henderson's decision, but had no way to resist. The worst outcome of defiance would be permanent expulsion from the Henderson Family, with nothing to their name. But if they obeyed, they would receive a generous sum and would not have to worry about their livelihood.
Yet what angered many the most was that Henry Henderson had chosen John Chou as his successor. News spread throughout Henderson Village, drawing crowds to watch. Many people said that after Henry Henderson passed away, the Henderson Family would be doomed.
This was a snap decision from Henry Henderson. Any further delay would risk problems, especially after his visit to the fields yesterday. In that instant, Henry realized that if he kept letting John Chou go on like this, and if John failed to earn the loyalty of the Henderson Family’s subordinates, the position of family head would be lost. So Henry first eliminated the internal instability and directly cut off the Branch Family’s hopes of inheriting the Henderson legacy.
Master Henderson, if you do this, I'm afraid...
Victor Fan stepped up to Henry Henderson, who sighed.
Even if there is much dissatisfaction, what would you do if you were in my place?
Victor Fan grunted in response.
Although I wouldn't be as hasty as Master Henderson, if I were in your position, I would also eliminate all unfavorable factors. After all, the Branch Family has gained some influence locally. If you don't act now, there will be many obstacles when you choose a successor in the future.
Zane Zhuang stared in astonishment at the scene, unable to believe Henry Henderson would choose John Chou as successor.
Zane Zhuang, go call the young master to the ancestral altar.
Henry Henderson turned away as he spoke, ignoring the Branch Family's cries and ruthlessly ordering the household guards to drive them out.
At this moment, John Chou had just opened his eyes, and Maggie Mute smiled as she brushed his hair.
Mom, why don't we take some money from Grandpa and go live somewhere else, just the two of us? Grandpa has already chosen his successor. We shouldn't wait for him to pass away. I'll find an excuse—whatever it takes—so we can leave together.