"The King Family may be wealthy, but there are a lot of people to split it with," Julian King said nonchalantly. "Among us brothers, my branch is the smallest—just Ryan as my only child. My eldest brother, on the other hand, has more than ten children and grandchildren, not to mention my second and third brothers. With so many descendants, even if my father divides the inheritance by headcount, how much do you think each person gets? No matter how big the King Family is, it can't withstand being split up like this. In the end, most of the assets will go to the one who inherits the family business, and everyone else will just get some cash and dividends. So, what do you think are my chances of inheriting the family business?"
Dale's expression shifted slightly.
"My mother is a second wife, so she was never going to get much. My father is sentimental—my brothers and sisters will get at least as much as I do. So when the time comes, how much do you think I can win?" Julian continued, "That’s why I’d rather focus on my own business. At least this company is mine, and I don’t have to fight with anyone over it."
Dale blurted out, "But when your eldest brother had a child, Grandfather King gave him a hundred million!"
"You really do know a lot. Even how much money they got," Julian said, picking up his napkin to wipe his mouth.
Dale quickly got flustered. "It was Mrs. King who told me—I wasn’t snooping!"
"Anyway, in the future, all my assets will go to my child. That's my personal property—no one gets a say in it," Julian added.
"True," Dale replied with a strained smile. "But without the King Family's support, how much could you really have on your own?"
"About two billion, I guess," Julian said, pretending to hesitate. "That’s what’s on the books. But when I turned eighteen, my father gave me some assets, which my mother manages now. All together, it’s probably over three billion."
"What?!" Dale lost her composure. "How could it be that much?"
"You think that's a lot? Not really," Julian said, as if he hadn't noticed Dale's reaction. "My father has more than a hundred billion."
Dale immediately perked up, her attitude much more enthusiastic. "That's not the same. Most of Grandfather King's assets are real estate, but yours are all personal property!"
"Exactly. It's all my own property! Of course I'll leave everything to my child," Julian said with a smile. "I'm a family man—everything I work for is for the next generation."
Dale flashed a charming smile. "Then why not have a few more kids? That way Ryan will have siblings to help manage such a big family business."
"What can I do? Sophie doesn’t want more kids, and I can’t have them myself. One child is enough," Julian said half-jokingly. "Sophie once teased me, saying if we ever divorced, she’d definitely take Ryan with her. If that happened, I’d have to remarry and have more kids. What a hassle. So, better not to get divorced at all."
Dale’s eyes flickered at Julian’s words. "Right, you two are so close—why would you ever get divorced?"
Julian finished his last bite, set down his knife and fork, and said, "Exactly! Well, I'm full. Thanks for the meal. I have things to do, so I'll head out now."
Just as Julian was about to leave, Dale called out to him, "It's so late—why go back and forth? There are plenty of guest rooms here. Why not stay the night? It'll be easier to get to the office from here tomorrow, right?"
Julian gave Dale a meaningful look. "But..."
"What 'but'? We've been friends for years. You think I'd ever harm you?" Dale said with a smile.
"Alright then. I'll stay here tonight," Julian said, going along with the suggestion.
Dale turned to prepare a room for Julian. After he settled in and was sound asleep, she returned to her own room, pulled out her phone, and quietly dialed a number. "You told me Julian wouldn't get much money. Why didn't you tell me his company is making so much?"
"What, are you tempted now?" A man's voice came from the other end. "Well, money does move the heart. Julian's handsome, rich, and loyal to his family. No wonder you're interested—after all, you had a crush on him back then."
"That's not what I meant."
"It’s fine, even if that’s what you mean, I don’t mind. I placed you with Mrs. King just to be a thorn in Sophie’s side. Since you’re so ambitious and want to break up their marriage, I’m all for it." The man chuckled. "Dale, this is a great chance. If you can take her place, you'll be the young madam of the King Family—Julian’s wife. As long as you have his child, your child will inherit everything from Julian!"
Dale’s palms were slick with sweat. "I..."
"Think carefully. I’ll do everything I can to help you," the man said. "You’re smart—you know that in this world, you can live without anything except money. With money, your grandfather can survive."
"I understand." Dale gripped her phone tightly. "I know what I have to do."
A soft chuckle came from the other end, then the call ended.
Dale listened carefully to the sounds from the next room, making sure Julian was really asleep.