Iris said this on purpose to make herself look like a virtuous, devoted wife who bent over backward for me. At the same time, she painted me as an ungrateful bastard who didn't know what was good for him.

Too tired to deal with the fake flattery in the group chat, I exited and shut off my phone, tossing it aside.

I didn't sleep all night. The next day, I attended Dad's birthday banquet.

The celebration was grand. Plenty of friends and family showed up, along with many of the company's business partners.

The moment I walked into the hall, I spotted Mason. He wore a tailored suit and stood beside Dad, deep in conversation. Dad sang his praises, gripping his hand with the kind of affection you'd reserve for your own son.

When Mason saw me come in, he smiled and waved. I ignored him and walked straight past.

Iris was there too, chatting with guests while keeping an eye on the two kids. The moment the children spotted Mason, they yanked free from Iris and ran to him, flanking him on both sides as they called out sweetly.

"Mason, what took you so long? We missed you!"

Mason bent down and ruffled their hair, his voice warm. "I'm here now, aren't I? And I brought presents."

I stood off to the side, watching the scene coldly. I didn't feel much of anything anymore.

When Dad noticed me, his smile vanished instantly. He let out a cold snort, turned away, and went back to chatting enthusiastically with Mason over drinks.

Everyone at the party could see how coldly he treated me. He'd rather dote on some employee than give his own son the time of day.

All of this was thanks to Mason's years of poisoning the well.

"Remi, don't take it the wrong way. Dad's just busy greeting friends. He hasn't had a chance to talk to you yet."

Iris approached with a fake smile, reaching for my arm. "Let's go sit at the main table. Everyone's waiting for you."

I dodged her outstretched hand and walked over to a seat far from the main table. To maintain her image as the dutiful wife, Iris had no choice but to follow, sitting beside me at the side table with a stiff smile.

As I watched her sour expression and the eager glances she kept throwing toward Mason at the main table, I found it almost funny. Halfway through the banquet, Mason set down his fork and raised his wine glass with a smile.

"Everyone, friends, family, today is Mr. Emerson Senior's 60th birthday, and there's something I'd like to bring up."

Everyone stopped what they were doing and turned to look at him. Mason's smile grew brighter.

"I remember you once said that when you turned 60, you'd transfer half your shares to your two grandchildren. Part of the family legacy, a blessing for the kids, so to speak. Do you remember saying that, sir?"

The room fell silent for a moment before people began nodding in agreement.

"Oh yes, I remember that too. Mr. Emerson Senior really does dote on his grandchildren."

"Once those shares are handed over, those two kids will be little tycoons. How enviable."

Half the shares to the kids, plus what Mason and Iris already controlled, would give them more than me. It would also put them ahead of my father.

They'd become the company's largest shareholders and gain complete control of the Emerson family business. It hit me then that this was the surprise Mason had mentioned in his post.

Dad beamed, nodding eagerly.

"Of course I remember. Would've slipped my mind if you hadn't mentioned it, Mason.

"They should absolutely have it. They're Emersons by blood. They deserve it."

Mason and Iris exchanged a glance, excitement flickering in their eyes.

Iris smiled at me sweetly. "Honey, look how much Dad loves the kids."

I picked up the glass in front of me and took a slow sip. Once the murmurs in the room died down, I finally spoke.

"The Emerson family fortune goes to Emerson blood. Bastards don't qualify."