Ca set the bags down and turned to leave.
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Shane sobbed as he wiped hhapter 299 Kelly Proposed to Adopt Shane
Clarissis tears, opening his mouth several times but never calling out for his mother.
He had never felt safe with this woman.
At such a young age, he seemed to already know the truth–sooner or later, he was going to be abandoned.
“You’re just going to leave without a word?” Kelly’s voice was low and cold as she stepped in front of Clarissa, blocking her way. “You’re abandoning him, aren’t you? Hand over the custody rights, sign the adoption agreement, and submit it to the authorities. We’ll go through the process, and everything will be official.”
Clarissa narrowed her eyes and sneered. “You want to adopt him?”
Zev and Wade both froze, looking at Kelly with surprise.
It was Kelly who had been so opposed to adopting Shane in the past.
Kelly took a deep breath, her fists tightening.
Adopting Shane was a risky decision, but the child’s situation was heartbreaking.
Kelly didn’t want to get involved. After everything she had been through, she didn’t want to play the hero, didn’t want to give in to sentiment.
But something inside her, a weight she couldn’t shake, was pushing her in this direction.
At this point, the only thing she could rely on was human nature.
She was gambling that Shane hadn’t inherited the same traits from the Lynches, that he wouldn’t grow up to be as cruel and manipulative as Clarissa or Beau.
“This is none of your concern. You said you didn’t want him, so now you need to sign over the custody rights, sign the adoption papers, and stay out of his life,” Kelly said firmly.
Clarissa smirked, her lips curling in a condescending way. She thought Kelly was foolish.
This was exactly what she had been waiting for–Kelly’s offer to adopt Shane.
Only if Shane became a ward of Kelly and Zev, or if Wade took him under his name, could they claim inheritance rights.
Clarissa was certain Wade wouldn’t let Shane be taken away. He was nearing the end of his life and felt guilty for Shane, so he would surely agree to let Kelly and Zev adopt the boy.
With a little pressure in the right places, Zev wouldn’t dare refuse the adoption.
After all, if Shane was going to take over the Lockhart Group, he needed to maintain a respectable public image.
If it looked like he had abandoned the child just because Shane wasn’t his biological son, the backlash would be devastating.
“Fine, I’ll sign the adoption agreement, but I have one condition.” Clarissa turned to Wade, a smug
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expression on her face. “I’ve made significant contributions to the Lockhart Group over the years, and I want to come back. I want to take over the project department,”
“Clarissa, when my wife treated you like a human being, you should’ve at least acted like one. Who do you think you are, demanding to take over the project department?” Zev’s anger was clear; he was ready to lash
out.
Clarissa shot him a mocking glance. “Without me, what do you have? Zev, you’re so full of yourself. Do you think you’re some kind of financial genius? If I don’t help you, how will you compete with Shawn? I hear he’s planning to take over the Wagners‘ business in Seaville.”
Clarissa’s words were aimed directly at Wade.
Wade understood exactly what Clarissa was doing.
Once you reach the top, everyone worships you. But as soon as you begin to slip, they’re quick to push you down. Right now, Lockhart Group was in a transition phase, and Zev, with his military background and lack of business experience, wasn’t the right fit to lead. Wade had been trying desperately to find him a wife to help him gain a foothold in the business world.
But Zev had stubbornly chosen a doctor, of all people.
It seemed each generation was weaker than the last. When Wade had opposed Sylvester’s choice of Helena, at least she was a capable and powerful woman. But with Zev… she found a nobody.
“To use a child as a pawn for your own interests, Clarissa, you really have no shame,” Kelly said, her brow !furrowing as she glared at her.
“Don’t act so righteous. You’ve carried a child for nine months. If I’m giving up the kid for a little benefit, what’s the big deal? Don’t act like you’re the only one who’s noble,” Clarissa shot back, her voice dripping with contempt.
Kelly’s expression darkened as she turned to Wade.
The decision was now in his hands.
“I still have a say over this. Let Clarissa take over the project department,” Wade said quietly, waving his hand dismissively. He was clearly tired and just wanted this matter settled. He turned and headed back toward the living room, gesturing for the butler to take Shane while holding Jasper’s hand.
Kelly’s worry grew. “Wade!”
His decision was reckless. This would only invite trouble into their home!
Besides, Zev had only just resolved the project department’s issues and needed it to secure his position in the company. But Clarissa was trying to take control of it. This would leave Zev with nothing, reducing him to a mere figurehead in the business world, a puppet with no real power.
Zev narrowed his eyes and sneered, “You’re really not afraid of people seeing through your intentions.”
“Remember to bring the adoption papers tomorrow. We’ll go to the government institution and submit the application,” Clarissa said, flashing a triumphant smile as she turned, purposefully brushing past Kelly, her shoulder bumping hers as she made her exit.
“Wade is getting older and dumber by the day. Where did all the courage that helped him build this empire go? He’s terrified of his own shadow and letting trouble into the house!” Kelly muttered in frustration.
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Zev grabbed Kelly’s wrist and pulled her close, his voice soothing but firm. “Don’t worry, I can handle this. Right now, we just need to secure control. I need to make sure that when I speak, it actually counts.”
For now, all they could do was wait and see.
Her words were filled with frustration. “Her motives are so obvious. Once the custody of Shane is ours, she’ll use that to strengthen her position in the company. Later, when she’s incharge, she’ll get rid of us, turning herself into the queen. She’ll rule through a puppet king.”
Clarissa was playing a dangerous game, manipulating her way to power.
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