Chapter Eighteen:

In the confines of the apartment, Barry and Cooper, Helena and George's sons, found comfort in their mother's presence. With their father absent, they felt a newfound freedom to share their thoughts and concerns openly. Barry, the older brother at 35 years old, and Cooper, who was 30 years old, had built fulfilling lives with loving spouses and children of their own. They had taken on the responsibility of overseeing separate branches of their father's companies with competence and dedication.

However, beneath their apparent success, a growing discontent brewed. They strongly believed that their lives would be significantly better if their younger step-brother was removed from the CEO position that their father had entrusted him with. The favoritism shown towards their step-brother stirred feelings of frustration and resentment in their hearts.

Barry, in particular, was adamant that he was the most deserving candidate for the CEO role. He believed that his years of experience, unwavering commitment, and proven track record made him the rightful heir to the position. The idea of their step-brother occupying a position that Barry felt should be rightfully his intensified his bitterness and fueled his ambition.

In the apartment, Helena, wearing a mischievous smile, gathered her sons, Barry and Cooper, to share her plan. Intrigued yet skeptical, Barry asked for more details. "What plan?" he questioned, curious to know more.

Helena, with a gleam in her eye, responded, "Remember when George convinced Justin to marry Fiona Paige? Well, it was all orchestrated by me." Her words hung in the air, leaving Barry and Cooper stunned.

Barry furrowed his brow in confusion as he tried to process his mother's revelation. "You... You told Dad to convince Justin to marry Fiona? Why?"

Helena's smile widened as she revealed her motivations. "I told George that if Justin marries Fiona, it would strengthen the bond between our family and the prestigious Paige family. The Paiges are one of the top families in America, and aligning ourselves with them could open doors to even greater opportunities."

Cooper, equally taken aback, began to grasp the implications of his mother's cunning scheme. He realized that their family's fortunes and business connections were potentially influenced by Helena's calculated maneuvering.

Barry's mind raced as he connected the dots. "And you even instructed Dad to use his late mother's name to persuade Justin? That's... that's quite manipulative, Mother."

Helena's smile faltered slightly, her expression turning contemplative. "I did what I thought was necessary for the future of our family, for your success, my sons. I saw an opportunity, and I took it."

The boys, consumed by worry, hesitated to escalate matters further. However, Barry, deep in thought, quietly reached a conclusion within himself. He realized that Fiona, the woman in question, possessed a dangerous and cunning nature that should not be underestimated. Barry spoke up, expressing his concerns to his mother.

"Mom, you're making Justin's life better, but have you considered the true nature of Fiona? She is powerful, calculated, and fiercely protective of what she considers hers. I've heard from a friend that Fiona has been spoiled by her father, and if she marries Justin, they will likely spoil him too," Barry explained, his voice filled with worry and frustration.

Helena, undeterred by Barry's concerns, dismissed his emotions. "Calm down, Barry. Why are you thinking like a teenager? Have you forgotten the kind of mother you have?" she retorted, attempting to reassure him.

Barry, however, remained steadfast in his apprehension. He believed Fiona's powerful and spoiled nature could lead to unforeseen consequences for Justin and their family. Looking directly at his mother, Helena proposed a daring plan, her voice filled with a mix of determination and desperation.

"Listen, son. If Justin marries Fiona, I know how to manipulate her. I can enter her life in a way that she will be the one to end Justin's life for us," Helena suggested, her words laced with a chilling intensity. "I have always resented Justin's mother ever since she entered our marriage. I knew she wouldn't last with him because she didn't truly know the man she married."

"I am the only one who understands George. George's love for one woman is not enough for him. Whenever I found out he cheated on me, I wouldn't talk or cry. I would comfort myself with the belief that our sons would still inherit his property. Until one day, I cheated on him with his best friend because George didn't touch me for a whole year, and my body longed for him. But he wouldn't even look at me, which is why I cheated. When he found out, he left the house and married that woman. But thank God she got what she deserved. Still, I can't stand by and watch her son lord over mine. I must ensure Justin's downfall and witness, it a must.