At least stupidity was better than scheming.

Theo stammered through his thoughts on the documents, but Pedro's frown deepened with every word.

"Did I say something wrong, Grandpa?" Theo asked nervously, sensing his disappointment.

If he didn't seize this opportunity, he knew he'd have no future with the Wilkie Group.

Pedro sighed heavily. "Compared to Jane, you're far behind."

The words stung, and Theo's face reddened with shame.

Growing up, he had always been overshadowed by Jane, despite being the eldest grandson. Even now, after her major mistakes, their grandfather still found him lacking.

Swallowing his pride, Theo lowered his head. "I'm sorry, Grandpa. I'll work harder."

Pedro waved him off impatiently. "Go study more. If your performance doesn't improve next time, you won't need to bother with the company."

With Theo's current capabilities, he would ruin their family's businesses within two years.

"Alright," Theo muttered before leaving the room.

Once he was gone, Pedro tried to focus on his paperwork, but his irritation lingered.

At his age, he should have been enjoying his golden years, not cleaning up after his family's messes.

Why couldn't he have had a grandson like Damon?

Jane stood outside the Wilkie residence for over ten hours, the cold biting into her bones.

Pedro refused to see her.

The service staff came out several times to persuade her to leave, but she stubbornly remained, determined to wait until he relented. Finally, as evening fell, Pedro emerged from the house.

Jane's pale face lit up with relief, and she hurried forward-only to find her legs giving out beneath her.

After hours of standing in the cold, she could barely feel them anymore and collapsed to the ground. "Grandpa..." she called weakly.

Pedro looked down at her, his expression icy. "Don't call me that. I don't have such a foolish granddaughter." Jane froze, tears welling in her eyes. "Grandpa, I know I made a mistake, but I did it for the company..."

"For the company? Or for yourself?" Pedro sneered. "Don't try to fool me."

"I really did it for the company..." Jane insisted, her gaze full of hurt.

Pedro waved her off. "I don't care to argue. From now on, you'll receive a monthly allowance of 150,000 dollars. Stay out of the company's affairs."

"What?" Jane was stunned. She couldn't accept this outcome after waiting the entire day.

She had spent sleepless nights and endless effort building the Wilkie Group. Now, after a few mistakes, she was being cast aside?

"Grandpa, you can't do this to me! I've done so much for the company. Without me, who will take over?" she demanded.

"That's not your concern," Pedro replied coldly.noveldrama

As they spoke, the driver pulled up to the gate.

Pedro didn't spare Jane another glance before stepping into the vehicle and driving off.

Jane scrambled to her feet, trying to chase after him, but her legs gave out again after only a few steps. She could only watch helplessly as the car disappeared from view.

"Well, well who do we have here? Isn't this the Wilkie Group's ever-so-glamorous general manager?" Theo's voice mocked. "Why are you sprawled out on the ground like this?"