Chapter 963

After a few moments of awkward silence, Hamilton finally blurted, "You couldn't even run a business right."

Brad stood there, speechless. Hamilton, for all his bluster, still fell short when it came to facing Josh head-on.

Ethan couldn't hidehis surprise-he'd have gladly handed the floor to Daniela if he'd known things would go this way. Hamilton was nothing short of a ridiculous fool.

Josh let out a low, genuine laugh, clearly amused by Hamilton's lack of backbone.He'd always known why Hamilton could never stand up to him.

Back in their grandfather's day, their own father was the eldest son but never earned the family's approval.The real star had been his younger brother, the second son-outshining everyone and fueling a bitter resentment that simmered for decades.

Ironically, history repeated itself. Their father, despite having five kids, found his own second son, Hamilton,outshining the eldest when it came to talent.

Unable to let go of old grudges, their father dumped his pent-up frustrations from the past onto Hamilton, stifling him at every turn.

Hamilton grew up without so much as a word of praise,each slight pushing him further away until he finally left home and crossed paths with Cedric's mother.

In front of Hamilton, Josh carried himself with the calm authority of an older brother. So watching Hamilton shrink back now, Josh wasn't the least bit surprised.

"Why don't you find out for yourself if I'm cut out to run a business? Frankly, I don't have time to stand around and gossip. I'm leaving." With that,Josh turned to go, making it clear he wouldn't waste another second on them.

"Hold on!" Ethan blurted, refusing to let Josh slip away.There was far too much money at stake to back down now. "Josh, I've always respected you. I really hope you'll pay back what you owe me. No matter what,you'll always be my brother. I'd hate for money to get in the way of that."

He couldn't let go of the last shred of hope that Josh might do the right thing.

Nearby,Daniela leaned on her hand, her eyes wide with interest, quietly watching the scene unfold.

"I already told you how it iis,′′Josh growled, his voice rising with irritation. "The money's all tied up in investments. I can't just pull it out. If you're really desperate, I can scrape together three million,but that's it. Make your choice."

Ethan's lips tightened with resentment. He looked away,shoulders slumped,his wounded pride visible as he flicked a helpless glance at Daniela.

Hamilton's nerves were raw, his composure unraveling in front of his daughter-in-law. He'd strutted around earlier,insisting he had everything under control.How could he admit defeat now?

The thought of groveling for help made his chest tighten with humiliation.

If he caved, what shred of authority would he have left as Daniela's father-in-law?

Hamilton's voice shot up, edged with panic. "Cut the nonsense! Ethan already said he's out. Give back everything he gave you, or prepare for the consequences."

Josh's lips curled with dry amusement, his patience long gone. "Oh? You're threatening me now? This I have to see."

He closed the distance in a single stride, radiating a challenge that left no room for retreat.

Hamilton, Brad, and Ethan shrank back, as if the floor might swallow them whole. Josh scoffed, "Go on, let's see what you've got. You want to drag this out with me? I'm dying to see how you plan to do it."

His gaze drilled into Hamilton. "You remember what Dad used to say, don't you? Back when he was still alive, he told you to listen to your big brother and keep your head down. Is that all thrown aside now that he's gone? You finally can't hold yourself back anymore,huh? You think you're ready to challenge me?"He thrust his finger toward his cheek. "Go on-hit me.I dare you."

He closed the gap in a few quick strides, his presence overwhelming

The three McCoy brothers kept stumbling backward until their spines pressed flat against the wall, their faces drawn and helpless, all bravado wiped clean.

From her seat, Daniela reclined, watching the pitiful scene unfold. Every silent glance the brothers shot her way screamed for rescue.

Josh let out a mocking snort. "What are you gawking at? Thought you were bold enough to challenge me.Go ahead-take your shot. Let's see which one of you has the guts."

Suddenly, a sharp slap split the air, ringing out with authority. All three brothers jerked their heads up.

Daniela raised her eyes, still impassive, her expression unreadable. With fierce confidence, she declared, "I have."