Hope Crawls Through Ruins by Kain Rwan Vale 254

Chapter 254 

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“This company was your brother’s to begin with. You stepped in and worked hard, and everyone saw that. 

“But you should’ve given the kids what was rightfully theirs. How could you be so tight–fisted? Now look, you’ve ended up with nothing,” Wrenley said. 

Edward let out a sigh. “Mom, Briana’s a girl, and Charles just isn’t cut out for this, so- 

“At a time like this, you’re still saying things like that?” Wrenley cut him off. “You haven’t learned a thing. I doubt you and Briana will ever be able to work things out.” 

He didn’t sound the least bit sincere. 

“Alright, alright, I get it,” Edward replied. “Mom, I really need your help.” 

Wrenley remained silent. 

Just then, the sound of a car pulling up outside the garden drifted in. 

“Wrenley, Edward,” the butler announced, “Mr. Carter and Mrs. Carter have arrived.” 

Edward jumped to his feet, hurrying to greet them himself. 

He didn’t forget to scold Sophia. “What are you sitting there for? Don’t you know any manners? What have I been teaching you?” 

Sophia got up reluctantly. But as she walked out, Sophia plastered a smile on her face. She looked all warm and friendly, as if she were about to welcome her own family. 

Shepard and Briana were making their way toward the Lane residence, walking side by side. 

Briana tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear, then let her hand drop to her side. 

The moment her hand was at her side, Shepard reached out and took it in his own. 

She tried to pull away. But his grip only tightened. 

“Why are you pulling away?” Shepard said, holding her hand even tighter. “Can’t I just hold your hand?” 

Briana couldn’t answer. She thought, ‘This is way too intimate.’ 

Shepard interlaced his fingers with hers, locking their hands together. 

“Hey, Mr. Carter, Briana!” Edward called out. “Finally, you’re here! Come on in. It’s been so long since the whole family got together like this, all lively and cheerful.” 

Briana thought, ‘People don’t go out of their way to be nice unless they want something. If he’s being so helpful, he’s definitely got an agenda! 

“We’re just missing Charles,” Edward said. “I called him, but he said he’s busy tonight. Who knows what he’s so wrapped up in? He can’t even spare an evening for us.” 

Briana replied, “Oh, him? He’s buried in projects. With so many partnerships, so many clients, he’ll be busy for at least a 

month or two.” 

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Chapter 254 

Edward’s smile froze. 

All those partnerships and clients had been transferred from Lane Group to Dreamscape Corporation. 

Briana had said it on purpose, just to get under his skin. 

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“So, let’s just leave him out of it,” Briana said with a grin. “The rest of us are here, that’s plenty. Grandma probably doesn’t even want him around. He always gets her riled up.” 

“No, you can’t say that,” Edward said, forcing a smile. “Charles has improved so much lately. You really have to see him in a whole new light!” 

Sophia chimed in immediately, “Yeah, totally! He’s really impressive these days. I should take notes from him.” 

‘Seriously,’ Briana thought. “They switch sides faster than flipping a page! 

Briana just smiled lightly, not bothering to play along. She’d just deal with whatever tricks they threw at her. 

With Shepard next to her, she had nothing to worry about. With Shepard by her side, Briana felt like she could take on the world. 

As soon as they stepped into the living room, Briana made a beeline for Wrenley. “Grandma.” 

She motioned for Ben to set down the gifts. “These are for you.” 

“You really didn’t need to bring anything,” Wrenley said. “Seeing you happy and healthy means more to me than any gifts.” 

Wrenley glanced at Briana’s stomach. “You’re still so slim. It’s been three or four months. How come you haven’t started showing yet?” 

“I wore loose clothes on purpose, Grandma,” Briana smiled warmly, tilting her head to rest it gently on Wrenley’s shoulder. 

Wrenley patted her hand. “It won’t be long now before I get to meet my great–grandchild. Just thinking about it fills me with hope. My life will finally feel complete.” 

“Oh, you’ll get to do so much more than just see your great–grandchild,” Briana replied with a grin. “You’ll get to hold him, and when he starts walking, you can walk with him in the garden. 

“And when he’s a bit older and goes to kindergarten, he’ll come find you after school, his little backpack bouncing behind him.” 

Wrenley was grinning from ear to car. ‘If I could really live to see that day, it’d be a blessing,’ Wrenley thought. 

Briana said earnestly, “Grandina, you’re definitely going to live long.” 

“That’s right,” Edward jumped in. “Mom’s been pretty sturdy lately. The doctor said all her numbers look good. As long as she keeps a good attitude and stays happy, she’ll easily make it!” 

Diana came out of the kitchen, saw what was happening, and quickly added, “Exactly! With everyone together, all cheerful and harmonious, Wrenley’s mood is great, and that’s bound to make her even healthier.” 

But when she heard them chime in, Wrenley’s smile faltered a bit. 

Edward brushed it aside and moved on. 

“Briana,” Edward said, finally getting to the point since Briana kept avoiding the topic, “You know Lane Group’s been having 

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Chapter 254 

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some problems lately. I talked to Mom about it, and she thinks the family shouldn’t go to extremes. What do you think?” 

Edward forced a laugh, rubbing his hands together. “You can keep growing Dreamscape Corporation, but at least let Lane Group have a share, right? Everyone wins, everyone’s happy–why not?” 

Briana picked up her cup. Everyone was watching her. She took a small sip, set the cup down, and let her gaze land on Shepard. 

“Dreamscape Corporation is under my name, but honestly, it’s Shepard and Charles who actually run things. I don’t get involved,” Briana replied. “Honestly, I don’t really know much about the business.” 

So, there was no point in asking her. Briana just played dumb. ‘Want clients or business? Go talk to Shepard or Charles, she wondered. 

Briana was basically letting them handle everything, keeping herself out of it. 

Power struggles with Edward’s family? She couldn’t care less. All her focus was on her gallery and making sure her pregnancy went smoothly. 

As for everything else, Briana didn’t bother with it if she could help it. 

Edward laughed, “That’s true. But if you say the word, Mr. Carter or Charles would jump at your command, right?” 

Briana was the one really calling the shots. Shepard was already totally under her spell. 

“Uncle Edward, you really give me too much credit,” Briana said, arching her brow. “I’m not the boss of those two.” 

“Seriously, you’re being way too humble,” Edward said, rubbing his hands together. “Whatever you say goes.” 

Briana just smiled, leaving it at that. 

Everyone went quiet, and things got awkward. But Edward wasn’t about to give up. He knew how to play it both ways, flexible when he needed to be. 

“Briana, if we want our family to prosper, we have to stay united,” Edward said, pulling Wrenley into the conversation. “Isn’t that right, Mom?” 

Wrenley replied, “I have nothing else to say. Just remember one thing. Let everyone rely on their own abilities.” 

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