CHAPTER 62: CHAPTER 62 PUTTING ON A SHOW FOR MY UNCLE

Author’s POV

The drive back from the Blackwood mansion was shrouded in tense silence. Ryan tried several times to speak, but Serena’s icy demeanor shut down every attempt.

Eventually, he gave up, focusing instead on the more pressing matter of dealing with Kane.

Based on the suspicious relationship between Ivy and Kane, Ryan had little doubt who was behind this pregnancy scheme.

He decided to play along with their game. After all, Ivy wasn’t actually pregnant—when the truth eventually came to light, Grandmother Evelyn would handle her punishment personally.

After wrapping up his business affairs in Chicago, Kane hurried back to New York City. Ivy had already set the stage for their performance, and he was eager to play his part.

Thanks to his successful handling of the Chicago branch, Kane smoothly integrated into the headquarters of Blackwood Enterprises.

Although Ryan kept the company’s confidential information well-guarded, Kane managed to piece together Ryan’s next strategic moves through various hints and clues.

Using his newly acquired position, Kane began contacting Blackwood’s competitor companies, offering his assistance.

Their bidding prices consistently came in ten percent lower than Blackwood’s offers.

What Kane didn’t realize in his smugness was that everything was proceeding exactly as Ryan had planned.

The development project that appeared so profitable on paper was actually riddled with complications.

The governmental approvals alone would take at least six months to secure, by which time the property would lose significant value.

For now, though, the land still appeared to be an irresistible opportunity. Kane even invested his own savings in the project, convinced that once the bidding results were announced, his fortunes would transform overnight.

Ryan maintained complete control of the situation, patiently and methodically tightening his net around Kane. This time, he was determined to make his uncle pay for his treachery.

A tense atmosphere permeated New York as everyone awaited the bidding results.

Meanwhile, Kane and representatives from the competing company had already reserved the top-floor private room at Heaven’s Gate, the city’s most exclusive club, to celebrate their anticipated victory.

"Mr. Blackwood, you have excellent foresight. This deal will certainly bring us enormous profits," said the competitor’s CEO.

"You’re too kind, Mr. Wilson. Here’s to our successful partnership!" Kane replied, raising his glass.The room buzzed with excitement and laughter. Sitting in his wheelchair, Kane could barely contain his elation.

On such a momentous night, it would be a shame not to pay a visit to his dear nephew, he thought.

Excusing himself early from the celebration, Kane had his driver take him to Blackwood Enterprises.

Ryan was known as the company workaholic, and sure enough, the lights in his office were still on. Kane imagined him frantically struggling with the project they were about to lose.

With a satisfied smirk, Kane wheeled himself into the office.

"Still working so late, nephew?"

Ryan’s POV

I heard the distinctive squeak of Kane’s wheelchair before I even saw him.

I kept my eyes on the financial report in front of me, deliberately making him wait for my acknowledgment.

Only after I finished reviewing the page did I finally glance up.

"Uncle," I said flatly, immediately returning to my work.

The less attention I gave him, the more it would irritate him.

The wheels squeaked closer.

"After managing Blackwood for so long," Kane continued smugly, "have you ever considered that one day all your efforts might end up benefiting someone else?"

I fought back a smile. He was so predictable—couldn’t even wait until the official announcement to gloat.

I set down my pen and leaned back in my chair, studying him.

The years hadn’t been kind to Kane. Bitterness had carved permanent lines into his face, and hatred had dulled what might once have been intelligent eyes.

"I’m not sure about benefiting others," I replied, deliberately letting my gaze drop to his useless legs. "But I do know a cripple has no business running Blackwood Enterprises."

The change in his expression was instant and gratifying—rage flashed across his features, twisting them into something ugly.

His disability had always been his weak point, and I had no qualms about exploiting it.

"After all," I continued, my voice deceptively casual, "your legs missed the optimal treatment window. They’re beyond repair now."

I tilted my head, as if considering a genuine solution. "Perhaps amputation would be best? I could arrange for some perfect prosthetics—no one would even notice the difference."

The temperature in the office seemed to drop below freezing. I could practically hear Kane’s teeth grinding together. Good. Let him feel a fraction of the pain he’d caused others.

"Uncle," I smiled, "you shouldn’t be so confident. The results aren’t announced yet—how can you be sure you’ll win?"

Kane’s knuckles whitened as he gripped the arms of his wheelchair. "I admire your composure," he spat out. "Even now, you maintain this stubborn front."

I said nothing, watching him squirm under my steady gaze.

"If you don’t believe me," he continued, gaining confidence from my silence, "just wait for tomorrow’s bidding results. When Blackwood falls short, you’ll be crying."

I deliberately furrowed my brow just slightly—enough to give him the reaction he was looking for.

The small gesture had the intended effect; I could see the excitement building in his eyes, the certainty that he’d caught me off guard.

"We’ll see," was all I said.

Kane’s smile was triumphant as he wheeled himself toward the door. He thought he’d won this round.

Only after the door closed behind him did I allow myself a genuine smile. The trap was set, and my uncle had walked right into it.

The higher you push someone to the clouds, the harder they fall.

I had patience. I had time.