CHAPTER 140: GIVE THE STATEMENT

Daniel stared at his phone, the corner of his lips curving into a faint, satisfied grin.

His fingers moved quickly across the screen as he typed out a message and hit send.

’I knew she wouldn’t agree,’ he murmured to himself, leaning back in his chair, ’but I’ll help her anyway.’

With that, he tossed the phone casually onto the table, his expression unreadable except for that lingering smirk.

Across from him, Hugo watched in uneasy silence.

He had never seen Daniel smile — not like this. There was something unsettling about it, something that made Hugo’s gut twist.

For a brief moment, he wondered if he was hallucinating. Because the man standing before him wasn’t the composed businessman he knew — this was someone entirely different. Someone dangerous.

And that grin...it didn’t promise peace.

It promised payback.

"So, what do you plan to do about the decline in the stock market?"

Daniel’s calm voice sliced through the silence, pulling Hugo from his thoughts.

Hugo straightened in his seat, swallowing hard before meeting Daniel’s gaze. The question wasn’t unexpected — he’d known this conversation was coming. Still, the cool edge in Daniel’s tone made his throat tighten.

"I—I plan to speak with the investors," Hugo began carefully. "Reassure them that this is just temporary. Once the rumors die down, we’ll recover. There’s always another scandal to divert attention — it’s just a matter of time before we regain our position."

Daniel leaned back leisurely in his chair, one arm draped along the side as he studied him with quiet scrutiny. His expression remained composed, but his eyes... they were razor-sharp.

"And what if it doesn’t?" Daniel asked, his voice low but firm. "What if this doesn’t fade away, Mr. Bennett"

The older man faltered, caught off guard by the question and by the deliberate use of his name.

Daniel’s gaze didn’t waver. He could read the man too easily now , the discomfort, the avoidance, the stubborn pride.

’Still refusing to acknowledge her...’ he thought grimly. ’Just what kind of father are you, Hugo Bennett?’

Hugo felt the weight of that stare and looked away for a moment, shifting uneasily in his seat. He knew Daniel wasn’t just talking business — not entirely.

Since most of the company shares were under Daniel’s name now, it was natural for him to demand accountability. But there was something more personal behind those words. Something Hugo didn’t want to face.

When Hugo stayed silent, Daniel spoke again — this time, his tone clipped and final.

"Admit that Anna is your daughter," he said. "Not illegitimate. Not adopted. Not hidden behind some fabricated excuse. Yours."

Hugo’s eyes widened. "W-What are you saying? Of course she’s my—"

"Is she not?" Daniel’s voice cut through his stammer, steady and unnervingly calm.

Hugo froze, his mouth parting slightly. "No—it’s not like that," he stammered. "It’s just... these are rumors. They’ll disappear in a few days. Why stir them further with an official statement?"

Daniel’s jaw tightened, though he said nothing for a moment. His silence was heavier than words.

He could see it — the hesitation, the cowardice hiding behind Hugo’s justifications.

And in that moment, Daniel understood something clearly: Hugo wasn’t trying to protect Anna. He was protecting himself.

Daniel’s gaze darkened. "Rumors disappear, yes," he said finally. "But the truth doesn’t. And sooner or later, the world will know which one you chose to stand by."

Hugo stared at Daniel, his jaw tightening as the words sank in.

"Give the statement—or I’ll pull my shares. I won’t tolerate my wife being dragged through these assumptions."

Daniel’s voice carried no threat , just cold finality. The kind that left no room for negotiation.

For a long moment, silence filled the office. The faint hum of the air conditioner was the only sound between them.

Hugo’s hands curled into fists on the desk. The thought of losing Daniel’s investment , his influence sent a sharp jolt of panic through him. But worse than that was the humiliation of being forced into a corner by his own son-in-law.

He drew in a slow, shaky breath. "Fine," he said at last, his voice strained. "I’ll release a statement. I’ll acknowledge Anna publicly... as my daughter."

Daniel’s expression didn’t change. He simply leaned back, eyes still fixed on him — assessing, unyielding.

"I hope," Daniel said evenly, "you mean every word of it. Because if I find out this is another one of your half-measures to protect your image, I won’t just pull my shares. I’ll make sure everyone knows exactly what kind of father you are."

Hugo’s face darkened, but he didn’t speak. He couldn’t.

He knew Daniel wasn’t bluffing.

With a reluctant nod, he muttered, "You’ll have the statement by tomorrow morning."

Daniel stood, straightening his jacket as he gave a faint, cold smile. "Good. Make sure it sounds convincing. For your sake."

As he turned to leave, Hugo’s gaze followed him, a mixture of anger, resentment, and fear swirling in his chest.

For years, he had been the man people respected, the one in control. But at that moment, as Daniel walked out of his office with calm authority, Hugo realized something chilling.

He wasn’t the one holding the power anymore — not over his company, not over his choices, not even over his pride.

For the first time in years, Hugo Bennett realized he was no longer the man making the decisions. He was the one being controlled.

"Boss, about the news... the investors are asking for a response," his assistant said hesitantly, stepping into the office just after Daniel had left.

Hugo didn’t look up right away. His gaze remained fixed on the empty chair across from him — the one Daniel had occupied minutes ago. The air still felt heavy with his son-in-law’s presence.

Finally, he spoke, his tone low and clipped.

"Issue a statement," he said. "Confirm that Anna is indeed my daughter — and that every rumor circulating online is false."

The bitterness in his voice was unmistakable. Every word tasted like ash, but he swallowed his pride anyway. He knew exactly what would happen if he didn’t.

The assistant blinked in surprise. "But, sir, we could—"

Hugo’s glare snapped to him like a whip. His bloodshot eyes burned with fury, silencing the man instantly.

The assistant swallowed hard, bowing slightly. "As you say, sir."

Without another word, he turned and hurried out of the office, the door closing behind him with a soft click.

Silence returned.

Hugo sat back, his fists clenched tightly against the desk as anger simmered behind his dark eyes.

It wasn’t the investors, the rumors, or even the public shame that enraged him most.

It was the fact that Daniel had forced his hand — and that he’d obeyed.