When Family Became a Place I Couldn’t Return To novel Chapter 440

As long as Nelly inherited the billions, Felix would get to oversee the whole estate and have control over ten percent of her inheritance. Basically, Nelly would be tied to Felix for good. The more powerful she became, the more Felix could just sit back and collect the benefits for the rest of his life.

Nelly signed the agreement in front of the media, thinking it was finally over. But then the lawyer came forward, holding out a USB drive and a letter.

“Ms. Stewart, Mr. Christopher asked me to give these to you. He said they’re very important, and you should decide for yourself if you want to make them public.”

With that, the lawyer turned and left. Across the room, Felix’s face changed. He’d checked again and again, convinced Christopher hadn’t left anything else behind, just the inheritance.

Nelly was confused too. She wanted to open the USB right then and there, but before she could, the doors to the banquet hall swung open. Jonah walked in, alone.

Everyone stared. The whole room froze. Michael’s face went dark.

“Nelly, can I talk to you for a minute?” Jonah’s voice rang out as he headed straight for her. Before he could reach the stage, security stepped in to stop him.

Michael spoke up, voice cold. “You’re late enough as it is. Whatever you need to say, it can wait. Sit down.”

Jonah didn’t move. He wasn’t the same man who always seemed nervous around the Watson family’s power. Now he looked calm, determined, almost like he belonged there. He just kept looking at Nelly, his eyes intense and unreadable.

Brody felt the sting. Jonah showing up like this, right in front of the media, was a slap in the face. Still, Brody didn’t say a word. He just watched, tense, from his seat. He couldn’t help glancing at Nelly from the corner of his eye. He’d noticed she didn’t feel the same way about him anymore. When she still hated him, he could tell himself she was just angry. But now? Now there was nothing left. No anger, no love—just cold indifference.

As the reporters scrambled for photos, Nelly stepped down from the stage. She’d made up her mind. Without looking back, she left with Jonah.

The hall erupted. Michael looked furious, while Felix actually looked relieved, turning quickly to try and calm the old man. Nicholas caught on fast, signaling to end the event and stop the reporters from following. Since the media were all invited guests, it would be easy enough to smooth things over with the right PR. Still, Jonah’s move was just wild.

Brody stood up, watching Nelly and Jonah leave. His heart felt like it had dropped straight into a bucket of ice water.

Jonah led Nelly into the garden behind the old mansion. He stopped in a quiet corner and finally spoke. “You really trust me, don’t you?”

“You’re my brother. You wouldn’t hurt me.”

“I wouldn’t be so sure. I could embarrass you, ruin your family, make things messy for you.”

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