Family on Their Knees Heart Turned to Ice novel Chapter 1259

"We've already laid the groundwork," Brandon continued, his tone brimming with confidence. "As soon as Sabrina Ward's public apology concludes, Lillian will be coming home. You mentioned blood being thicker than water earlier. Doesn't that apply to the Mercer family as well? Her return is only a matter of time."

Brandon crossed his arms. "So, Mr. Blake, you should know exactly what choices you need to make."

Sebastian hadn't expected the Mercers to move this fast. Then again, it fit their aggressive nature. They were desperate to get Lillian back into the fold, especially since the Mercer Group's current financial situation was notoriously grim. They were hanging on by a thread.

"Fine," Sebastian finally relented. "I'll consider funneling some private financial support your way. But as for the Blake Group stepping in officially... until Lillian actually returns, I can't justify backing you to my board of directors."

For a man like Sebastian, making this concession was already a massive compromise. Brandon wanted to push for more, but he knew better than to overplay his hand. Negotiations were a step-by-step game.

"Deal," Brandon agreed immediately. "With your word on it, we're still family. Now, since Noah is back in town, I assume you won't block us from seeing him? If my father and my brother find out the boy is back, they'll definitely want to visit."

Sebastian nodded slowly. "Since the Mercers are his maternal family, you're obviously welcome to see him. You can pick him up and take him out whenever you like. But on one condition: Sabrina and Bella Ward are absolutely forbidden from getting anywhere near him."

"Of course," Brandon agreed without hesitation. "I don't want those two toxic women anywhere near Noah either. We'll wrap up some business this weekend and then take him out for the day."

Taking the boy out of the house was a solid plan. It was the best way to ensure Bella couldn't intercept him.

She had pushed too hard today. She had spoken too viciously. After finally securing a face-to-face meeting with him, she should have played the victim, softened her tone, and communicated. That was her mother's specialty—every time Sabrina acted weak, Martin Mercer melted. Even a cold bastard like Sebastian wouldn't have been able to act completely ruthless if she had just played the fragile, wronged woman.

But Brandon had been sitting right there, acting as the world's most annoying third wheel, ruining her rhythm. And now, she had completely nuked her relationship with Sebastian.

She had sent an assistant to check the conference room, only to learn that Sebastian and Brandon had stayed behind for a long time. What the hell were they discussing?

The Mercer family was desperately trying to woo Lillian back, and Sebastian clearly wanted the same thing. They shared a common goal. If they had decided to join forces, Bella realized with a sickening jolt, she was about to be shoved into a severely disadvantaged position.