Too Late to Hold Me Back novel Chapter 1176

It wasn't that Marcus was putting on airs; Vertex Social's headquarters were stationed out on the West Coast. For a mogul of his magnitude, making a cross-country trip was a significant commitment.

The fact that he flew out personally proved just how much he valued this young powerhouse duo.

Over the course of their discussion, they locked in a historic agreement: moving forward, any joint title developed by either entity would guarantee a flat twenty-percent equity share to the other, cementing a permanent alliance.

As the afternoon wrapped, Mira hosted Marcus for a lavish dinner at the Solflare Grand Hotel, ensuring the table was lined with the chef's absolute best.

On the drive back from sending off the Vertex CEO, Owen's phone buzzed. It was Lenny Forbes. "My men watching the old man just reported in. Richard and Jocelyn showed up at the sanatorium today."

Richard was the old man's biological son. If Owen permanently barred them from visiting, it would raise unnecessary red flags and fuel rumors of foul play.

"Did anything escalate?"

Owen asked, his voice cooling.

"They brought some shady alternative medicine doctor to perform unlicensed treatments on him. The private nurse blocked the door and immediately called the director."

"How did the director handle it?"

"He had security throw them out on the spot."

The director clearly knew who was signing his checks.

"Good. I'll handle it from here. Keep eyes on them."

Ending the call, Owen immediately dialed the sanatorium's director, who picked up on the first ring.

"Mr. Lance, I was just about to call you. Your father and his wife caused a scene today..."

The director repeated what Lenny had just summarized, though he sugarcoated the details to protect the facility's pristine reputation.

A natural businessman's instinct to minimize liability.

"I hold full legal conservatorship over my grandfather. As his conservator, I am demanding you isolate the security footage of Richard and Jocelyn's altercation and send it to my inbox immediately.

Hanging up, the director snapped at his assistant. "Call an emergency board meeting. Now."

Beyond tightening internal security, he was tearing up the visitation policy. Moving forward, anyone—family or friend—required explicit verbal consent from the legal conservator before stepping foot on the grounds.

Zero exceptions.

And that consent had to be delivered either in person, via a recorded phone call, or through a pre-approved security clearance.

Anything less would result in an immediate escort off the property.

When Mira and Owen finally returned home, Rachel welcomed them with freshly brewed chamomile tea.

"I tried to mimic Eleanor's brewing method. Taste it and tell me if the flavor profile and temperature are right.

If it's off, I'll adjust the steep time tomorrow."

Mira took a sip. It was slightly cooler than Grandma Eleanor's usual brew. She offered Rachel a warm smile. "Keep it exactly like this, Rachel. You and Grandma both have your own unique touch."