Side Chick Era Over (Sharon and Carter) novel Chapter 512

Chapter 512

Beads of cold sweat began to form on Karl’s forehead.

He knew all too well that his son, Nate, was always causing trouble out in the world. If it hadn’t been for Nate’s two capable friends, Carter and Julliard, constantly cleaning up after him, Nate would’ve been ruined a long time ago.

Nate didn’t have the skills. Karl had never truly wanted to hand Hendricks Group over to him.

But what could he do? His son had two highly competent friends. As long as either of them tossed Hendricks Group a contract or two, the company could keep running-maybe even thrive.

Add a few capable department managers into the mix, and Nate could sit back and enjoy the ride. And if things ever got out of hand, Carter would step in to fix it.

With the Biggs family behind him, Nate had every reason to coast through life.

Karl had never imagined that, despite all that, his son would quietly land them in a mess this big. If they weren’t at a public event, he might’ve slapped Nate on the spot.

Floundering for an excuse, Karl tried to explain. “Mr. Malcolm, I’m so sorry. Nate didn’t know who you were, that’s all, so he-”

Uriah raised an eyebrow. “So what you’re saying is, the Hendricks family bullies the weak and fears the strong? You won’t hesitate to pick on those you think are powerless, huh?”

Karl fell silent. His legs trembled.

If word got out that they had offended Uriah, the Malcolm family wouldn’t have to lift a finger; the Hendricks Group would

crumble on its own.

Just then, Carter, who had been quiet the whole time, finally spoke up. “Nate, aren’t you going to apologize to Mr. Malcolm?” 1

The words hit Nate like a splash of ice water.

Nate liked to act tough, but he wasn’t stupid. He knew exactly where his limits were. He wouldn’t dare provoke someone powerful, like Xavier, for example. He had assumed Uriah was just some harmless old man with no status or power.

He’d been dead wrong.

His gaze darted around, dodging Uriah’s direct gaze.

“Mr. Malcolm, I’m sorry. What happened before was all a misunderstanding. It was my fault. I hope you can be the bigger person and not hold it against someone younger.”

The apology came without resistance and resentment. It was flat and hollow.

Uriah let out a cold snort. His voice carried a mocking edge. “You smashed up my clinic, and you think a simple apology is going to fix that? Are your words worth their weight in gold?”

Nate stammered, “I… I can pay for the damages-”

Uriah laughed. “Do I look like I need your money?”

Nate’s parents stood off to the side, not daring to speak. Only Carter remained calm, poised, his tone respectful but steady.

“Mr. Malcolm, may I ask what it would take for you to let this go and forgive Nate?”

Uriah gave him a look. Even after learning the truth, Carter remained composed. Admirable. Shame about his judgment. 1

“Nothing,” Uriah said. “There’s nothing he can do. I’m petty like that. I don’t forgive.” (2)

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Then he turned to Nate’s parents.

“I won’t hold Nate’s mistakes against your whole family,” he said. “But I hope you’ll take better care of him from now on Keep letting him run wild, and you’ll have a real disaster on your hands.”

He paused–just long enough to let the message sink in-then added, not bothering to mask the meaning in his words, “A company run by someone so reckless… it won’t last long.”

Uriah might’ve been getting on in years, but he still knew how to make a statement without lowering himself. And he’d just made one loud and clear.

Karl didn’t miss the signal. He knew exactly what needed to happen now.

Hendricks Group needed a new successor.

Uriah hadn’t minced words. Nate had understood every one of them. His eyes widened, and his face flushed red. He looked like he wanted to say something, but Kelly quickly reached out and grabbed his arm.

This was Uriah’s birthday banquet. If Nate dared make a scene now, he wouldn’t just be in trouble. He’d be finished.

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