Arthur was her son, the heir to the Myers family. This was common knowledge in Capaville, a fact no one dared contest. But given Charles' current stance, if the family elders convened and executed the will he had just dictated, Arthur would be stripped of all authority within the Myers empire. Conversely, that scheming girl Chloe would receive Charles' 51% controlling stake, instantly becoming the largest shareholder of Myers Group. She would then hold more sway over the family's future than Arthur himself. It was a complete dismissal of Arthur's position. How could Charles do this? Arthur was his own flesh and blood, his grandson. Yet he was choosing an outsider. And of all people, he was choosing Chloe. What kind of spell had Chloe cast over Charles? If this went through, Chloe would win everything without lifting a finger. Madilyn would never allow it. She had to stop this, now. She hurried after him. "Charles..." Just as Charles reached the top of the staircase, Madilyn rushed forward and blocked his path. "Charles, you can't do this. The Myers family enterprise is vast. You can't just hand it over to Chloe. Arthur is your grandson. He has worked so hard. Doing this will crush him," Madilyn pleaded, straining to keep her voice steady. "Crush him? Considering his actions, it is my heart that has been broken," Charles replied, his voice low and heavy. "I need to rest now. Notify me when the elders have gathered and Arthur has returned." He moved to step past her, but Madilyn held her ground. Charles ascended the final step, standing on the second-floor landing. "Madilyn, do you think I am unaware of your maneuvers?" Charles' voice dropped to a murmur only she could hear. "You have fulfilled your role as Arthur's mother, so I have held my tongue. But wanting too much... that is a mistake." With a weary sigh, Charles turned, leaning on his cane as he prepared to retreat to his room. "Since you know, there's no point in pretense anymore." A cold, sharp voice came from behind him. Charles frowned and turned. He saw Madilyn lunging toward him."What are you—?" "What do you think?" Madilyn's face was contorted with a ferocity he had never seen. She didn't hesitate, putting all her force into a violent shove against his chest. Charles, caught off balance at the top of the stairs, instinctively stumbled backward. There was nothing behind him but the steep descent. His eyes widened in utter disbelief at Madilyn's actions, but reality offered no time for resistance. His balance failed, and he pitched backward, tumbling headlong down the staircase. Madilyn stood above, watching dispassionately as his body crashed down the steps. Charles landed with a sickening thud on the marble floor of the foyer. His head struck the hard surface with a dull crack. A dark pool of blood began to spread swiftly from beneath his skull. Watching the crimson stain grow, Madilyn's eyes showed no panic. Instead, they held the cold gleam of a victor. "Mr. Myers!" Kevin, having finalized the will documents, had re-entered the hall to seek Charles' final review. The sight that greeted him stopped him dead. He rushed forward, a cry stuck in his throat, hesitating to touch the prone figure for fear of causing more harm. His hands trembled as he fumbled for his phone, intent on calling for help. "Kevin." Madilyn's voice floated down, calm and chilling. "Your son has that congenital heart condition, doesn't he? The treatment is exorbitantly expensive. And your wife... her constant criticisms must be such a burden." Kevin froze, his head snapping up. He met Madilyn's gaze—she was still standing on the landing, looking down at the scene she had orchestrated. He had entered just as Charles fell. He had seen her standing there. He'd been hale and hearty just moments ago—how could things have turned like this in the blink of an eye? Could it be...?! "I..." His voice was a terrified whisper. "There's no need for nerves. I'm not going to harm you," Madilyn said, a graceful, chilling smile touching her lips. She glanced at Charles' motionless form. "Kevin, with the right... assurances for your family's future security, I trust you understand what must be done next. Don't you?"