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Chapter 9 The Heir of the York Family

'George, you thought it was a hotel?' Nico thought, though stunned but not saying out.

George hung up and strolled into Leo's hospital room.

Leo was busy with his building blocks, sitting on the bed, totally focused.

George stood there, kind of zoning out, like he was seeing someone else through Leo.

They both had those striking blue eyes, a stubborn look, smooth skin, and slightly curly hair.

George plopped down on the sofa by the bed, staring at Leo.

Leo finished his blocks, looked up, and proudly showed George. "Daddy, check out the motorcycle I made. Cool, right?"

George smiled, walked over, and ruffled his hair. "Yeah, it’s awesome."

Leo's eyes went wide.

He thought, 'Since when did Daddy get all nice and smiley?'

He frowned, confused.

George asked softly, "Leo, how about having meals with your mommy from now on?"

Leo's blue eyes lit up, and he nodded eagerly. "That's awesome! I wanna eat with mommy."

George smiled knowingly. "Alright, then listen to Daddy."

Leo thought, 'When did I ever not listen to you?'

But the idea of eating with Hazel made him so happy he could burst.

After leaving the hospital, Erik trudged to the store across the street.

Bianca saw him coming and quickly slid a cold drink his way. "Erik, have some water and chill out."

Erik gave her a grateful look, grabbed the water, and chugged it.

Good thing he chose Bianca. She was always so thoughtful and understanding.

As soon as Aiden saw him finish, he asked eagerly, "How’d it go, Erik?"

Erik put down the glass, shook his head, and looked at the sweet Bianca nearby. He said gently, "Hazel hasn’t agreed to call off the engagement yet, but we’ve broken up. It’ll happen soon, but you will have to wait a bit."

"No worries." Bianca shook her head, her eyes full of warmth. "Erik, as long as I’m with you, I’m happy. No complaints."

Erik looked at Bianca tenderly, feeling more sure about his choice.

He swallowed his emotions. "I just went to the hospital and saw a guy in Hazel’s room, the firefighter who saved her."

Aiden burst out, "That shameless woman, she never changes! Can’t go a day without a man, huh? Erik, you should’ve never been with her. She doesn’t deserve you!"

Erik nodded slightly, thinking Hazel was really too much.

"Let’s drop it, it’s a buzzkill! She can do whatever. A woman like her doesn’t belong in the Astor family!" Aiden said with disgust.

He then switched topics. "Heard of the York Group?"

Erik and Bianca exchanged a look.

Erik replied respectfully, "You mean the York Group, the top conglomerate in Phoenix City? Yeah, I’ve heard their assets are insane, and everyone in Phoenix City wants to be in with them."

Aiden nodded, tapping his fingers on the table. "Yep, that's the York Group. Heard the head of the York family isn't doing too well. And George, the heir, just got back to the country."

Erik chimed in, "You mean Mr. York, who took over the whole York Group when he was super young? He's been abroad for years, killing it in the overseas market. They say his business skills are just like his grandpa, Nash York. Even a small move from him can shake up the whole Phoenix City business scene."

Aiden smirked. "Looks like Erik's done his homework." His tone was approving.

Erik and Bianca exchanged smiles.

Bianca looked at Erik with admiration in her eyes.

Erik soaked it in, trying not to look too smug in front of Aiden.

"My dad mentioned that once George officially takes over, I should visit the York Mansion to meet him," he said humbly.

Aiden nodded and turned to Bianca. "Bianca, when the time comes, I'll set up a meeting for you with George as the general manager of the Galaxy Group."

Bianca's eyes lit up with excitement. "Dad, you mean I can take over the Galaxy Group?"

The Galaxy Group was Hazel's mom's company, the most important thing in Hazel's life.

Bianca finally got what Hazel wanted the most.

Aiden nodded. "I'm getting older, and it's time for you to get familiar with the business. It'll set you up nicely for the future."

"Thanks, Dad. I won't let you down," Bianca said sweetly, barely hiding her excitement.

"I believe in you," Aiden said, looking at her fondly.

He then turned to Erik. "Erik, you young folks should find ways to connect with George once he's back. The York Group's got a lot of pull in Phoenix City."

Bianca seemed to remember something and asked Aiden curiously, "Dad, is this George the one with a kid abroad but no info on the mom? Isn't he only 27? So young and already so successful. I wonder what he looks like?"

Erik's expression shifted slightly, almost unnoticeably. "Next month is Nash's seventieth birthday bash. They should send out invites. Bianca, you should meet him then," he said, looking at her. "Why, are you interested in him?"

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