Page 92 of Vow To The Devil

I lean forward, steepling my fingers on the table. "No more lies. No more betrayals. We face the future as brothers."

Burn's mouth twists ruefully. "You're right. If it wasn't for Talia, I don't think we ever could've bridged the chasm between us."

I nod slowly, old regrets and hurts simmering beneath the surface. "She made me see what really matters. She's helped me realize how badly I have always wanted a family of my own. And she opened up my eyes to the fact that you and I still have a chance to be brothers again."

The conference room doors bang open, making us both jump. Our grandfather stands in the doorway, his hawk-like gaze piercing. Behind him, the lawyers shuffle uncomfortably.

Burn rises smoothly to his feet. "Gentlemen, would you mind giving us the room?"

After they've left, Remy stalks forward, eyes flashing. "What's the meaning of this meeting? Conspiring together, are you?" He slams his palms on the table.

I don't flinch. Calmly, steadily, I meet his glare. "Yes. We've been doing some thinking, Grandfather. About the past, the present, and the future."

Remy snorts derisively. "Don't waste my time with sentimental rubbish. Say what you came here to say."

Burn steps up beside me, shoulder to shoulder. "Things need to change. Starting today." His voice rings with quiet authority. "For the good of the family."

Remy's hands clench into fists, but he holds his tongue. His eyes dart between us, as if trying to find a crack in our united front. But Burn and I stand resolute.

Finally, Remy speaks, his voice dangerously soft. "You think you can come in here and dictate terms to me? I built this empire from nothing. Morgan Industries exists because of my sweat and sacrifice. You ungrateful brats owe everything you have to me."

I feel Burn bristle next to me, but I touch his arm lightly. "It's true, you created a successful business," I say evenly. "But the way you pitted Burn and I against each other, turned us into rivals instead of brothers - that ends today."

Remy opens his mouth to interrupt, but I hold up a hand. "From now on, there will be no more manipulating, no more emotional warfare. If you want to remain part of this family, you'll treat us with respect."

Burn jumps in. "Things need to change, Remy. For the next generation. That is, your great-grandchild." He glances meaningfully at Remy. "We will not tolerate toxicity or abuse. Not anymore."

Remy looks back and forth between us, realization dawning. We're presenting a united front that he can't divide. The twins have wrested control from the old man.

Jaw clenched, Remy gives one sharp nod. Message received. The Morgan empire just shifted on its axis.

Remy's eyes narrow, his wrinkled hands curling into fists at his sides. I can see the struggle raging within him - his iron will battling the inevitability of change.

"You expect me to just roll over? Give up everything I built?" His voice shakes with fury.

Burn folds his arms. "What we expect is for you to stop this pointless war between us. If you can't, you'll remove yourself from our lives completely."

I nod. "No more leverage, no more power plays. It's time for this family to heal."

Remy scoffs. "Family? You're just worried about your own skin."

"That's where you're wrong," I say gently. "We're thinking of the next generation now."

I glance at Burn and he gives an almost imperceptible nod.

"Your legacy," Burn says. "If you choose to be part of your heir's life. It is your choice."

Remy is silent, stunned. In this moment, the fight bleeds out of him. His shoulders slump in defeat. We have a checkmate.

"Alright," he rasps finally. "You win, boys." A wistful glint enters his gaze. "I suppose it's time to pass the torch."

Relief floods through me. The war for the Morgan empire is over.

Remy shuffles to the conference table and sinks into a chair, suddenly looking every one of his years.

"I don't expect forgiveness," he says heavily. "I know the damage I've caused. But I'd like the chance to make amends...to my great-grandchild, at least."

He meets my eyes pleadingly. I feel a pang in my chest. Despite everything, Remy is still family.

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