Chapter 587:

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Marcelo stayed focused on her skincare routine.

His hands were far too large to apply lotion neatly over her smaller face, turning the whole process into something that felt more like an experiment than a simple task. Watching him work with such seriousness, Renee had to stifle a laugh.

“Renee, will you leave me?” Marcelo asked after he finished with the lotion.

“Why would you ask that?” Renee was startled. “Is it because of the rumors online?”

Marcelo didn’t answer.

The truth was, the rumors weren’t what frightened him. It was her—everything she was.

𝖥𝗂𝗇𝖽 𝗇𝗈𝗏𝖾𝗅 𝖯𝖣𝖥𝗌 𝗈𝗇 𝗀𝖺𝗅𝗇𝗈𝗏𝖾𝗅𝗌.𝖼𝗈𝗆

If Renee returned to the Lambert family, anyone could be drawn to her.

Taking his silence as confirmation, Renee slipped her arms around his neck. She rose onto her toes and kissed his pursed lips, trying to soothe him.

“Marcelo, I don’t know the details about your brother’s death,” she said softly, “but I trust you. Only fools believe rumors. I’m smart.” She finished with a smug little smirk.

Marcelo lowered his gaze and let out a faint smile.

Renee’s smirk vanished. “I said I’m smart. What’s that look supposed to mean? Are you laughing at me?”

“No.” Marcelo lifted his head. Though he was usually emotionally distant, his eyes were bright with amusement.

It took Marcelo a full half hour to complete Renee’s skincare routine.

At first, his expression had been filled with doubt—almost disgust at how demanding the routine was. Yet by the end, he found himself wanting to do it all over again.

Without realizing it, he rubbed his fingertips together.

The way his fingers had brushed over her skin felt strangely addictive—like bathing her.

“So what are you going to do about the rumors online?” Renee asked.

The answer wasn’t hard to guess.

Gary and his family didn’t want Marcelo leading King Group. They had dug up the past and used it as leverage, trying to force him out of the presidency.

That would clear the way for Gary—or Andrew—to take over.

“Joselyn will handle the family’s affairs,” Marcelo said. “A press conference will be held soon.”

At one o’clock that afternoon, news of the King family’s daughter returning sent shockwaves through the domestic business world.

Joselyn was widely praised for her outstanding academic credentials and her years of experience as a senior executive in major Estoqua conglomerates. She was also a part-time instructor at Livbon University, though her primary identity was that of a professional manager.

Accompanied by Luke, Joselyn arrived at King Group to a barrage of cameras and reporters.

The moment Gary heard the news, he came down from his office, playing the role of the warm, accommodating brother.

“Joselyn, what brings you back so suddenly?” he asked with a smile.

Joselyn removed her sunglasses and returned a polite smile, but her voice was sharp. “I’m here to assume the position of president of King Group.”

A heavy silence fell—then the entrance erupted.

Reporters surged forward, flashes bursting like lightning.

It was a bombshell.

Three King siblings fighting for control right before their father’s passing was guaranteed to dominate the headlines.

Gary’s smile disappeared, his expression darkening. “Joselyn, do you understand what you’re saying?”

His tone made the rest clear: You have no right.

Joselyn still remembered what had driven her mother to an early death. She felt nothing but contempt for Gary.

“Do you really think you deserve King Group just because of what happened to Marcelo?” Joselyn let out a light chuckle. “Gary, you and I stand on the same ground when it comes to our family history. We both have a claim—not just you.”

The implication was unmistakable: their shared status as illegitimate children placed them on equal footing.

Gary’s face twisted with anger.

He flicked a glance at the reporters, then forced himself to speak calmly. “Let’s discuss this in my office.”

He reached out to grab Joselyn’s hand, but Luke—who had been standing nearby—moved instantly, stepping between them and blocking the contact.

“Mr. King,” Luke interjected, “the reporters will find out either way. Transparency is key.”

He knew Gary wanted privacy only so he could twist the situation to his advantage.

The reporters eagerly recorded everything, cameras clicking nonstop.

“Joselyn, you’re married and you don’t even hold company shares,” Gary asked through clenched teeth. “Are you really qualified to compete for the CEO position?”

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