Dissatisfied Heir My Father Chose My Cousin Over Me

At the company's annual gala, my father prepared to announce his heir.

All eyes turned to me—his biological son, seven years as vice president.

Then he named his nephew, Lucas Gilbert, as the new CEO.

The room erupted.

I stood there shaking. "I've given this company eight years. I'm your son."

"Lucas just graduated—why does he get to be CEO?"

My father's expression didn't flicker. "Because Lucas is better than you. One year of his work surpasses eight of yours."

I froze. Then I threw my head back and laughed—loud, bitter, unhinged.

I knew the real reason.

My father was doing it again. Bending over backward to prove he wasn't playing favorites with his own son. Giving away everything that should've been mine to avoid the appearance of nepotism.

Fine.

If he wanted to hand my life to Lucas Gilbert piece by piece, then I'd take the core team and walk.

I was done being his son.

——

My laughter left the room stunned.

My father's smile curdled. "Did you skip your meds this morning? What the hell is wrong with you?"

"I really am crazy." I dropped the laughter and met his eyes. "You made me this way."

"When the company was bleeding out, I was the one pounding pavement in hundred-degree heat to land clients. I got heatstroke dozens of times that summer."

"I designed the product line that saved us. Stayed up for a week straight—almost worked myself into a grave. But it worked. That's when we finally turned a profit."

Every word landed like a hammer.

People nodded. They remembered.

My father's face went stone-cold. "Enough. You're making a scene and embarrassing me."

"Fine, you've contributed. But you're still not as good as Lucas. He just got back and already closed the Universal Group deal."

"You worked on that for a year and couldn't get it done."

Lightning. Straight through my chest.

That deal was mine. A full year of meetings, flights, rejected proposals, renegotiations. I'd worn through shoes chasing it. And I'd finally locked it down.

My father had promised to announce it tonight—as my win.

Instead, he handed the credit to Lucas Gilbert.

All to look fair. All to avoid suspicion.

Lucas stepped forward, voice dripping with false humility. "Uncle, I really don't have the experience for this. The CEO position should go to my cousin."

"Don't let this damage your relationship. I'm happy to serve as his assistant."

Listen to that.

Humble. Generous. And a built-in safety net—worst case, he'd still walk away as VP. More than enough to live like a king.

But my father saw none of it. He turned on me again. "You ungrateful brat. Look at Lucas—so sensible. And look at you. All you do is piss me off."

"The decision stands. Lucas is CEO."

"Anyone who disagrees can pack their desk."

"Including you."

His eyes bored into mine. A threat.

Beside him, Lucas's lips curved into a smile so faint you'd miss it if you blinked.

Whispers rippled through the crowd. Some pitying. Some mocking. Some already pivoting toward Lucas, ready to kiss the ring.

My heart turned to ash.

I looked at my father one last time. "Then let Lucas Gilbert be your son."

"I quit."

Dead silence.

Even my father's eyes went wide. No one had expected me to sever the tie completely.

I didn't wait for a response. I turned and walked out.

But just as I reached the hallway—