Chapter 122: Doomed Beyond Redemption
At this moment, the truth was finally laid bare.
Ye Tianlin’s identity was nothing short of astonishing.
When Ye Tianlin’s gaze fell upon the matriarch, accompanied by just a few words, it dealt a severe blow to her spirit.
No matter how much she pondered, she never could have imagined that Ye Tianlin had long since severed ties with the Ye family clan, founded a conglomerate in the capital, and within a mere decade, had developed it to such an extent.
Even the mighty Hong family overseas, a colossal power, bowed and respectfully addressed him as the lord, adopting the posture of a servant.
The most laughable part was that this old woman had more than once openly declared that Ye Tianlin, having lost the support of the Ye family, was nothing but a good-for-nothing waste. His status as the young master of the Ye family, superior to ordinary people, was merely due to the family’s prestige.
Yet now, with all truths fully revealed, the matriarch finally understood that this young man before her was far more formidable than she had ever imagined—his abilities surpassed everyone else’s by hundreds of times.
No wonder before, Ye Tianlin had shown such disdain for the position of young master, calling it nothing special. The reality was truly as he said.
The difference between “young master” and “lord” was just one character, yet worlds apart in meaning.
At this very moment, when asked how she felt, it was as if countless slaps had suddenly struck the matriarch’s face, echoing sharply.
How did she feel?
This development was indeed shocking and utterly unexpected.
From the current grand scheme, Ye Tiancheng, this upstart, was bound to be defeated in the end. Even the three elder statesmen of the Ye family dared not voice any dissent.
For the matriarch, this was undoubtedly good news.
The key issue was that Ye Tianlin had made it clear he had no intention of returning to the Ye family clan. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have posed such a question directly, leaving no room for compromise.
It was obvious that Ye Tianlin’s presence at this meeting was merely to embarrass the matriarch. Ye Tiancheng and the three elder statesmen were just supporting actors; the real purpose was to slap this old woman’s face.
Thinking of this, the matriarch flew into a rage, her expression furious as she snapped, “Ye Tianlin, don’t think that just because you have some ability, you can be arrogant and speak to me, your elder, in such a tone!”
The moment these words left her mouth, the entire room fell into stunned silence.
Every member of the family was terrified.
Despite Ye Tianlin’s overwhelming strength, the matriarch refused to yield, clinging stubbornly to her seniority to suppress him. It was sheer obstinacy and tyranny.
Jiang Yingxia was first stunned, then nervously pleaded, “At such a critical moment, can’t we just sit down properly and discuss things again? Must it come to an irreparable break?”
The matriarch struck her cane on the ground in anger, “I am Ye Tianlin’s grandmother. I am truly proud and satisfied with his accomplishments, but that does not mean he can use those achievements to defy me, his elder. He must still obey my words!”
In an instant, the atmosphere at the meeting turned frigid as if frost had descended. Tensions tightened like drawn swords, and everyone felt a chill settle in their hearts.
Ye Tianlin discarded the term “grandmother” and said coldly, “Matriarch, don’t forget—you were the one who personally expelled me from the Ye family. I have nothing to do with you anymore. Now is not the time for you to lean on your seniority.”
“You may have left the Ye family, but don’t forget your ancestors have always been the legitimate lineage. If you truly harm the foundation and interests of the Ye family, do you think you could bear the shame? Would you be able to face the ancestors of Ye?”
The matriarch still refused to yield, stubbornly clutching onto her stance.
Ye Tianlin’s tone grew stern. “Matriarch, is it really so difficult for you to admit your mistakes and bow your head? Must I always revolve around you, so that even the slightest displeasure from you is unacceptable?”
“So what if that’s true? I am your elder, your blood relative. Even if you have left the Ye family, you cannot commit such treacherous acts. Otherwise, you have lost your conscience and become a disgrace to the Ye family!” The matriarch spoke with righteous indignation.
Ye Tianlin sneered, “By your logic, you can do whatever you want and it’s always right, but I cannot. Everything must get your approval? Matriarch, I am not your puppet. I have given you enough chances!”
At that moment, Ye Gong, trembling, stepped forward once more to plead, “Matriarch, please relent. The consequences of this matter are too great. If it drags down the entire Ye family, the results would be disastrous!”
The matriarch snapped furiously, “Mind your own business! You have no say here. I refuse to believe that this scoundrel truly has the courage to doom the Ye family forever!”
Hearing this, Ye Tianlin’s heart grew cold, his disappointment complete. He slowly shook his head and said, “Just as I expected, things have come to this point. Since you insist on it, I, Ye Tianlin, will be the sinner you want me to be. I will utterly defy the heavens of the Ye family and bring about its ruin!”
With that, Ye Tianlin immediately gestured to end the matter.