Chapter 491

The morning mist still clung to the ground when Old Man Wallace was discharged from the hospital. Leaning on his cane, he stood at the hospital entrance and took a deep breath of the fresh air he'd missed for so long.

"Dad, the car's here," Ryan Wallace said, helping his father into the minivan.

The second son's family had closed their shop early to wait at the village entrance. When they spotted the approaching vehicle, Laura Taylor nudged her husband. "They're here!"

As soon as the old man stepped into the courtyard, he saw the tables and chairs already set up. He gave a satisfied nod. "Go call the third son too."

Sean Wallace was working in the fields when he heard about the family meeting. He rushed back without even putting down his hoe.

"The mayor's here!" someone shouted. George Clark strode into the yard with several village council members.

Ryan's stomach dropped. Why had they invited the officials?

"Everyone, sit," Old Man Wallace cleared his throat. "I've gathered you today to discuss dividing the family property."

"Dividing?!" The teacup nearly slipped from Darren Wallace's hands.

Laura pinched her own arm hard enough to wince—this wasn't a dream.

Even Mayor Clark looked stunned. Everyone knew Old Man Wallace ruled the family with absolute authority. Why would he propose this now?

"Branches grow apart as trees age, just as families must eventually divide." The old man squinted. "You've all started your own households. It's time."

Darren rubbed his hands anxiously. "Dad, this—"

"Let me finish." The old man waved him off. "Twelve rooms—three for each son. The farmland goes to Sean. If he won't work it, rent it out."

Sean's eyes lit up.

"The savings will be split five ways." The old man paused. "Ryan's had it hardest all these years. He gets an extra share."

Ryan's head jerked up, his eyes reddening.

"Speak now if you object." The old man scanned the crowd. "After today, anyone who makes trouble will answer to me."

The courtyard fell silent.

"Then it's settled." The old man turned to Mayor Clark. "Would you draft the division agreement?"

Ryan's hand trembled as he signed. He stole a glance at his father and noticed the old man's hunched back seemed more pronounced.

After the division, Old Man Wallace sat alone in the main hall, smoking. Wreathed in tobacco haze, he exhaled deeply.

Outside, the three brothers exchanged uneasy looks. From today onward, each would shoulder his own household's burdens.