They all originally thought that since Lucas’s attitude toward them was cordial, he should have already let go of the past. So they wanted to let this matter be over with completely before getting closer to Lucas.

In addition, they reckoned that Lucas should be very concerned about the marriage between Jordan and Maddy. Just now, the Stones had even implicitly expressed that they wouldn’t interfere with the marriage of Jordan and Maddy.

But they didn’t expect that Lucas would suddenly reject their apology and then say those words.

Could it be that Lucas Gray still doesn’t want to spare us?

“In that case, what do you want, Mr. Gray?” Geoffrey said solemnly while holding his glass of wine.

Lucas could disrespect him, the Smiths’ helmsman, but he didn’t dare to be impolite to Lucas at all.

After all, Lucas didn’t show the Dempreys any mercy.

In fact, based on the information Geoffrey had obtained, the deaths of Thomas and Vince Smith in the private hospital was revealed shortly after Lucas left the Smith residence.

Geoffrey was almost certain that their deaths had something to do with Lucas.

What capital did Geoffrey have to go against someone who had the guts to kill even Thomas Smith?

“I just want the Stones to remember that the reason I’m here is for Maddy and not because you are qualified to invite me over,” Lucas said coldly.

There wasn’t much of an expression on his face, and he wasn’t too ferocious either. But what he said made the Stones feel an inexplicable fear.

Just now, Lucas had been talking to them with a smile on his face and acting extremely easygoing, so much so that they had almost forgotten how terrifying he had been in the hotel.

Just as Lucas said, the Stones weren’t even qualified to invite him over. If not for Maddy, they wouldn’t have been able to get Lucas to come over at all.

After a moment of silence, Geoffrey spoke up. “Mr. Gray, you’re right. The Stones are indeed not qualified to invite you over.”

His voice was extremely calm but also contained some sorrow.

Although the Stones were indeed a powerful family, their foundation was nothing compared to Lucas’s.

It was only logical that Lucas wouldn’t take them seriously.

But after Geoffrey looked at the Stones present, he suddenly announced something that surprised everyone! “I hereby announce that I officially step down from my position as helmsman of the Stones!”

“What?!”

Geoffrey’s words were like a boulder suddenly thrown onto a calm lake, immediately causing a huge splash.

The Stones were shocked!

Although Geoffrey was already almost 70 years old, he had always been healthy, without any severe illnesses. As the helmsman of the family, the decisions he made were often for the benefit of the family.

It could be said that Geoffrey was the pillar of the family and the person they trusted greatly.

Now, Geoffrey suddenly proposed stepping down from his position. It was too sudden!

Besides, there were no signs of this at all. Everyone was flabbergasted.

“Dad, what are you saying? Why are you suddenly stepping down? Without you, we won’t be able to prosper!”

“Yeah, Grandpa! Why are you suddenly talking about stepping down? You’re not even seventy yet, and you’re still in your hale and hearty. Why are you suddenly talking about stepping down?”

“If you don’t want to be the helmsman anymore, who can take over for you? You’re the only one who’s wise enough to continue leading us on!”

…

For a time, the Stones spoke up to stop him one after another.

In all fairness, Geoffrey was indeed quite a good helmsman. Thus, the Stones weren’t willing to have him step down from the position so soon.

Besides, if Geoffrey really didn’t want to be the helmsman anymore, who would take over for him?

Was he going to pass the position to Seth?

Geoffrey raised his hand to stop his family from persuading him further.

He said slowly, “I’ve already made up my mind. Don’t say anything more!”

Then he turned to look at Maddy before suddenly exclaiming, “From today onward, the new helmsman will be Maddy! From now on, Maddy will be in charge of all matters concerning the family!”

Boom!

Everyone was shocked!

They were even more shocked than they were when they heard Geoffrey say that he was going to step down from his position as helmsman!

Geoffrey… was actually going to give the position of helmsman to Maddy, a woman only in her thirties!

Not to mention that such a thing had never occurred in the Stone family in many years, it was unprecedented even among the other wealthy families of DC!

Even Lucas was surprised by this decision.

But he thought about it for a while and soon figured out why Geoffrey suddenly made this decision.

It was because Lucas had just said that Maddy was the only person in their family that was qualified to interact with him.

Thus, in order to rope the powerful Lucas in and gain his protection, Geoffrey simply decided to step down and hand over his position as helmsman to Maddy.

As long as Maddy was the head of the Stones, Lucas’s relationship with them would definitely become even closer. This was Geoffrey’s plan.

For the sake of the Stones’ future development, he was willing to give up the position of the family helmsman. It was truly admirable.

Geoffrey was indeed an extremely intelligent and courageous person.

But his decision was completely puzzling to everyone else.

“Geoffrey, what did you just say? You’re going to pass the position of helmsman to Maddy?”

“How ridiculous! Maddy is just a woman. Besides, she’s still too young. She’s in no place to be the helmsman!”

“Yeah, Geoffrey, did you make a mistake? How can Maddy be fit to become the head of the family?”

…

The Stones were extremely agitated. They couldn’t believe that a young woman in her thirties would become the helmsman!

If word of this got out, the Smiths would be greatly embarrassed.

Besides, they obviously had a large number of male descendants, yet he passed the position on to a woman.

Everyone was against Geoffrey’s decision.

“Enough! Stop talking!” Geoffrey was annoyed by what they said. “You don’t need to say anymore!. I’m not silly yet! This matter is settled!

“Tonight, all of you will spread the news that the Stones will hold a grand meeting tomorrow and officially hand over the position of the head of the family to Maddy. Invite the major giants of DC to attend the ceremony!”

His voice was extremely firm and not to be disputed.

The Stones could only shut their mouths resentfully. They only realized now that Geoffrey was truly going to hand over the position of helmsman to Maddy!

But at this moment, an extremely clear voice spread from the crowd.

“Grandpa, I refuse to become the head of the family! Please withdraw this order!”