The Succession Struggle

This flow traces the rise of family businesses, their succession anxieties, and the eventual challenge posed by descendants excluded from the official lineage.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

A Dynasty by Adoption

A Dynasty by Adoption Business Descendants Charles Duquet’s adopted sons inherit the commercial enterprise and build Duke & Sons into a powerful timber company. Bloodline Left Aside His biological descendants develop separately, leaving a hidden tension between business inheritance and ancestry.

Lavinia’s Succession Search

Lavinia’s Succession Search Anxiety Over an Heir Lavinia investigates family lines because she sees no obvious successor to her business and fortune. Discovery Concealed The report identifies living descendants of Outger’s branch, but Lavinia chooses to keep the information from them.

Dieter’s Heirs

Dieter’s Heirs A New Household Dieter remarries and has James Bardawulf and Sophia, while Charley remains estranged and outside the company’s daily operations. Divided Interests Family affection, company control, and personal ambition become difficult to separate among Dieter’s children.

Charley’s Renunciation

Charley’s Renunciation A Letter From Brazil Charley learns of Dieter’s death and receives James Bardawulf’s apology for the assault that ended their relationship. Estate Given Away He gives much of his inheritance to his brother, but places his notebooks and seedling trust with Conrad.

The Heirs Reappear

The Heirs Reappear A Report Recovered Sophia discovers that the original genealogical search identified Mi’kmaw descendants as Charles Duquet’s direct blood heirs. A Threat Unresolved The company worries that a claim may emerge, but Tetrazinni’s death and the company’s sale leave the question unsettled.

Early eighteenth century

Late nineteenth century

After Lavinia’s death

After Dieter’s death

Near the end of the company’s history