chapter 9


    “Lee’s residence, good morning—”


    N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    “You shoulde over here,” said Franklin. “We have a meeting.”


    “O-oh.” She nced at her husband, who was now busy surfing on the tablet that she left on the table.


    But even before she could respond, her cousin ended the call. Sighing, she put the receiver down and


    went back to the dining. “Max, you should fix yourself now.”


    He turned in her direction. “Why?”


    “We are going to the Griffith mansion. Franklin phoned me. He said there will be a meeting.”


    “It seems that the news already reached them.”


    “Yeah.”


    “Shall we shower together?” Maximillian cocked his head.


    Victoria did not answer and ran towards the bathroom.


    THE MEETING seemed like a family reunion. Everyone in the Griffith family was present except for the


    kids. Well, it was natural for families like the Griffiths when everyone in the family was involved in


    running the business.


    “And why is he here?” Franklin threw a nce at Maximillian, who was just behind her when she


    entered the study room.


    Victoria scowled at his cousin. Perhaps some things would never change in the family. She turned to


    her husband and smiled apologetically.


    “Let him in,” said her grandmother. “There won’t be any changes whether he is here or not.”


    Maximillian sneered at her cousin when he walked past him.


    They sat together on thest vacant seat on the end of the long table—Victoria on the chair, her


    husband on its armrest. Everyone in the room seemed to have their own conversation. But when the


    oldest of the Griffiths stomped her cane on the tiled floor, the silence ensued.


    “I bet you all have an idea why I see you all here today,” her grandmother started. “Just this morning,


    the news came out that the LS Group will beunching a billion-dor real estate project. And I want


    ourpany to get this project.”


    “Aren’t we aiming too high here, Grandma?” Franklin sounded doubtful. “That’s the LS Group.”


    Old Mrs. Griffith narrowed her eyes on her eldest grandson.


    “Of course, we have to aim high. That is the very purpose of aiming, isn’t it?” Victoria chimed in.


    Her cousin Franklin turned in her direction with his nose crinkled. But she did not pay attention to it.


    “So, no one of you wants to try?” Old Mrs. Griffith asked.


    “Let us be realistic here. Ourpany is just a third-ratepany,” Iris said as she checked every nail


    polish on her nails. “You see, there were a lot of powerful and prominentpanies out there. I bet the


    LS Group will give the deal to one of them. There is no way a third-ratepany like ours could win


    this project.”


    Victoria looked at her rtives one by one. No one dared to take the project. Perhaps they were afraid


    of the oue once they failed.


    “You are all missing something here.” Her grandmother tapped her fingers on the table. “If we get this


    billion-dor project, that means a great sess for ourpany. The cooperation with LS Group is


    ourpany’s ticket to our way up.”


    “I’m out,” Iris wagged her hand. “There is no way we can get this deal.”


    “The one who will win this deal will be the general manager,” her grandmother announced.


    Maximillian tapped her shoulder and leaned towards her.


    “Take the challenge, dear,” he whispered in her ear.


    “What? I—”


    “You can do it.” She raised her head and looked at her husband. Maximillian shed a smile as if he


    was sure that she could win the deal. “This is your chance to prove to everyone that you are more than


    what they think you are, Victoria….”


    Her husband has a point. Victoria has always been working hard since day one to prove to her family


    that she was capable of running the business. If she ever wins the deal with the LS Group, she will be


    the general manager. And the position was not just a trophy, but it also meant superiority in the family.


    When Maximillian cupped her hand, Victoria turned to her grandmother.


    “I volunteer,” she said bravely. “I will give it a try.”


    Her husband gently pressed her hand. “That’s my girl.”


    Victoria patted his knuckles and leaned against his body. If not for her husband’s encouragement, she


    might not take that opportunity ande home with regrets. Of course, what he did right now would


    not matter to anyone else in the room. But for her, that little act was enough motivation. Whatever the


    situation it may be, her husband always knew how to lift her spirit up. One of many reasons why she


    loves him so.