At that moment when Heather was in a state of anxiousness and at a loss on what to do next, Robert continued to ask, “Who drove your car away?” It was highly likely he had realized what happened.
“It was Matthias Locke,” she replied as she acted nonchalantly. She needed to feign being apathetic to avoid him overthinking.
“What’s exactly going on between you and Matthias?” His expression was quite unpleasant. She claims that he’s her enemy, but her actions indicate otherwise! She seems to be quite close to him! Her actions were perplexing to him. Why won’t she admit it if she likes Matthias? If she dislikes him, there’s really no need for her to be entangled with him!
At this point, Heather was quite torn as to how to respond to Robert’s question. However, she knew that she couldn’t continue to drag things because he would feel suspicious otherwise. “Grandpa, why are you so concerned about my relationship with Matthias? I don’t like him and he has no feelings toward me either.” She didn’t want her words to be set in stone, so evidently, her attitude had mellowed slightly this time.
Robert could sense Heather’s change in attitude and he gave her a long, hard look. It looks like Matthias and Heather’s relationship is taking a turn for the better! “You were quite adamant that Matthias was here to seek revenge. So, why are you getting close to him now?” He was close to being confused by what she was thinking in her mind.
“There are no permanent collaborative relationships between two businesspeople and likewise, there are no long lasting feuds too. We have plans to work on a project together. You’ve always known that I wanted to start my own company, so going against Locke Group would be detrimental to me.” Heather smiled as she responded and tried her best to divert Robert’s attention. She was slightly troubled by him probing into her relationship matters.
He then looked at her with a thoughtful expression on his face. Obviously, he didn’t trust her words at all because there were many discrepancies in her elaboration. “If he has done something bad to you, then undoubtedly, you have the whole Langston Family behind your back to support you. There’s really no need to bear with this grievance.” He was quite worried that Matthias had a hold against her and was currently threatening her. After all, the Langston Family still had a strong foundation in Bradfort City despite their weaknesses; there was no way they would allow any one of the other families to cross their path.
“It’s just a misunderstanding! I ran into him by chance today and we’ve talked things through.” Her words had a ring of truth to it; in fact, she had previously misunderstood Matthias and developed a bad impression on him as a result.
At that moment, Robert stubbornly refused to let things slide. He was not convinced by her explanation that everything was merely a misunderstanding. However, he knew he shouldn’t continue interrogating her. I shouldn’t interfere much in the affairs of these youngsters. “Ran into him by chance, you say?” There was doubt in his voice. After all, Bradfort City wasn’t exactly a small city, so her claims of meeting Matthias by chance sounded too far-fetched.
“Grandpa, it seems that you no longer trust my words! I really did run into him by chance!” Heather pouted petulantly. I can’t believe Grandpa doesn’t trust me even though I’m telling the truth. It feels quite unpleasant to be doubted!
In response, Robert narrowed his eyes into thin slits as he glanced at Heather. Since she’d already said it as such, there was nothing much he could respond with. As such, he responded, “Since it’s a misunderstanding, then it’s good that you’ve resolved it. I’ll need time to consider the collaboration between our company and Locke Group.” Previously, Matthias had also suggested the same thing to Robert. However, Robert was adamant that they shouldn’t rush into things. Furthermore, the collaboration of two large companies was a serious affair and it shouldn’t be taken lightly. After all, there were many aspects to consider. Although he no longer had much say in the matters of the company, as long as he was still alive, there was no doubt that such important decisions were to be made by him!
“Don’t worry, Grandpa! I won’t interfere in the matters of Langston Group! Blake’s in charge of everything. I just want to focus on my own workshop now. After all, I need to prove my worth and I want to build up my own career. I definitely don’t want to bring disrepute to the Langston Family!” Heather placated Robert with her words. It’s my goal to build up a stellar career!
As soon as he heard that, he adopted a tender expression and he voiced out for her to sit next to him. Naturally, she heeded his word and went to his side. He reached out with his hand and stroked her head gently. “Sigh! You’re way too headstrong! You should pay attention to your personal life too and don’t waste your precious youth.” He had an indulgent look on his face as he said that. Heather’s too engrossed in her career that she has overlooked her personal life all this while.
“Grandpa, are you ashamed that I’m still single at this age? My happiness comes from making you proud of me for all my career achievements! I want to become a modern woman who relies on herself!” Heather replied as she leaned on Robert’s shoulders. I used to think that this shoulder could support me forever and it would always remain strong when I was young. However, I’ve now realized that Grandpa has aged so much!
“I would rather you marry a great guy, though,” he chuckled. It was a great consolation for him to hear her words but undoubtedly, her happiness would always be his top priority.
As soon as Heather heard that, she wrinkled her nose. “What do you mean by marrying a great guy?! I just want to find someone who’s exactly like you! But then, I haven’t met anyone comparable to you, Grandpa!” Her tone was quite endearing; despite her age, she’d always behaved like a little kid in front of Robert.
“You’re such a little brat! Stop your nonsense!” Robert chuckled in laughter and his eyes sparkled brightly.
Back in her own room, Heather flopped onto her bed and remained limp. She didn’t even want to make the effort to take a shower. As she recalled the look Matthias gave her, she felt guilty about it and racked her brains for a way to compensate him.
She knew that he did not lack anything; he had plenty of money, he didn’t lack any authority and women naturally fawned over him. The only thing he needed was true love, but the love of his life, Myra, had finally found her perfect partner. Therefore, it was impossible to fulfill that wish of her since there was no way she would interfere in Myra’s relationship.
It was something that she contemplated for quite some time. Should I really agree to his request of being his fake partner for a short while? In fact, there was reluctance on her end because she had always envisioned her first relationship to be full of passion where both parties were deeply in love with each other. She never expected it to be one mainly focused on personal interests. I had avoided entering into a relationship all this while because I didn’t want the other party to be with me due to materialistic reasons. I guess there’s no avoiding it now, huh?
Nonetheless, Heather suddenly had a change of mind and concluded that it actually wasn’t such a big deal after all. All she had to do was pretend to be in a relationship with Matthias in front of everyone else. It could be considered as an exchange of interests and a way of compensating him. As for her, she wasn’t prepared to sacrifice her personal feelings just yet.
She struggled hard to come to terms with it all night long. On one hand, she felt quite reluctant to throw in the towel easily. However, on the other hand, another voice in her mind begged her to agree to the proposition as it would be beneficial to her to agree to his terms. The two of them being in a relationship would naturally assist in the progression of their careers.
In the morning, upon waking up, Heather still hadn’t made up her mind. She felt that it was a much more difficult decision to make than if she had to decide whether to agree to sexual acts in return for a favor. She continued to laze in bed and refused to get up while deducing that everyone was likely to be having breakfast downstairs after noticing the time. Now that she thought about it, she had skipped quite a few family meals lately, so it would be a good idea to wake up earlier and head downstairs for breakfast, lest she trigger Robert’s suspicions again.
For the past few days, he had kept a close eye on her and she didn’t dare to make a wrong move. It seemed that he was quite concerned about her personal life. From the way he spoke, she realized that he was trying hard to decipher whether she was in a secret relationship with Matthias.
As soon as Heather approached the dining table, everyone focused their eyes on her. Blake was surprisingly present as well today. Normally, he would have already left for work, so it was quite unusual to see him at breakfast. Generally, it was rare for them both to be dining together. Each time they found themselves seated at the dining table at the same time, an unhappy incident would always occur. It was at that moment when he shot her an aggravating look. I wonder what he is going to say now!
“Heather,” Blake uttered her name.
Heather immediately looked at him warily. He must be plotting something! It’s never a good sign when he acknowledges my presence.
She raised her head and responded politely, “Hey, Blake, what’s wrong?” She hated to argue with him at the dining table but unfortunately, he seemed to perversely enjoy provoking her during meals. As such, she was quite annoyed with such behavior.
“You’ve been back for quite some time now. Don’t you think you should ease some of my burdens? When are you going to report for work at Langston Group?” he asked suddenly with a concerned tone. It sounded like he was quite the caring brother that he tried to portray.
Heather was angered beyond words. He must have realized my actions, which is why he has suddenly brought this up! I don’t want to work at Langston Group! I want to develop my own business and be the director of my own company! I’m not interested in any of the roles at the company!
However, with that being said, it was difficult for her to reject him in front of the entire family. If she had rejected him on the spot, it would seem quite offensive to Robert, especially when it involved not only her and Blake, but Robert too. Robert had always wished for the younger generations in their family to work together and bring the company to further heights.
“Blake, I’m worried that I’m not suitable for the position.” Heather frantically came up with an excuse. I knew he would try and find fault with me! I can’t stand his annoying face! It’s quite obvious he’s trying to coax me to join the company. This would mean working under him. By then, I would be at his mercy! It had always been Blake’s wish to subdue her and it was quite evident to everyone. Obviously, she had no intention of falling into his trap.
“You previously ran the Europe division quite well. Why aren’t you interested in helping me run the company now that you’re back? Grandpa and I both have the same wish of expanding Langston Group into something bigger.” He had purposely brought Robert into the conversation. As such, Heather found herself at a loss for words since she couldn’t quite reject Blake’s suggestion.
Robert maintained his silence all this while. He was aware of her intention to set up her own company. Initially, he couldn’t quite fathom the reason why, but she managed to convince him. He had carefully considered it and realized that Langston Group was originally passed down from several generations. Yet, out of all the younger generations, she was the only one to have the courage to go out and set up her own company.
Heather couldn’t quite meet Robert’s gaze. She knew that no matter how much he doted on her, it was practically impossible for him to help her to reject Blake in front of everyone.
Meanwhile, everyone kept their silence and watched with bated breath. At that moment, Stephen voiced out and was surprisingly on Blake’s side. “Heather, Blake’s requested your help. Don’t tell me you’re going to say no?”
Camille, who was seated next to him, also added, “I’m sure Heather’s more than happy to help. She must be just feeling shy.”
Heather looked at her parents who had just sabotaged her and she pinched her nose bridge in frustration. Resignedly, she mentioned, “Yes, of course! I would be more than willing to help Blake! It’s just that I haven’t been back for ages and I’m not too familiar with the happenings in Bradfort City. I need a bit more time to get used to everything.” I’ll try to put this off for as long as possible.
Upon hearing that, Blake revealed a sinister smile. He turned to Heather and responded, “I just won the tender to a new project yesterday. There are quite a few projects running at the same time in the company, so I don’t have enough time to deal with this. I think this would be a good start for you.” He had purposely said that to prevent her from escaping her fate.
She smiled in response and said, “I’m not familiar with everything here yet, so I’m afraid I might ruin everything. Blake, I must ask though, how can you be confident in my capabilities?” She had purposely emphasized her last sentence and looked at him with an unwilling expression. I’m in the midst of starting up my own company, but he’s thrown this at me. He’s just wasting my time and delaying my progress! This is so irritating!
Blake replied magnanimously, “It doesn’t matter. It’s just a mere project, so I would be quite happy with whatever outcome you produce!” His insistence had given Heather no choice—it was either she accepted it or turned against him.
Robert, who had remained reticent all along, suddenly voiced out, “Heather can have a break of three days. Let her find her way around Bradford City to have a look at how things have changed.”
