Chapter 8: The Deal

"Don't just think, Aunt; you must call off the wedding! What if I don't end up marrying President Bryan? What will I do then? I've already told my friends!" Lucy cried out hysterically, further upsetting Mrs. Rose. Mrs. Rose forcefully covered Lucy's mouth and even pulled at her hair, causing some strands to come loose. "I told you to be quiet or I'll kill you. You... you're useless now!" Bryan's office. His serious demeanor created a tense and colorless atmosphere. A secretary entered and handed him several documents that needed his immediate attention. "These are the documents that need to be signed today," Viola said. "Very well, you may leave." After Viola left the room, John approached Bryan to give him a report on the morning's luncheon guests. "They were all very surprised and curious about Miss Angeline. They sent their secretaries to inquire about Miss Angeline's identity and background. Some believe and support your marriage, Mr. President." "What about the old woman?" "Mrs. Rose didn't believe at first, and her secretary even asked how you met Miss Angeline. Fortunately, you were in California a month ago, which could serve as an alibi. Nevertheless, both you and Miss Angeline must be more careful and vigilant. I'm not sure how she will react to your marriage to Miss Angeline. There's a possibility that Mrs. Rose will disapprove of this marriage and encourage other executives to do the same. Bryan pondered John's words. He knew the consequences of Angeline's behavior at the dinner table. It was a serious mistake that could jeopardize his plans. Bryan thought hard about how to ensure that his upcoming marriage would be approved. "Should we... offer?" Bryan muttered. "Are you serious? Are you willing to sacrifice those shares just for a marriage?" John asked, understanding Bryan's implication. "What other solution do you have? Mrs. Rose is a fearless woman who isn't afraid of anything. As long as she controls fifty percent of the votes, we won't be able to remove her. And if I marry a woman of her choice, she might even fake a child as my own. What then? Maybe you'll be arranging my funeral in a year." John fell silent as he listened to Bryan's explanation. Bryan had been suspicious of all of Mrs. Rose's actions, especially since the death of his father. His father's health had deteriorated significantly after marrying Mrs. Rose, and it was difficult to determine the exact cause of his decline. Bryan had never liked Mrs. Rose from the beginning. He could discern between a woman who genuinely loved his father and one who was merely after his wealth. Mrs. Rose's two-faced nature disgusted Bryan, and they had even had heated arguments before his father's marriage to her. As a result, Bryan had refrained from visiting the main house since their wedding. He didn't care if he was seen as a disobedient son. He had even considered building his own business rather than inheriting his father's company. However, when his father fell ill, Bryan had returned to work in the family business, eventually inheriting it when his father passed away. Fortunately, Mrs. Rose had been unable to conceive a child from their marriage. Still, Bryan knew she was cunning and would stop at nothing to secure her future. "Prepare the wedding for a week from now. I will meet the woman and negotiate," Bryan ordered, and John nodded in agreement. Later that evening, Bryan surprised Mrs. Rose by visiting her at her home, a place he had avoided for years. It had been five years since he had last set foot there, not even for his father's funeral. They sat in the living room and a servant brought refreshments and snacks. Mrs. Rose glared at Bryan, clearly uncomfortable with his confident presence. "What brings you here?" Mrs. Rose initiated the conversation. "I simply want your approval of my marriage," Bryan replied coldly. Mrs. Rose narrowed her eyes in contempt. "After years of not visiting, you finally come here just to marry a lowly woman?" "You see, I never had any reason to come here. I noticed... many luxury items are missing. Did you sell them?" Bryan accused sharply. "Are you accusing me? What do you know when you've never set foot here, not even when your father was dying? His company was on the verge of bankruptcy and couldn't turn a profit. What's the point of keeping useless, expensive things?" "Did you sell them for my father's medical expenses? You're such a faithful wife. But why did your wealth increase after his death?" Mrs. Rose's audacious demand took Bryan by surprise. She wanted a high-level position in the company, either as Vice President or Chief Financial Officer, in exchange for her approval of his marriage. Bryan had never imagined she would go to such lengths. "What position do you want?" Bryan asked as John looked on in disbelief. "How about vice president? Is that too high? Director of Finance sounds suitable for someone like me," Nyonya Rose replied with an annoying laugh. Bryan fell silent, wondering if he should accept her condition. He knew he was running out of time and didn't want to miss this opportunity. John whispered his disapproval, aware of the losses Bryan would incur by accepting Nyonya Rose's terms. Bryan was torn and growing anxious. He hadn't expected Nyonya Rose to push him this far. "What about the marketing director? You can have a good time without having to worry about the company's finances," Bryan suggested, trying to offer an alternative. "But I have a background in financial management. How could you offer me a position I can't handle?" Nyonya Rose retorted. "Well, you're not exactly young anymore." "We're only five years apart. You want to get married quickly, without any obstacles, right? Ten percent of the stock is worthless. If you make me CFO, I'll refuse that ten percent." Nyonya Rose skillfully pressed Bryan, leaving him no choice. Bryan, who had come with an offer, found himself forced to make a difficult decision. "Fine, you'll be the CFO," Bryan finally conceded, and Nyonya Rose smiled triumphantly.