CHAPTER 1: BANKRUPT
Senior Jones looked at the reports provided by his eldest son about the Jones Company and shook his head. This wasn't what he had expected in the past few years. At least not now. He needed money, he needed to do something for the family company.
"Dad, what do you think?" Anes, his eldest son asked.
"What's needed if not money?" Senior Jones asked.
His three daughters, Lian, Kate and Julia were seated. Except for Lian who was busy browsing on her phone, the two were attentive to their father. His wife, Quinn was also present.
"Will you all pay attention?" Senior Jones said, specifically looking at Lian. Lian slowly raised her eyebrows and then resumed with what she was doing.
"Lian, dad is talking to you." Kate said.
"Am listening." Lian replied.
Of the four children, Anes was the eldest and the only son. Lian was the second daughter who never listened to anybody followed by Kate and Julia being the lastborn. It's not like Lian was big headed, no one seconded her and she decided to live on her own.
"We all need to think of a way to save the company from bankruptcy or shut it down." Senior Jones decided to continue..." But shutting down isn't a better option. At least we can do something about it."
"Dad... Why don't you call Mr. Nolan? If he can't accept a contract, at least we can swallow our pride and beg him." Anes said. The Nolan family ran the country after all, they were known as the richest family. First class family as many said it.
Senior Jones nodded and immediately dialed Mr. Nolan's number.
"Hello... Hello am calling from the Jones family." Senior Jones started. After all the Jones were not that known and they weren't significant, he doubted if Mr. Nolan would hold on any longer and talk to them.
"How may I help you?" Mr. Nolan's voice came through.
Senior Jones explained his problem and Mr. Nolan gave him an appointment. This was a big surprise to Senior Jones. After all Mr. Nolan never favored anyone.
Evening, Senior Jones entered his car and drove to Brilliance Company owned by the Nolans. As he was walking towards the elevator, he saw a young handsome man escorted towards the car by guards. Probably the young man didn't see him or he just decided not to greet him, who knows? After all Senior Jones wasn't here for mere respect. He was here to seek help.
Meanwhile:
Lian came out of her room with her hand bag and walked out. She passed her mother and siblings without a word as if she didn't see anyone. After all, the family in general never loved her. After her university, she expected her dad to offer her a job at the Jones Company, but even after seeing how her daughter performed well, Senior Jones didn't offer her a job. Lian was currently working at a hotel as an assistant manager after looking for the job herself.
Lian entered her car and drove off.
"Your sister seems not concerned about the family affairs." Quinn told her three children.
"I don't blame her after all we all turned against her." Anes, who at times supported Lian and other times supported the other family members said. He personally didn't know who to support and who not to support.
"What do you mean you don't blame her? I personally thinks she earns more than enough but just doesn't want to help. How could she buy such a car when we all use the family car?" Kate who hated her sister said. After all, of all the Jones daughters, Lian was the most beautiful.
"Kate what will you do?" Quinn asked. They all remained silent. Though they thought Lian earned more than enough, they had no way to prove it or make her give out the hard earned money.
Lian parked her car and walked into the elevator. She entered her office and sat down, going through the files she was supposed to work on. She then thought about the crisis home. At first, her dad refused to take her as a daughter and favored the rest more than her. Then he refused to offer her job at the Jones Company. Right now the company was bankrupt and they really want her to listen? How would she do that?
"The fall of the Jones is none of business after all." She sighed.
Eva, her best friend knocked on the door and walked in. They had been friends since she started working here though Eva was just a hotel attendant. But she had a good heart and Lian shared all her secrets with her because she was trustworthy. She gave her favors and always took her out. Sometimes if she wasn't feeling like going home, she would sleep in her room which she left Eva to use most of the time.
"Lian, you came late, what's wrong?" Eva asked.
"Nothing... Are you alright?" Lian looked at Eva's swollen eyes.
"I slept late, but... Mmmh....I'm alright." Eva said.
"Why did you sleep late? Did you work late into the night?" Lian asked.
"No, why would I do that? Actually I had a slight headache but I'm alright." Eva said. "I heard the Jones Company is on its edge... What's wrong?