"The grandpa wants me to go as well?"
"That soiree is like your introduction to the society, all the young girls part of our circle will attend too" She wanted her daughter to be introduced as a part of the Wheelers
"I see, I will think about it" She laid back on the bed as she sigh
"don't worry, i won't force you on anything" She took the girl's hand in her owns and patted it
"Thank you, i still feel a little drownsy i'll sleep for a while" she turned to her mother and smiled
"Okey i'll go back down, i'll see you later" she said before she went out
Inside the study room
"That little bastard won't answer any of the calls" The elder man was fuming
"Calm down grandpa, we have to be patient with him, you know how he is" The blond man was trying to calm his grandfather
"The shareholders are already discussing the succession, your uncle's health is deteriorating. He won't be able to keep his seat for long, we have to do something Liam"
He knew that the situation was becoming worrisome. if Joaquin throw everything away just like that, their family will fall apart.
"Liam you have to step in"
"No! i can't do that grandpa "He stood up and ran his hand over his face
"I don't see any other alternative"
Liam didn't want to abandon his career for the family business. Call him selfish or inconsiderate but even himself wasn't confident enough on being a CEO. After his father's death, his uncle was the one to succeed, he didn't have any child as he was infertile. Now with his illness, the next successor had to be defined.
"I'm not your only grandchild" he said "I think Jennifer is capable enough to succeed as well"
"You are fully aware that no one will agree on a woman managing such a big company"
"we live in the 21st century. The course of life changes and women are as capable as us men"
"The shareholders are all old and don't have that kind of new mentality like you youngsters"
"And you're one of them"
"Oh please stop blaming me for not being as open minded as you" he rolled his eyes at him
"I think we should end this discussion here, we can't even agree on anything together. I'll get going first"
"You all always do as you wish anyway" He was not pleased with his grandson's lack of care
Liam went out and let his grandfather with his own thoughts
It was not after breakfast time that Winter decided to go out of her bedroom, she had undone her luggages and decorated her room according to her taste.
"I thought you wouldn't wake up till the evening" Kyle caught sight of her when he was returning to his room. He seemed to have just worked out
"You men can be lazy but never us" She crossed her arms as he approached her
"When did i say that" He placed his right hand on his chest like he was offended by the accusation
"Stop joking around, are you aware of that gala thing on christmas eve?" she looked around before talking
"Yes, why?" he asked
"Tell me the truth, The said coming of age party is also a way to expose their daughters for selling right?" she whispered
"What, that is a very strong way to say things"
"I'm just stating facts"
"Wait, are you going to attend?" he inquired
"Maybe"
He thought for a while and said "i'm not refuting what you just said but it is partly to introduce you as a new adult in the society"
"I'm sure that is just a small part of the concept"
"Well no one will force you to marry anyone, the elders are traditional but not that unthoughful of your choice"
"Are you even acknowledging what you're saying" she raised her eyebrows at him
"No, even i don't believe what i'm saying. Those two elders are very dictatorial" he truthully said
She just shrugged
"But i think we can make that event a little bit different this time" she told as she meaninfuly looked at him
"I know that look too well, what are going to do again?"
"What are you talking about" she gave him an innocent look
"Well, I'm up for a good show then" he chuckled
She just smiled broadly
"Winter?" a man's voice sounded
They both turned to see the person and when seeing him Winter said "Oh Liam it's you, what's up?"
"I just learned that you didn't eat your breakfast yet i'll bring you out to eat, we have to talk about a lot of things" he serously said as he looked at his phone for a good place
"Okey, i'll change and join you in fifteen minutes" she returned to her room after winking at her cousin
when she was out of sight Liam looked at Kyle "what were you up to talking in low voice to each other?"
The young man scratched the back of his neck "Nothing to worry, i have to take a shower, see you older cousin" he ran away
Liam looked suspiciously at him as he entered his room
A car got in the parking lot of a fine-dining restaurant Ever restaurant
"You rich men are really something even though we're just going to eat breakfast" Winter uttered as she looked at the Michelin-starred restaurant
"That was the best suggestion on the internet" he seemed unaware of his spendthriftness
Winter just nonchalantly said "let's just go out"
they stepped inside the restaurant and were kindly welcomed by the waitstaff and were guided to a table.
They received a brunch menu
Winter learned to not bulge her eyes seeing the prices. She was used to being brought out by her brother. They sometimes went out with Jarine, his wife and he always spoiled the two of them
They each ordered and thanked the waiter
"Your transferring was already arranged, you will start after winter break at lake forest academy" he earnestly told her
"I'm not even surprised by the choice" She sarcasticly said
"I'm being serious here Winter" he glared at the teenager "I'm trying to help you on finding what's best for you"
"Yes what i need and not what i want" she paused and asked "Did you ever think of consulting me before deciding on this?"
"Do you know another one better that this one?"
Aah here he goes again she thought to herself
"The question is not about that. I don't care about the damn school, i just want you to understand that i can make my own choice" She tried to make him understand
His brown eyes looked at her and let out a sigh "what's your plan then" he crossed his arms
Silence filled the table and Liam let out a scoff "you didn't think of anything yet, as i thought. You said you didn't care about the school you'll attend so i don't see any other reasons for you to protest"
"I will decide, I'll let you know tomorrow what my choice will be" She deadpanned
"Fine, You'll give me valid reasons to agree with it though" He gave her a serious look
"As you wish mom"
He frowned at her and shook his head
They finally received their orders and after eating, they stood up to settle the bill.
When going out, Liam abruptly stopped walking while Winter has nearly bumped herself against his back as she walked behind the later
"What the..."
"Joaquin" he cut her off
She furrowed her eyebrows and looked where her brother's eyes were set on
A young man was leaning against his car while talking on the phone. His movement froze when he spotted them at the entrance
Liam immediately strode to him and what happened shocked everyone that was present.
He punched him on the face and lifted him with his collar "You little shit, where the hell have you been" He dangerously glared at Joaquin