Anthea looked at Audrey worriedly, wanting her to stop. However, with so many people at the table watching, she didn't dare to make it too obvious.
Eric hadn't expected Audrey to speak up for him in such a manner. Seeing Audrey appearing somewhat clueless, he became concerned that Gary might direct his frustration at her and wanted to say something.
He was about to speak up when Gary interjected, "Let's eat first, we'll set that topic aside for now."
No one else said anything further and they all started eating quietly.
Audrey, experiencing such a setback within this family for the first time since joining, had initially planned to stand up and raise a toast to her second brother, followed by congratulatory words.
[Why is everyone so distant? Especially at times like this, the support and encouragement of family are needed the most.]
Abner and Charlotte both coincidentally directed their gazes at Audrey, reading her thoughts. Upon seeing her thoughts, they both couldn't help but feel amused.
Support and encouragement? How was that possible?
At some point, they had all unconsciously accepted that in order to succeed in their family, one must trample others underfoot.
The meal was consumed in an atmosphere of heaviness, but thankfully, Audrey was adept at self-regulation, and she quickly regained her composure.
[Oh well, they grew up in an environment where love and mutual support among family members weren't taught, so it's understandable.]
Seeing her thoughts,the three siblings were speechless yet found it inexplicably funny. They thought that it was funny how content Audrey was and how well she had consoled herself.
After the unpleasantness at the dinner table, none of them lingered downstairs after the meal, heading straight upstairs.
Gary and Abner went to the study room, while Charlotte returned to her own room.
Audrey stopped Eric, the last one to head upstairs, and handed him her recent creation.
"Second Brother, congratulations on your award. Don't worry, I'll always support you."
Eric looked at the vase of flowers, and a faint twitch appeared at the corner of his mouth. "I appreciate your congratulations. As for the flowers…"
Audrey looked straight into his eyes.
Eric sighed softly. He accepted the flowers and said, "Alright, thank you."
Audrey smiled and said, "You're welcome."
[Heh, you must be feeling emotional because of me. The more I look at these flowers, the better they look. I'll get one for Big Brother one day.]
Eric wanted to facepalm. He had initially been touched, but now all his emotions were gone.
In the study on the second floor.
Normally, at this time, Gary would be working late dealing with business matters, but this time he was surfing the internet.
In the past, he wouldn't have done such a thing. Of course, he hadn't changed his views just because of a few words from Audrey. He was just reminded of Eric's gaze.
During dinner, he had subtly observed Eric's expression, watching how his eyes went from an undercurrent of expectation to disappointment.
Among the three children, Eric had always been the most outgoing, always enthusiastic. He rarely saw Eric with such a gaze.
He couldn't recall when exactly it had started, but these three children had begun competing with each other overtly and covertly. His three ex-wives had been eyeing the ownership of the company.
A company could only have one top leader. He was most inclined to the reserved and capable Abner, but he had also thought of a way out for the two younger ones.
He had never been in favor of Eric making movies, always feeling it wouldn't lead to much success.
But reflecting on Audrey's words and Eric's gaze, he began to question himself. Were those things truly that important?
Since Eric had such a strong passion for filmmaking, why not support him? After all, he had shares in the company, so no matter what he pursued, he wouldn't end up starving.
For the first time, Gary earnestly delved into understanding the role of a director. After contemplating the matter, he devised a plan and intended to present it to Abner the next day.
The next morning, after arriving at the company, Gary called Abner into his office.
He handed over the rough plan he had put together the previous night to Abner.
Abner took a glance at it, "Setting up a Film and Television Department in the company?"
Gary nodded, "Yes, I want you to handle this matter."
Abner almost immediately grasped Gary's intentions, though he couldn't help but feel that Gary's efforts were unnecessary.
Even if Eric genuinely loved filmmaking, he wouldn't be willing to give up on power struggles. And even if he were, their mother Amanda wouldn't approve.
However, Abner did not say anything and left with the first version of the plan.