What must he do for the future?
Shaun admits he cannot compete with his brother to become the next head of the family. Besides, as the eldest, Ross is best suited to the position, just like Shenna; however, the latter wants to focus on the medical field.
Therefore, the family prefers that Ross marry her so that he can manage both families, which is a heavy responsibility.
Hence, Shaun was thinking about how to help manage the family's business, something he could impress the elders with. First, he had to bring honor to the family, and he knew one—something he was eyeing already. Now, he is more determined to take that path.
'I need to become Aurora University's chair on the board.'
Way back hundreds of years ago, the wealthy Zobel family founded Aurora University.
According to his research, Don Mauro Villegas was one of those who helped establish the school. When several industries progressed in the country, a few of the most influential families joined to compete with the oldest colleges, dating back five hundred years.
[Note: An Asian country inspired this information. Colleges had just begun with Western influences (colonial eras) when wealthy families sent their kids abroad for higher education. Thus, why not bring higher education to the country instead?
The school begins as a humble one. Aurora University has made a name for itself worldwide, especially in Asia. As the decades passed, they opened another school that offered primary and secondary education.
That school, now known as Eastern Aurora Academy, is on a separate campus.
The university's stated mission is to educate future leaders in every sector of society, including public servants.
The university also focuses on handling international athletes. Their training of exceptional individuals who could represent the nation with honor is the reason for the school's global renown. The government also provides a large budget to support these athletes.
Although Shun was not an active soccer player, he was actually good at sports. He believes he can do better once he heads the board of directors.
As the youngest Varga scion, he was given more freedom than Ross. But now, he realizes that being the next head of the family is actually a significant advantage.
However, in the passing years, he only lived like a prince and took his position in the family for granted.
No wonder his cousins were competing for their grandfather's attention and favor. He must show greatness at such a young age.
Now, he must work three times to catch up. Although no one can reach his brother's position, he shouldn't be inferior to the rest of the family!
Especially now… Yonah plans to establish her own studio, but he intends to give her that as a betrothal gift soon—and it's not just a studio but an entire fashion design academy!
Only two Asian art schools make it to the world's top 100 best fashion schools, and Yonah will enroll in one of the top schools two years prior.
He believes in Yonah's talent. She has the potential to make a big name for herself in the fashion industry. Therefore, he must take control of the university to have the authority to build a new building and open a new art course.
Once he and Yonah get married, they can manage the university, and together, they will make Aurora University one of the top design schools!
"Shaun…" His dad snapped him out of his reverie to ask, "Do you want to become the CEO of St. Michaels Group of Companies?"
~ ~ ~
Meanwhile, Ross drove aimlessly. Instead of returning to the company, he wandered in circles on the suburban road.
He has to think clearly. Otherwise, he will regret it if he makes sudden decisions.
Ross pulled over on the sidewalk and parked the car. His head rested on the steering wheel for a while, and he later got out of the vehicle.
He walked to the other side and leaned on the door. He realized he had actually driven off to the land he wanted to obtain before his competitor did. This land is his most significant project in the coming years. Before he presented to the board, he had planned to make this district a new commercial area for wealthy patrons since the suburbs were near the estates of affluent families.
He plans to build high-rise luxury condominiums, a mall where only brand names are welcome to rent out, and international restaurants enjoyed by foreign nationals who will be enticed to invest and live in the country.
He envisioned creating a new business center soon to become the country's capital.
His father plans to retire soon so he can enjoy traveling with his mom, Keira. He supports this idea. His parents have done incredible things for them already. Therefore, he believes the two deserve to enjoy life while they are at the perfect age and fit.
Before his parents entrusted everything to him, his dad appointed him to this project as his ticket to the CEO seat.
He anticipated it. He wants to covet the position until this very day, and the truth reveals...
It turns out that the pool of wealth his family swam into was not entirely theirs; half of it belonged to the Villegas family.
"It is no wonder my grandfather monitors me to make sure I do not get involved with another woman, especially to have a bastard son," he mumbled.
Ross couldn't help but shake his head now that he fully understood everything.
Although none got his attention like Shenna, he wanted to experience a typical single man's life. Of course, he had no plan to fool around, but the elders made it a career to scrutinize his private life—until he met Yonah.
He has struggled to live up to the elders' expectations all his life. But now, the only thing that will make him happy is that it is taboo for him to covet because she was reserved for someone else, and that person is his beloved brother.
"Nana…" His heart ached, clenching his palm into a ball.
Perhaps he would not have had difficulty deciding if he had never had those dreams. He indeed blames his freaking beautiful nightmare!
On the contrary, he was relieved that the woman was not his future mother-in-law.
"Alright. Since you want to covet the Villegas, Dad, I will become the head of the two families." Ross pondered his first steps.
A moment passes, and his phone keeps receiving a notification.
He is not interested in checking on it, thinking it's either his dad or Shaun. But he needs to contact his secretary to summon the planning team.
When Ross opened his phone, he found Yonah's messages. Instantly, her lengthy texts brought calmness to his heart and gave him more direction on how to steer his future.
[Hey, brother Ross! I would like to thank you for introducing the restaurant to us. Uncle Brandon mentioned you arranged everything. I really love it, and the food is delicious!]
[By the way, you left us suddenly. I'm worried you haven't had a meal yet. Do you want me to order something and ask the restaurant to deliver it? What dishes do you prefer? I'll have the kitchen prepare them then.]
[I will let you choose for me.] He replied to Yonah with a sweet smile on his face.
[Great! Can I visit the kitchen and meet the chef? [I love all the food served to us, so I want to thank them.]
[Of course, you can! Don't feel like a stranger. You can have a meal and don't need to book a reservation. You are welcome to use my room whenever you wish.]
[Really? [Thank you so much, Kuya Ross!]
Yonah exchanged a few more messages with him before she excused herself to head to the kitchen. Ross delightedly bid farewell and then put away his phone. His gaze then fixed on the forest below.
"Dad, you want me to impress the Villegas family? Then I will grant your wishes. However, I will do it my way."
Ross took out his phone once more and contacted his secretary.
"Sarah, tell the planning team to report to my office after lunch." After several instructions, he hung up, returned to his car, and drove toward the company.
"Nana will send me lunch." He hummed while driving.
Despite the heavy traffic he encountered, he was still in high spirits upon arriving at the office. Although he was almost an hour late, his subordinates did not dare complain. They stood up when the door was pushed open, and he emerged from the outside.
"Good afternoon, sir."
"Please, take a seat." Ross waved his hand, strode toward the long table, and took the center chair. "Alright, let's begin."
Ross was hungry but ignored his growling stomach, thinking Yonah was sending him his lunch. So, while waiting, he asked Sarah to bring him a cup of coffee and didn't forget to offer drinks to the entire planning team.
The slight smile on his face throughout the meeting astounded his team.
The team shared a knowing look and felt gladdened that the VP was in a good mood.
The meeting went well, and Ross was pleased with how his team was proactive and resourceful in generating the ideas he needed.
"Renzo, I want you to form your own team to design a 23-story building with advanced technology throughout. I also want a flower garden in front of the building and a filming set at the back."
"Sir, is it an entertainment company you are planning to build?"
"Hummed. I will resign soon to manage another company. This will be my last project with you as your vice president. Anyway, even though I will no longer be working here soon, we will still have more projects in the future. So now, let's acquire Sheldon Ridge and Sheldon Forest Park. I want you to prepare all the considerations so we won't damage much of the nature reserve."
"Sheldon Ridge and Sheldon Forest Park, sir? Doesn't it cover a hundred acres?" Someone raised this question.
Ross replied, "Yes. And the land area I want you to work in is half of it."
The news was music to their ears, and the team's excitement was palpable.
"Is this a half-billion-dollar project?"
"It must be a billion!"
As his team celebrated receiving such a project, Ross, on the other hand, was thinking of a name for the new company. Unfortunately, he hasn't come up with anything yet.
'I think it is best to ask, Nana. It is just right that I will let her name her very own company. Soon, she won't need to travel abroad to attend a cosplay festival. All I need to do is assist her in organizing one!'
Sponsoring such a global contest is not a terrible idea. He has all the connections he needs!