The chairman beamed with pride, his eyes shining with excitement. "Ophelia, my dear, I'm thrilled to see you've found someone you truly connect with. You know I've always wanted the best for you, and Maximilian is an excellent match. I'm just glad you're not settling for a loveless marriage, like... well, like some people do." He smiled warmly at Ophelia, his expression softening.
"You've always been determined, and once you set your mind on something, you make it happen. I trust your judgment, and I'm confident this will be a wonderful partnership."
Seraphina chimed in, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "Oh, this is fantastic! With the Blackwood connection, I can see my ceramics workshop course and jewelry shop flourishing! I'll be able to attract a whole new clientele, the who's who of the business world. I can already imagine the networking opportunities, the collaborations... Oh, this is a dream come true!"
Lyra smiled wryly, a hint of amusement in her voice. "Now I see why you're beaming, Mother. You're already calculating the profits, aren't you?"
Ophelia's face lit up with determination. "I promise, Father, I'll do my best for the family and for myself. I won't let you down, and I won't fuck it up." She smiled, her eyes shining with conviction.
The chairman's face creased into a warm smile, his hands clasped together on the table. "I know you won't, dear. You've always been a shining star. And speaking of which..." He paused, a mischievous glint in his eye. "I have another announcement to make."
The room fell silent, with all eyes fixed on the chairman. Lyra raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What is it, Father?"
The chairman's smile grew wider. "I want to see every single one of you at the next monthly shareholder meeting. Lyra and Atticus have been the only consistent attendees, and I want that to change. I want to see all my children and their partners there, showing unity and support for our family's legacy."
Kalina spoke up in a small voice, her eyes cast downward. "Including me, Father?" She sounded hesitant, her tone laced with reluctance. "Do I have to come? I don't really have anything to do with the company..."
The chairman's expression turned stern, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Yes, Kalina, including you. You may not be directly involved in the business, but you're a part of this family, and this company's success affects us all. I want to see you there, showing your support and learning more about the empire we've built."
The chairman's expression turned stern, his voice firm. "I'm not pleased with the attendance of some of you. Seraphina, you've only attended three out of the last five meetings. Ophelia, you've been absent more often than present. And Kalina, you haven't bothered to attend a single meeting, despite being one of the largest shareholders in the family."
He scolded, his eyes scanning the three of them. "I won't entertain any excuses. Your absence is unacceptable, and I expect to see all of you at the next meeting. No exceptions, no excuses."
Seraphina opened her mouth to speak, but the chairman raised a hand, silencing her. "No, Seraphina, I don't want to hear it. Your ceramics and jewelry business won't suffer if you take a few hours to attend a meeting. Ophelia, your social calendar can wait. And Kalina, your absence is inexcusable, considering the significant stake you have in this company."
He paused, his gaze piercing. "I expect to see all of you at the next meeting. Am I clear?"
Kalina nodded slowly, her eyes still cast downward, her voice barely audible. "Yes, Father..."
The chairman's stern expression softened, and he smiled sweetly. "Well, with that settled, let's end this breakfast on a pleasant note. Have a lovely day ahead, my darlings." He clapped his hands together, signaling the end of the meal.
Kalina stood up, grumbling under her breath, her eyes pleading with her mother to intervene. But Seraphina was too displeased about the upcoming meeting to offer any support, her expression stern. Ophelia looked equally displeased, her eyes rolling in exasperation.
Lyra and Atticus stood up, Atticus beaming with amusement. "Oh, this is going to be good!" he exclaimed, his eyes gleaming with mischief.
"Kalina's in trouble now!" He twirled around, his arms extended, mimicking a ballerina's pirouette, and laughed evilly.
Lyra chuckled, shaking her head. "You're really enjoying this, aren't you?" she asked, her voice amused.
Atticus grinned. "Today is a happy day, my dear! And I'm loving every minute of it!" He winked at Lyra, who playfully rolled her eyes and moved past him, following the chairman out of the dining room.
Kalina trailed behind, her heart sinking, her father's words echoing in her mind. "Kalina, in my study, now." She knew she was in for a scolding, and her father's sweet tone did little to alleviate her concerns.
Kalina knocked twice before entering the study, her father's domain. She walked towards him, her footsteps quiet on the carpet. The chairman looked up from his papers, his eyes locking onto hers. He settled back in his seat, his expression neutral, saying nothing.
Kalina shifted uncomfortably, breaking the silence. "Aren't you going to the office today, Father?"
He raised an eyebrow. "I've decided to work from home today. My PA and team will be joining me shortly."
Another silence ensued, until Kalina spoke up, her voice hesitant. "Father, what did I do wrong?"
The chairman's expression turned disapproving. "Kalina, I'm disappointed in you. You've been absent from meetings, showing no interest in the family business. Did you think you were invisible? I've known all along that you're a business genius, even from a young age."
Kalina's eyes widened in surprise. "How did you...? I thought I helped anonymously."
The chairman smiled wryly. "I know my daughter's handiwork. You resolved a critical business issue for me once, and I've been waiting for you to take a more active role in the company."
Kalina shrugged, her voice laced with disinterest. "I just don't see the point, Father. The business world is so... boring. I have my own passions and interests."
The chairman's expression turned stern. "Kalina, you're lying. You have no interests or passions outside of spending money and living a carefree life. You're wasting your talent, and I won't stand for it."
Kalina's face flushed, her eyes cast downward. "How do you know so much, Father?"
The chairman leaned forward, his eyes intense. "Because I know my daughter. And I know why your grandfather made you one of the largest shareholders."
Kalina's curiosity was piqued. "Why did he, Father?"
The chairman's smile was enigmatic. "That's a story for another time, Kalina. But know this: your legacy is not just a name, it's a responsibility. And I expect you to take it seriously."