The sound of heels clicking announced Aysel's arrival, and the three men in the living room slowly turned their attention toward her. Their breaths hitched at the sight of the stunning beauty with long red hair and an hourglass figure.
They were so entranced by her seductive figure and swaying hips that they didn't snap out of their daze until she smiled at them, walking gracefully toward her father. "Good morning, Father."
Her simple smile made everyone's heart race. Not just Mr. Anthony and Butler Jones, even Vaughn found it hard to believe this was the same daughter he once thought of as a foolish and naïve girl that he sometimes wished he had thrown away after her birth, due to the humiliations she made their family experience during almost every outing to the extent that they never brought her out again.
Still, Vaughn didn't think too much about the change in her aura. He automatically assumed that it was Jolie who had taught her how to carry herself with more poise and grace.
"You did a good job, daughter," he praised, gently patting her head—an action he had never done to the original Aysel. The current Aysel knew he wouldn't have done it if it weren't for the performance of fake affection in front of the two spectators.
He gestured toward Anthony and Butler Jones. "Aysel, meet the representatives from the Grant family. This is Mr. Anthony, Mr. Nathaniel's personal assistant, and Butler Jones, the esteemed butler of the Grant household."
"Hello, Mr. Anthony, Butler Jones," Aysel greeted with a polite smile. She knew she'd soon have to live in a different environment, surrounded by these men and others. Winning them over would definitely benefit her in the long run.
The two men, still surprised by her beauty, nodded back. They had expected the Swift family to offer their youngest daughter, Daisy, but they didn't anticipate the infamous eldest Miss Swift to be so captivating. At least she was pleasant to look at. Of course, beauty didn't necessarily mean brains, but they hoped she could survive in the ruthless world of the Grant family.
After exchanging pleasantries, Anthony took out a contract and handed it to Vaughn. "This is the contract from Mr. Grant. Please review the terms, and if you're not satisfied with any of them, let me know. If everything looks good, you can proceed with the signature."
Vaughn eagerly accepted the contract, his excitement visible in the crow's feet at the corners of his eyes as he nodded rapidly, flipping through the pages. He didn't even bother to check the terms concerning Aysel; instead, he went straight to the section outlining the benefits he would receive.
- A hundred thousand dollars monthly
- An expensive car
- Entertainment industry resources
- Company resources
"Perfect! Sign it!" Vaughn said excitedly, handing the contract to Aysel. The benefits listed would be a huge boon for their household. The money would cover his wife's monthly expenses, the car would be a perfect birthday gift for his son who had been crying for one recently, and the entertainment industry resources would support his darling daughter, Daisy, to thrive higher. Not to mention, the company resources would be for him.
Jolie couldn't hide her excitement either, exchanging glances with Daisy. Daisy had been sulking since no one paid her any attention, especially after she had dressed fabulously to impress the representatives and outshine her older sister, but had failed woefully since she was completely overshadowed. She wasn't even sure if they noticed her at all.
But upon seeing the contract, her mood improved. It was as if she, Vaughn, and Jolie were of one mind, all thinking about how perfectly suited the terms were for them.
Aysel, however, didn't seem to notice what was going on. She appeared completely absorbed in her phone, a small smile playing on her lips as she watched something amusing on the screen.
Daisy smiled sweetly as she nudged Aysel. "Aysel, they're asking you to sign the contract."
"Hm?" Aysel's attention shifted as she met the eyes of everyone in the room. The two representatives had unreadable expressions, Vaughn looked annoyed, Jolie glared at her with disapproval, and Daisy wore that familiar fake smile.
Aysel chuckled naturally, raising an elegant eyebrow as her smooth voice broke the tension in the room. "I thought Father was the one planning to marry Mr. Grant. That would explain why he's the one reviewing the contract instead of me. So, why should I be the one to sign it?"
Her final words made the seemingly fabulous atmosphere disappear. The two representatives finally took notice, their eyes lighting up with interest as they watched Aysel retort eloquently.
Vaughn looked both angry and shocked, Jolie's face twisted in frustration, and Daisy's smile stiffened. She knew her older sister was about to ruin everything, and she wouldn't allow that, not when she had seen the enticing benefits that marrying her off could guarantee.
"Aysel, Daddy was just helping you by reviewing the terms," Daisy said sweetly. "He made sure everything was in order, so he asked you to sign. Or… don't you trust him?"
That comment was a threat, and Vaughn's anger was written all over his face as he glared at Aysel. If that was what she truly meant, he wouldn't hesitate to make her pay for such an insult. A child not trusting her father? That was unforgivable.
Butler Jones' eyes sparkled with curiosity as he watched the scene unfold. Aysel had passed the first test, but could she handle this second challenge from her own family? He couldn't help but bet in his mind whether she would submit or stand her ground. Either way, her response would intrigue him.
Vaughn struggled to control his expression, trying to stop himself from lashing out at his stupid daughter and said with a fake smile. "Yeah, Daisy's right. I trust you trust me, don't you? I've already read the contract, so just sign it."
Aysel remained unmoved as if she hadn't noticed his anger. She raised her index finger in the air. "First of all, I'm over eighteen, which means I'm of legal age. I'm also well-educated..."