The two announcements released by Emgrand Group sent shockwaves through Aurouss Hill. When the Wilson family learned of the change in Emgrand's ownership, they understood why their partnership with the White family had ended. Emgrand's new owner clearly didn't hold the White family in high regard.
The question remained: who was Mr. Wade? He had acquired the multi-billion-dollar Emgrand Group without a second thought. He was incredibly powerful, perhaps even more so than the richest person in Aurouss Hill.
Immediately, wealthy families scrambled to connect with the enigmatic Mr. Wade, many hoping to marry their daughters to him.
Emgrand's announcement of a $2 billion investment in a hotel construction project similarly reverberated through the construction and interior design industries in Aurouss Hill. Numerous firms, including the money-obsessed Lady Wilson, clamored for a piece of the lucrative pie. This presented the perfect opportunity for the Wilson family to secure a contract from the mega-project.
She called an urgent family meeting that evening at the mansion to discuss strategies for securing a contract with Emgrand. Attendance was mandatory.
Later that night, at the Wilson family mansion, Charlie Wade's presence was assured due to Lady Wilson's request. Aware of her agenda, he intended to use this opportunity to elevate Claire Wilson's standing.
Upon seeing him, Harold, Claire's cousin, sneered, "Damn! Charlie Wade, you're shameless! How dare you show your face here?"
Claire responded with an indifferent expression, "Stop your nonsense. Grandma asked everyone in the family to come. Charlie is my husband, so he's part of the Wilson family, too!"
Harold scoffed, "He's part of the Wilson family?"
Charlie rubbed his nose and said to Claire, "Honey, let's ignore him. Let's go inside; Grandma's waiting."
Claire walked into the house, ignoring Harold. Once inside the meeting room, they found a seat in the corner.
Lady Wilson sat at the head of the table. She banged the table and declared, "The Wilson family has waited years for an opportunity like thisโan opportunity to reach the pinnacle of Aurouss Hill's social hierarchy. That opportunity is finally here!"
She continued, "Emgrand Group has announced a massive $2 billion project. Securing a contract would bring immense profit! This is Emgrand's first major project since the change in ownership. It's a golden opportunity! Working with Emgrand and impressing the new chairman will elevate our status significantly!"
The Wilson family's desire to collaborate with Emgrand was nothing new; however, Emgrand had consistently ignored their requests.
Frustrated by the silence, Lady Wilson's face flushed with anger. She yelled, "Are you all deaf? Doesn't anyone want a piece of that $2 billion pie?"
Nervous glances were exchanged, but no one spoke. Lady Wilson's anger escalated. She gritted her teeth and said, "Listen! Whoever secures a $30 million deal from Emgrand will be made director of our company!"
The announcement stunned everyone. Lady Wilson ruled with an iron fist and had never appointed a director before. The position held considerable power, typically reserved for a future heir. By offering it as an incentive, she clearly demonstrated her eagerness to secure a contract.
While the incentive was attractive, the task was daunting. Securing a $30 million deal with Emgrand was virtually impossible; even Lady Wilson herself would likely be ignored.
Silence descended upon the room.
Lady Wilson banged the table again. "Are you all Wilson descendants, or not? Can't any of you solve this problem for your family?"
She turned to Harold. "Harold, I'm giving this task to you!"
Harold chuckled bitterly. "Grandma, even the White family was dismissed by Emgrand. Our family is even less significant; how can we possibly secure a deal?"
Lady Wilson scolded him, "Nonsense! How dare you give up before even trying! You're more useless than that loser, Charlie Wade!"
Though Lady Wilson lacked confidence, she refused to remain at the bottom of the social ladder. She yearned for the Wilson family to ascend. She expected Harold, the eldest grandson, to accept, but he refused. He felt the task was impossible, fearing ridicule and failure.
Lady Wilson glared at the remaining family members. "What about the rest of you? Is no one willing to take on this challenge?"
Charlie nudged Claire and whispered, "Honey, take the assignment!"
Claire gasped. "Are you crazy? It's nearly impossible for Emgrand to collaborate with a small company like ours!"
Charlie smiled confidently. "Don't worry, you'll get the deal."
Claire's eyes widened. "Are you sure?"
Charlie nodded. "Absolutely! Your standing in the family will skyrocket!"
Claire, seemingly influenced by Charlie, stood and said to Lady Wilson, "Grandma, I'll give it a try"