Brian's Revenge: The rejected son-in-law

Chapter 8

Mrs. Claire Davis' words lingered in the air, and silence crept over the room as everyone digested the seriousness of the situation.

One of Mrs. Claire's oldest sons eventually broke the stillness, his voice tinted with apprehension.

"Mother, we've all heard about what happened to the Johnson family. They were partners with Elysian Enterprise but now they are in debt after the partnership was terminated. Are we convinced that pursuing the Elysian deal is the right move?"

The room collectively held their breath, waiting for Mrs. Claire's reaction. Her expression remained calm, disguising any trace of hesitation. "I understand your fears," she said softly, "but we cannot allow fear to determine our decisions."

Another family member, a relative renowned for his prudence, stood out cautiously. "But Mrs. Claire, do we have what it takes to compete with other established families and companies for this contract? It's a tremendously competitive market."

Mrs. Claire nodded, accepting the legitimate questions. "You highlight crucial concerns, and I appreciate your honesty. However, remember that we have always thrived when we came together as a family. Our togetherness is our strength. If we unite our abilities, resources, and dedication, we can stand on equal footing with any rival."

Julie, seated next Brian, was equally deep in concentration, her forehead wrinkled with anxiety. She knew nothing about her husband's money and position, and the weight of the family's choice weighed hard on her as well. Brian carefully held Julie's hand, giving her a comforting smile.

Brian came in closer to Julie, his eyes filled with resolve, and spoke to her in a whispered tone. "Julie, I know this is unexpected, but I believe in you. You have what it takes to represent the family and get the Elysian contract. I think you should give this a try."

Julie blinked in astonishment, not fully sure whether she had heard her husband right. She glanced at him with a combination of astonishment and hesitation.

"Brian, are you serious? This is a very important decision, and I've never been engaged in anything like this before."

Brian nodded, his belief strong. "I know it's a lot to ask, but believe me, Julie. We can do this together. With your grandmother's instruction and our combined efforts, we can develop a proposal that stands out."

Julie paused, staring around the room at the anxious expressions of her family members. She had never seen Brian appear so determined, so sure of himself. It was a side of him she hadn't seen before, and it interested and soothed her at the same time.

After a short back-and-forth exchange with Brian, Julie eventually nodded in agreement. She took a long breath and lifted her hand, her voice clear and calm as she stated, "I'll do it. I'll represent our family and write the proposal for the Elysian contract."

Mrs. Claire Davis grinned with delight, her eyes shining with joy as she surveyed her granddaughter. "Julie, my darling, you have shown amazing bravery today. I have trust in your ability, and I know that you will make us proud."

However, the room was far from unanimous in their reaction. Other family members glanced at Julie with a combination of disbelief and fear. Voices started to rise in displeasure, and questions were hurled at her from all directions.

"Have you lost your mind, Julie?"

"Do you even know what you're getting into?"

"Elysian Enterprise is not a corporation to be taken lightly. You'll regret this."

Julie's determination remained steadfast, though she couldn't help but feel a pang of doubt amidst the fear of her family. She looked to Brian for encouragement, finding strength in his constant trust in her.

Brian nodded at Julie, quietly giving his support and confidence. He recognized that this was a key time for the family and that Julie could finally prove to them that she was worth something.

As the room hummed with discussion and argument, Mrs. Claire Davis raised her hand once again, asking for order. She addressed the family sternly, "Julie has made her choice, and we will stand by her. It's time for us to gather together and prepare for the struggle ahead. The Elysian contract may seem tough, but with unity and focus, we can prevail."

Brian and Julie shared a determined gaze, ready to tackle the obstacles that lay ahead.

Mrs. Claire Davis, having observed Julie's devotion to represent the family in the pursuit of the Elysian contract, felt a feeling of pride and optimism for the future. She stood before the gathering family members once again, her voice strong and uncompromising.

"Julie, my dear granddaughter," Mrs. Claire started, her eyes locked on Julie with a combination of love and confidence, "if you are successful in securing the Elysian contract, there is a high chance that you will take over from me and become the CEO of the company."

Julie's eyes widened in astonishment and wonder at the weight of her grandmother's remarks. The office of CEO was a position of serious responsibility and power inside the family's corporate empire. She had never pictured herself in such a capacity, yet the notion thrilled her with a feeling of purpose.

Brian, seated alongside Julie, couldn't help but grin. He realized that this chance had the ability to impact not just the family's wealth but also Julie's future.

As the room filled with subtle tension and judgmental stares, a few family members couldn't suppress their suspicion any longer. They spoke between themselves, their tones low yet dripping with suspicion.

"I can't believe they're actually considering Julie for the CEO position."

"She's so inexperienced, it's almost laughable."

"Mrs. Claire must be getting sentimental in her old age to think Julie can handle this."

Julie could hear their comments, and it hurt her. She gazed at Brian, her eyes momentarily expressing her hurt, but she found comfort in his comforting presence.

Brian came closer to Julie, his voice a quiet, encouraging whisper. "Ignore them, love. You have what it takes, and I believe in you."

Julie nodded, getting courage from Brian's comments. She realized that proving herself would be a hard endeavor, but she was determined to rise above the talks of her family members.

Mrs. Claire, mindful of the undertone of hate, raised her voice once again. "Our family has always tackled problems together, and it is unity that has been our strength. Julie has taken this responsibility, and it is our job to support her totally."

However, the voices were still not hushed. One of Julie's cousins, Charles, who had long held hopes of managing the family company himself, piped out with a tone of suspicion. "Grandmother, I accept your choice, but isn't there someone more experienced and qualified for this role? We shouldn't allow emotions cloud our judgment."

Charles' statement remained in the air, a challenge to Mrs. Claire's choice.

Julie felt her grandmother's focus upon her, and she straightened her stance, prepared to meet the situation head-on. "I understand your fears, Charles, and I share your aspiration for our family's wealth. I will strive relentlessly to show that I am capable of leading our company to new heights."

Mrs. Claire Davis nodded approvingly at Julie's statement, but the group remained split, with some family members still openly exhibiting their disgust and others taking a wait-and-see attitude.

Julie nodded, her voice firm as she embraced the task put before her. "Grandmother, I will do my best to secure the contract and honor the trust you've placed in me."

Mrs. Claire Davis smiled, her trust in Julie unshakeable. "That's all I want, my darling. With your devotion and our family's support, I know we can do more."

Just after Mrs Claire was done talking, a staff rushed into the room with fear written all over his face.