If the young ones refused to work, then they deserved to go hungry. It would be better to cancel their living allowance. Only by losing the source of money they were so dependent on would they start looking for jobs and become self-reliant. By doing so, more capable youths would emerge as well. On the other hand, the benefits given to the elderly could stay. “Many useless people in the family rely on us to earn money and provide for them. I want to change this. I want to make this family business belong to us only, but I need your cooperation.“Carol, I’ve sacrificed a lot to become the matriarch and have dedicated decades of effort. Although my abilities are limited, and I couldn’t lead the family back to its prime, I want to centralize our power and benefits so the elders can’t overstep the matriarch’s authority.“We’ll also silence those who dare to oppose us. I’ve done so many evil deeds to achieve what I have today. I’d rather die than hand everything over to Tiara’s descend
She poked Caroline’s forehead with her finger and scolded, “What’s in your head? Why are you so stubborn and uncompromising?“Why do you care about the past? I, your mom, am the one managing the Fisher family now. It’s not your Aunt Tiara who died decades ago. The generations have changed.“Even in the past, there would be a bloodbath whenever a new king ascended the throne.Caroline remained silent.No matter what her mother said, she would never find her mother’s actions acceptable.More importantly, she wanted to withdraw from the battle for the position of matriarch. With her abilities, she felt she could build her own empire.It would also be legitimate; no one could criticize her behind her back. Belinda knew she had been wasting her breath since Caroline was quiet. Her daughter’s principles were set and her mind unchangeable.After taking a few deep breaths, Belinda gave up on persuading Caroline.“If you aren’t willing to do anything, then I’ll do it. If I die one d
“Darren, let’s leave Jensburg after everything ends, okay?“Let’s leave all the mess behind. We don’t have to go too far as long as it’s away from the city center.”Caroline remembered that her company was still in Jensburg but not the city center. She had spent years getting her company going. She had no thoughts of relocating it yet. Resettling the company in a new city and environment meant starting anew, which would hinder its development.Darren replied affectionately, “I’ll leave with you anytime you want. I’ve said that I belong to you in this lifetime.”Whether for personal or official reasons, his body and heart could only belong to Caroline. She raised her head to look at him. She saw his love for her in his eyes. Caroline suddenly found Darren pretty handsome. Although he could not compare to Hayden or the York brothers, he was above average in terms of looks.He was more than enough for her. “Darren, am I marrying into your family? Or will it be the other w
“Don’t sleep just yet. Place an ice pack on your face before you do. It is so red and swollen. I can do it for you while you’re asleep, but it’ll affect your rest.”Darren knew Caroline was embarrassed. He kissed her swollen face lightly and said, “I’m yours forever. Why are you embarrassed by just a kiss?”“Who said I was? I’m thick-skinned. I’m not embarrassed at all. Besides, you said that you’re mine. So what if I kissed you? Even if I decide to have sex with you, you can’t say no.”Caroline refused to admit that she was embarrassed.Darren held the ice pack to her face. He smiled at what she said. “You’re welcome to have sex with me anytime you want. However, it’s best if you can inform me ahead of time so I can bathe and be squeaky clean for you.”Caroline was speechless.“You should’ve tried to dodge Madam Fisher’s blows a little. Both cheeks are swollen.”After a short silence, Caroline said, “I betrayed her first. She has the right to get angry. Even if I think I’ve d
All because she wanted to shorten her business trip. Hence, Isabella worked overtime every day and only returned to the hotel at midnight. She would also go to work at her usual time the next day.Being sleep-deprived, she struggled to stay focused and relied on several cups of coffee to keep herself going.Isabella got up and went to the window. She observed the world outside. The weather was cold. The people walking on the streets seemed to be in a hurry, and there were not many people outside. Austin had mentioned that the streets in Wiltspoon were always crowded regardless of the time of the day. The city was only quiet and less crowded between Christmas and New Year’s Day due to folks from out of town returning homes.Once the week was over, Wiltspoon would be back bustling as city dwellers made their way back.Luckily, Isabella had Austin preparing her three meals every day. No matter how busy she was, she would always be able to eat something when mealtimes came arou
“I’ve been busy,” Isabella replied. “I know you have, but can’t you take time to call us at night?“Our family misses you a lot, especially Louis. He’s been asking every day when you’ll be back.”Actually, Louis simply missed Austin’s cooking.It was devastating to him that Isabella took Austin on her business trip. Austin gave off a friendly vibe, and the food he made tasted great. The two young masters of the O’Connors adored him. Of course, they could not tell Isabella such things, so they said they missed her instead. However, how could Isabella not know her brothers’ personalities? She smiled and said, “I guess they probably miss Austin’s dishes more, but they won’t go hungry even if he isn’t there.”Austin was not the only chef working for the O’Connors. Strictly speaking, he was Isabella’s personal chef. Her family could only have a taste of his cooking thanks to her. While other chefs were not as talented as Austin, they were definitely on par with chefs wor
Isabella knew she and Tati’s parents did not want them to move after marrying. The family business was mainly managed by her and Tati. Their younger sisters were less capable and still young. They were not able to take over the family business yet. Therefore, unless Isabella and Tati’s younger brothers could take over the reins when they become teenagers, she and Tati would have to continue dedicating their lives to the family. They had no choice because the O’Connor family had more daughters than sons. Isabella had spent much time and suffered a lot back then to find her footing in the business world and succeed. Tati smiled. “I also said that I have no feelings for Austin, Isa.“Let’s not talk about this anymore. Although we’ve investigated Austin’s background, we still don’t know much about him. Let’s not overthink. Have you been eating your three meals regularly?”Isabella replied, “Yes. My stomach feels much better after having someone feed me unfailingly.“Don’t wo
Isabella said, “If he refuses to give up, then tell him he can work with the O’Connors, but only on the condition that the legitimate head of the family is present for the negotiations. Mr. Longbottom is just a stand-in. Before the true head returns, he doesn’t have the authority to make decisions.”Tati burst out laughing. “I think he’ll explode from anger when he hears those words, Isa. Everyone knows that he wants to be the official head of the family. Unfortunately, he doesn’t have the totem, seal, or token.“No matter how many people he bribes, he’ll never become the true, legitimate head of family.”As for the Longbottom family members who wished to flatter Mr. Longbottom would acknowledge him as the head, while those who were righteous would disapprove of his position. The previous head of family and his family had been killed a few years ago. The identity of the culprit was a no-brainer. “Mr. Longbottom has done much over the years to look for the totem, seal, and toke