Vargley [2]

Inside the Wellington Villa.

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Jakob and his mother, Felicia were currently visiting the Wellingtons. The whole family, including them were gathered in a long table, all of them occupying the chairs surrounding it.

Old Madame Isabel Wellington, the grandmother of Riya had a happy smile on her face throughout the visit, including Verna and Riya who were sitting beside Jakob, with Riya clinging to his arm.

The rest of Riya’s family—her uncle, aunts, and cousins—maintained neutral expressions. Mostly the cousins were trying to prevent their jealousy from showing.

One cousin, Lyra Wellington, her blonde hair framing her face and hazel eyes glinting, finally spoke up, “Isn’t it wonderful that, thanks to the death of that pauper you married, you’re now able to marry Mr. Winchester? You must feel incredibly ‘lucky,’ cousin Riya.”

There was sarcasm in her voice, and Riya’s smile faltered at the jab.

Jakob’s expression darkened immediately. For some reason, any mention of Lucian always triggered something in him, a hatred that was hard to conceal.

Clearing his throat, he replied coldly, “Bringing up that pauper at such an occasion only gives his memory more importance than it deserves. I suggest we leave him in the past where he belongs.”

Verna noticed the shift in his tone and quickly tried to smooth things over.

She forced an awkward laugh and quickly chimed in, “Yes! Yes, you're absolutely right, son-in-law! How could you even mention that dead bastard in such a joyful occasion, Lyra?! Show some respect! My son-in-law here is the future of our family, and his love for Riya is what’s lifting us all up, so you should know better!”

Lyra’s mother, Narda Wellington, swallowed her words, clearly uncomfortable.

She knew better than to cause a scene in front of the Winchesters, especially with their family’s financial future hanging in the balance.

The Wellingtons needed the Winchesters’ investment and collaboration to revive their struggling company. Causing trouble now could ruin everything they were trying to achieve.

Isabel Wellington smiled warmly and said, “I am truly grateful for this, Mrs. Winchester and Mr. Jakob. It brings me such joy to know you’ve found love with my granddaughter. I’m excited that our families will soon be united as one.”

Felicia forced a smile and nodded. “Yes, of course. I'm sure my son’s… love for your granddaughter certainly surpasses everything.”

Riya, chuckling softly, added with a bright expression, “Oh, absolutely. And Grandma, you won’t believe this—after the wedding, my soon-to-be husband will be representing the Winchesters in securing a major cooperation deal with none other than the Vegas Group. The Vegas Group, can you imagine?”

Her eyes sparkled with pride as she glanced around the table, clearly enjoying the attention.

Jakob took a sip of water, his expression smug, knowing Riya would bring up this topic sooner or later.

Madame Isabel’s eyes widened in surprise. “Are you referring to the Metropolis Project?”

Jakob, sitting taller, nodded confidently. “Indeed. The Vegas Group is planning a revolutionary urban development—a Metropolis in Metro City. The Winchester Group and Maple Real Estate Corporation are considered the leading developers in the city. I have no doubt I’ll close the deal with Vegas Group without breaking a sweat.”

“Wow,” commented Tom Wellington, Riya’s uncle, clearly intrigued.

Riya, not missing the opportunity, added proudly, “When the project goes through, my husband-to-be’s family business will earn billions in profit.”

Lyra, sitting quietly, scoffed under her breath as she shoved more food into her mouth, struggling to hide her disdain.

Jakob smirked, his shoulders squared with arrogance. “It’s no big deal. A piece of cake to me. I’m the best at what I do, and my father knows it. That’s why he trusts me to represent him in every major deal. Once I marry Riya, I guarantee I’ll take this family to new heights. Our companies will flourish because of this union.”

Felicia nodded in agreement, adding, “Yes, once we’re family, what belongs to the Winchesters will belong to the Wellingtons. We place great value on family bonds.”

She smiled tightly, nodding to emphasize her words.

The Wellingtons were happy with the news, especially Madame Isabel, who beamed with excitement. “Well, we should ensure this marriage becomes the event of the century,” she said, already envisioning a grand celebration.

“Oh, no,” Felicia quickly interjected. “That’s not necessary. I understand we have the means, but it doesn’t need to be extravagant.”

Felicia didn't want to waste her money on a marriage that won't last.

After the Winchesters had left, the Wellingtons remained gathered around the table.

Madame Isabel looked at Verna, and said, “Since my son—your husband—died in that tragic accident…” She paused for a moment, reminiscing with a sigh. “This is the most sensible thing you and your daughter have done for the family in forever.”

Verna was trying her best not to frown.

Her mother-in-law had always been a greedy, self-serving woman, quick to disown them over petty issues, not only because of Riya’s marriage to Lucian.

There were deeper, older wounds that had left them marginalized in the family.

“Well, it was your husband, my father-in-law, who wanted the marriage between Riya and Lucian,” Verna reminded her, trying to keep her voice firm. “We were just honoring his wishes.”

Madame Isabel shoved Verna’s explanation aside. She was very happy by the recent developments.

“Well, through this marriage, we are ensuring a strong foundation for our family. Our business will not only thrive but rise to new heights. We won’t have to worry about financial stability anymore. Once this contract between our families is signed, I’ll reinstate Riya into the family business. In fact, I’ll even hand over the boutique to her.”

Riya’s face lit up with joy. Wellington Glams, one of the subsidiaries of Wellington Enterprises, had once been under her management before she was ousted.

Now, the boutique was being run by her cousin, Lyra.

Lyra, however, was stunned beyond belief.

“Grandma!” she exclaimed, her voice rising with disbelief. “Wellington Glams belongs to me!”

Madame Isabel shot her a stern, strict look. “It was Riya’s before, wasn’t it? Now, it’s being returned to its rightful owner. What’s wrong with that?!”

Lyra was pissed.

“You can’t do this to me, Grandma! You can’t just take it away from me! It’s mine!” Her voice cracked as she struggled to hold back tears.

Verna couldn’t resist a smirk as she responded, “Well, it’s not yours anymore, Lyra! As your grandmother said, it’s going back to its rightful owner. You’ll just have to deal with it.”

Narda Wellington, Lyra’s mother, bristled with anger. “Verna, watch your mouth when speaking to my daughter! For the past two years, she’s worked tirelessly to keep that boutique running smoothly. Mom, surely you can reconsider—”

“Enough, Narda!” Madame Isabel cut her off sharply. “If Lyra wants to advance in this family, she should focus on marrying a wealthy husband. That’s how we will rise. Find her a suitable match, and she will be rewarded.”

Riya, still smiling triumphantly, chimed in, “Exactly, like my fiancé—a rich and capable man. In fact, I’ll be accompanying him to secure the deal with the Vegas Group. I asked him, and he agreed. It will be my first time meeting a high executive like Danis Blaze, the general manager of Vegas.”

Tom Wellington, Riya’s uncle, raised an eyebrow in amusement.

He couldn’t help but wish he were the one going to meet Danis Blaze.

He cleared his throat and said, “What do you know about business, dear niece? Perhaps instead of you, either I or your cousin Charlie could…”

Everyone turned their gaze to Charlie, who had been sitting silently the entire time.

It was out of character for him.

Hearing his name, he glanced up at his father.