“Lawton! You and better come to dinner tonight, or I will disown Amanda finally and forever. If she thinks firing her from the family company is the worst I can do, she doesn't know me yet.”
“Inform my daughter, since she isn't responding to my calls, that I want the two of you at dinner tonight, I must announce the new changes that have occured in the family company to all of the family. And she is still part of it. For now, at least.”
The call went off. It had been Lawton's mother in law and she had just left an imperial command. She had organized a dinner and Lawton guessed it was to cut them off completely in front of the entire family.
Changes in the family company indeed.
It was already the next day and Amanda was nervous, she had left the hospital after a brief visit to prepare for her pitch to Roxanne because Roxanne's manager had agreed to the meeting.
Lawton wished he could tell her not to worry so much, that it was already set, but he wanted her to just go on her own. Afterall, her success deserved to be her own and he wanted to remain behind the curtains.
Tessa had woken up and Lawton was sitting in front of her after receiving the call.
“Who was that?” Tessa asked. “I could hear them screaming from the phone.”
Lawton took the drink she had just drank and dropped it on the cupboard. “It's Madame
Williams. She has ordered us to come to dinner at the family mansion.”
Tessa sighed. “That woman is not even half as powerful as you. She thinks to order you around like she wants. It pains me so much, Young—”
Lawton frowned, very displeased. “Don't call me that. That life is far in the past and you promised to forget it the day you left with me.”
Tessa nodded with a sigh. “And I don't regret it. Being your mother is a blessing.”
She gave Lawton a smile and he was so glad that she was feeling more like herself. Tessa was the only one in his life who knew who he really was. But he had not yet told her that he was returning home as a secret heir.
He would have to tell her that his father was dying and someone was after them. No, she was too fragile at the moment and wouldn't be able to handle it.
“So, will you go?” Tessa queried.
“Yes, I will go first and then Amanda will meet me there after her meeting.” Lawton had a little inkling of why Madame Williams was summoning them.
His guess was that he wanted to make his wife's dismissal loud. But she will be so shocked when Amanda comes back, Lawton reasoned with a secret smile.
Lawton finished taking care of Tessa for the day and then took a bath and prepared. He took the bus to the upper part of town and then trekked the rest of the way into the lavish estate of the Williams family.
He could see the gleaming cars the rest of the Williams children had parked on the grounds.
Latest models, all in flashy colors that suited each of their personalities.
He passed by the front door security guard as the guy who was about his age gave him an up and down scan, obvious disregard for Lawton in his eyes.
Lawton didn't say a word, simply passed him and made his way through the large, cool lobby, to the main sitting room. It was empty and he could hear voices coming from the opposite dining room.
Immediately he stepped through the doors, there was silence as everyone noticed him and then a derisive wave of scorn and mockery passed through the table.
All the Williams were there, except for his wife and their sickly father. Their mother sat at the head of the table. The two sons and their wives sat together and then Alora and her husband.
Lawton sat on the seat at the other end, away from them.
“Where is Amanda?” Madame Williams snapped. “She couldn't even get here on time?”
Lawton fixed her his steady gaze. “She went to speak to Roxanne about becoming the company's model.”
Everyone burst into laughter so loud Lawton's ears hurt.
“Why does she even bother?” Alora scoffed.
“We all know Roxanne won't meet with any of us. She doesn't consider us her level or her type of circle. She wouldn't even take our calls!” Raymond said.
“Well, maybe she's gotten more determined to escape poverty since she's stuck now with her riffraff of a husband.” Alora cackled and they all laughed some more.
Lawton didn't pay them any mind. He simply drew the plate in front of him closer and piled his plate with food as he started to eat.
“You eat like a starved man, Lawton. Anyways, you people probably don't have any food in your house, do you? I bet you've been hungry all your life,” Madame Williams said, wrinkling her nose in distaste at Lawton.
All of a sudden, Amanda walked in with a bright smile on her face. She walked to her mother's side and dropped the documents triumphantly, with a loud plop on the table in front of everyone.
“I secured the deal!” She pumped the air with her fist and Lawton had to hold back from laughing.
“What?” Raymond snorted.
“That's not possible,” Alora snatched up the document.
Charles stood up and rushed to peer down at the documents alongside his sister's head.
Timothy just brought out his phone to check online.
Immediately, Lady Clarissa rushed into the dinning room. “Madame Williams, Madame Williams,
Roxanne Duke just made a post saying she has signed a contract with your family company?!
Oh my Goodness, is that true?!!!”
Hearing this Madame Williams stood surprised at what she had just heard with a smile on her face. She couldn't believe Amanda would be able to secure a deal and not just any random deal, A deal with Roxanne Duke. She stretches her hands towards Amanda and gives her a very big hug. “I am so proud of you, indeed you are incredible. I don't believe this” Madame Williams acknowledged her effort. Lawton was so excited seeing Amanda and her Mother actually smiling at each other after a very long time. He noticed how happy Amanda was as well, and he wondered “If I had not done something about this deal, my wife would have been disgraced and insulted.” he thought with food still in his mouth.Madame Williams held Amanda's hand, informing Amanda and everyone, “ Amanda you have made me so happy today, In fact, I want you to manage this project personally.” Amanda burst into laughter, she couldn't contain her Joy, she turned and signaled Lawton.Lawton walked up to her, “Congratulations my Lo
Stunned by what they had just heard, Amanda and Lawton looked at Madame Williams. Her mother was giving her brother the project after Amanda had worked so hard to close this agreement. The visitors started talking about this sudden shift with a murmur. Hurt and bewildered, Amanda turned to face Lawton. "Just what is happening? What would make her do this?" Raymond moved in before Lawton could answer. "Mother, I spoke with Charles, and I know this change seems abrupt. The Williams family name has always stood for honesty and integrity. We might lose our image if word gets out that Amanda got this meeting via... less than honest means." Talking, he glanced slyly at Lawton. Lawton's eyebrows furrowed as he understood that Raymond was suggesting he was involved. He wasn't entirely off. Still, for the time being, Lawton bit his tongue. To her mother, Amanda turned. "But this is what I worked so hard for. You assured me I could oversee the project." Madame Williams flinched. "I apologize,
Lawton felt sick to his stomach as he woke up. Though he knew that this day would come eventually, he had been dreading its coming. Amanda was in their small kitchen preparing an early breakfast. The refreshing smell of toast mixed with the aroma of fresh coffee. He stepped closer to her, forcing a smile. Trying to sound casual, he said, "Tessa's medical expenses have gotten quite steep, I'm hoping to negotiate a better payment plan this morning before the collectors come calling again." It pained him to use their fragile financial situation as an excuse, but it was a believable enough story to get Amanda to worry less.Amanda turned to him with a concerned look. "Oh Lawton, I wish we didn't have to struggle like this constantly." She placed the spatula on the counter and walked towards him, embracing him tightly. "I'll accompany you. Perhaps they will be more reasonable if we approach them as a couple."Lawton shook his head. "No need, I can handle this. You just focus on getting Rox
After Lawton's discussion with Smithson, he exited the room abruptly. As Lawton walked down the stairs of the grand luxurious house, he couldn't help but replay the conversation he just had with Smithson,“I need to get information on Raymond as soon as possible," he muttered.He reached the bottom stairs of the spacious mansion with high ceilings, exquisite artwork, and sculptures, he was evidently tired and was about to open the door to his room when he heard a voice,"Do you need anything, sir?" The voice inquired, Instantly he turned back to have a look at who it was.“No" he responded after discovering it was one of the workers in the mansion, then proceeded to shut the door."What a day!" he muttered and involuntarily opened his mouth to inhale air due to tiredness.Laying down on the bed, he couldn’t help thinking of what a long day he had just had and a stray thought of Amanda and his father crossed his mind thereafter. He shut his eyes, bothered about the long day the next da
Lawton was taken again by unexpected news of his father's accident, it was the last piece of news he had anticipated at the moment. At first, he assumed his ears were deceiving him and later he assumed it was a silly prank, "is this some kind of joke?" He inquired from Smithson, "I wish it was" Smithson grumbled taking his eyes off Lawton. His eyes widened in shock as he looked at Smisthon, trying to process the bad news he had just heard. He opened his mouth to speak but words failed him, his heart had begin to race while his cupped hand was on his lips. "I understand that the news of your father's accident must be a lot to take in, but you have responsibilities to worry about right now," Smithson muttered, as he broke the ongoing silence. Lawton looked lost unsure of what Smithson really meant. Smithson cleared his throat as an obstrution had suddenly grew in it. "Responsibilities?" He mumbled, as he looked at Smisthon who immediately continued to talk. "The company needs yo
The next day, Lawton stood outside the towering corporate headquarters of the company. The massive glass structure loomed over him, reflecting the bustling streets below, its sharp edges cutting into the skyline. For a moment, he lingered at the entrance, his mind running through the details that Smithson, the family butler, had shared with him the night before. His father was in a coma, and the company’s future now rested on his shoulders—a responsibility he hadn't prepared for. Taking a deep breath, he straightened his posture and stepped inside the building, his footsteps echoing across the marble floors of the grand lobby. Everything around him screamed of corporate success—the polished floors, the sleek furniture, the hurried pace of well-dressed employees moving about their daily tasks. Yet, Lawton felt an odd sense of distance. He had never been part of this world, but now, whether he liked it or not, it was his. His eyes landed on the reception desk, a long, curved station
As soon as they left the lobby downstairs, Smithson chatted idly with Lawton, while leading him to the boardroom. Their footsteps echoed in the grand hallways as they made their way to the conference room where the executives were waiting. Lawton knew what to expect—resistance, opposition, doubt. But he had already prepared for it. As soon as he stepped into the room, the tension was palpable. The executives, seated in a semicircle around the long, polished table, immediately turned their eyes to him. The atmosphere was cold, judgmental. These were men who had been loyal to his father for years, and they had little faith in Lawton's ability to lead. "So, you're the one taking over," one of them sneered, a man named Harris, the CFO. His grey hair matched the look of disdain on his face. "This isn’t a game, young man. Running a company like this isn’t something you inherit because your father’s in a coma." Lawton remained calm, taking his seat at the head of the table. He’d been expe
The Next Day. Lawton walked into their small apartment, his mind weighed down by the chaos of the day. After spending time at his father’s company, the contrast between this modest space and the opulent mansion he had just left was hard to ignore. The small, dimly lit rooms felt like a far cry from the grandeur he was used to. It wasn’t just the size or appearance—it was a reminder of everything that had happened in the past 24 hours. Lawton’s thoughts raced as he replayed the series of humiliating moments at the company. His father’s workers had treated him as though he were still a child, someone unworthy of the authority he should have rightfully inherited. His father, still in a coma, left him to face these challenges alone. Until his father woke, everything remained in limbo—just as it had been for days. Smithson had hinted at some deeper family secrets, but Lawton couldn’t bring himself to pry. His father’s absence weighed heavily on him, and the frustration of it all gnawed a