BRAIDED BROOD

Chapter 8

The night drew nigh. Secretary York stood in the Chairman's study, using his tablet to display the grim reality of Emily's daily life.

“She’s working part-time at a convenience store, a local café, a restaurant, a movie theater, as a dog-walker, and at an amusement park,” York reported, his voice entirely flat. “She currently has more than ten part-time jobs.”

The Chairman let out a slow, heavy breath, genuinely stunned. He leaned back in his leather chair. Settled, he asked. “Is she her family’s sole breadwinner?”

“Not exactly,” York answered.

“But she has to fend for herself. Her biological mother passed away when she was young, and her father got remarried. She’s currently living with her stepmother and stepsister, who’s the same age as her. Her father is a truck driver, but he often works in the countryside, so he only comes home every few months. Her family isn’t exactly well off; they can only afford to send one of their daughters to college. Therefore, it seems that Miss Emily is doing her best to earn her own tuition.”

“No wonder she seems so mature for her age.” The Chairman interrupted. “Honestly, York... a girl like that is exactly what this family needs. I’d rather have her managing my reckless grandsons, rather than those who’d spoil them.”

----

In the cramped breakroom of the convenience store, Emily sat under the buzzing fluorescent lights, staring at a crumpled piece of paper.

Jupiter Bank - Account Summary

Tuition Required: $2,679

Current Balance: $2,670

Remaining Funds: $4

She checked the University Enrollment Deadline on her phone. She was short by a few dollars, and time had officially run out.

Emily let out a shaky sigh, forcing her lips to smile. “It's fine. I’ll just go to college next year. I’m sure I’ll earn more money in no time. If I work hard for a year. No. I’ll have to earn more than that. That way, Mom can rest in peace.”

She crumpled the slip and tossed it into the trash, but the brave face didn't last. Her mood changed instantly.

“Why isn’t Dad responding?” she groaned, picking up the phone that was on her desk. She punched in her password.

Access Denied.

Emily flipped the phone over. The screen was identical, the weight was the same, but the small, faded keychain she had carried for three years was missing. A cold spike of adrenaline shot straight through her chest. In a panic, she knew it wasn’t her phone.

"Oh, no. No, no, no." She stared at the luxury device in horror. "Did I grab the wrong phone at the hotel? No way!”

While she was still thinking, a pair of headlights cut through the darkness outside, illuminating the convenience store windows. A black luxury sedan pulled up to the curb. The door opened, and Secretary York stepped out, looking immaculate in his tailored suit. He walked inside, the bell above the door chiming softly as he stopped right in front of her counter.

“There’s someone who’d like to see you, Miss Emily,” York said, his tone perfectly polite.

Surprised by his presence, she asked. “What? Who are you, and who wants to see me?

“I’m Secretary York. The Chairman of Jupiter’s group, who got married two days ago, wants to see you.”

“And who is Chairman Kyle?” She questioned him.

York offered a thin, sharp smile. “The one you embarrassed with his first grandson, Huxley.”

At that moment, Emily trembled with fear. The words hit her like a physical blow. A suffocating wave of dread wrapped around her throat, so intense she genuinely wished the floor would c***k open and swallow her alive. She didn't ask another question. Moving like a ghost, she walked out of the store and slid into the back of the luxury sedan. As the heavy door shut with a quiet, expensive thud, Emily could only stare out the window. Her mind raced through the massive fines, lawsuits, and consequences awaiting her.

On getting to the Chairman’s office, Emily bowed her head while greeting him. “Good morning, sir.”

The chairman gave a dry joke. “You have something on your clothes.”

“What?” Emily quickly bent over to check her outfit.

“What a nice bow. I must say, it's quite nice to be greeted with a bow twice.” The chairman smiled.

Realizing it was a joke, Emily let out a deep breath, her racing heart finally settling. “Sir! You have a great sense of humor.”

“That’s a compliment, right?” He asked.

In a low tone, she lowered her head again to apologize. “I’m sorry about what happened that day. I was really worried that I ruined your wedding.”

“There’s no need to worry about that.” The chairman adjusted his tie and took his seat behind the desk.

Emily paused for a while, then continued. “But… why did you want to see me?”

“I’m sorry, but I did a bit of a background check on you.” He responded. “It’s the first time I've met someone of your age with similar tastes in books as me.”

Emily chuckled. “My mom told me that adhering to leopards' teaching would get me through life without hardship.”

“How amusing. Would you be willing to lend me some of that wisdom, then?” The Chairman asked.

"Excuse me?" Emily blinked, entirely confused. Before she could ask anything else, York stepped forward to take over.

“Let me explain everything to you first.” He took the remote and turned on the TV. It displayed the architectural designs of Jupiter Mansion and the grandsons.

“Jupiter House’s architectural design is based on nature,” York began. “In terms of modern architecture, it’s one of the top 100 in the entire world. It’s also incredibly secure, and no outsider can get in.”

“That’s amazing. So, who lives there?” Emily asked, looking at the screen.

“Chairman Kyle’s grandsons,” York answered. “The Chairman’s eldest son, Kyle Huxley, is a man who seeks to share the incredible amount of love he received with many, many people…”

“In other words, he’s a total player,” the Chairman snapped.

“The Chairman’s second eldest grandson,” York continued. “Kyle Jeffery is someone who challenges boundaries and cannot be tamed by anyone…”

“In other words, he’s a total thud.” The Chairman interrupted again.

Lastly, Skyler's video popped up. “This is the Chairman's youngest grandson, Kyle Skyler. He has the quality of a singer-songwriter star and is unrivaled in…”

“In other words, he’s good for nothing.” The Chairman scoffed.

York proceeded. "These three cousins began living together in Jupiter House last year."

“And because of these punks, I would like to make a proposal to you.” The Chairman said, leaning forward. “Make my grandsons become decent human beings.”

“What do you mean by that?” Emily asked furiously, her eyes widening. “Do you want me to give them etiquette lessons, or something?”

“It could end up being something like that, yes,” York replied.

“Seriously?” Emily sniffed. “I thought rich boys weren’t given etiquette lessons on purpose, in case they grow up to be too good and donate all their wealth. I thought they were raised to have bad personalities and only focus on money.”

The Chairman gave a soft smile. “Really? Then, will you stay at the house and reform my grandsons, who have absolutely no manners for me? I’ve come up with a program to reform them. All you have to do is carry out the mission that I will give to you for three months.”

Emily chuckles. “How could I possibly do that?”

“You can definitely do that,” The Chairman insisted. “If you’ll do that for me, I’ll pay your college tuition and even send you to study abroad. I’ll give you anything you ask.”

Emily froze, staring at him intently. Her jaw practically dropped. “You mean… college?”

“What I’m saying is that I can change your life, Miss Emily.” The Chairman added.

Emily took a shaky breath. “You really had me for a second, but I definitely don’t have the right to take on this type of job. I’m sorry.” She apologizes.

The Chairman wasn't ready to give up. “The Art of War, Chapter 1, Section 5! ‘Loot a Burning House.’ In other words, make sure to take ample advantage of every opportunity. Don’t you think this is the opportunity?”

Emily countered. “Chapter 3, Section 14! ‘Borrowing a Corpse to Resurrect the Soul.’ One should avoid opportunities that look hopeless. And honestly, this does seem kind of hopeless.”

“Chapter 3, Section 18! ‘Defeat the Enemy by Capturing their Chief.’ You don’t know the outcome of a battle until it’s over. You’ll have to see for yourself if this is a hopeless venture or the opportunity of a lifetime, won’t you?” He challenged her.

Emily bounced back again. “Chapter 6, Section 36! ‘If All Fails, Retreat.’ I think that’s the best teaching that fits my current situation.” She bowed and took her leave.

Settled, York asked the Chairman. “Do you really need to go to such lengths for her? For someone like you, changing a person’s life takes almost no effort whatsoever.”

The Chairman just let out a heavy sigh of disappointment.