Chapter 3 I'll Be the CEO
1470 Words
Belinda and Edwin went back to Malus Manor, the residence of the Purcell family in Pittsburgh.
In front of the antique courtyard, the Rolls-Royce was parked firmly in the middle of the red carpet. Dean, the second kid of the Purcell family, personally greeted Belinda and opened the door for her.
"Welcome back, my princess!"
Belinda's beautiful face was extremely stunning under the lights' illumination. She had already taken off her sneakers and put on high heels in the car, and she behaved so nobly and arrogantly as if she were a queen.
"Dean, are you all well?"
"We have been doing fine, and we've never been better when seeing you. Did you like the fireworks? My birthday gift got the whole town's attention. It has become a trending topic!" Dean's handsome face was full of spirit.
"Yes, I saw that. People online are all saying that someone rich is going all out to woo some woman, and they are addressing you as a nouveau riche. Congratulations, Dean. This is another achievement of yours, right?" Belinda clapped her hands with a bright smile.
Dean ignored her teasing and sniffled, excitedly pulling her into his arms.
"Belinda, you won't leave again, right?"
"No. He dumped me. Why would I leave again?"
Belinda patted Dean's back, looking like she had already let go. "Alas, I've let everyone down. Against everyone, I sacrificed everything I had for him for three years, and in the end, I still couldn't get him to change his mind. I was a total failure."
Only she knew how bitter and desperate she felt right now. She had the urge to shed tears several times, yet she tried her best and endured it.
She swore that once she left the Seymour family, she would never shed a single tear for Ableson, because it was not worth it.
"That Bastard! How dare he make you sad? I'll start digging into the Seymour Group tomorrow. And why don't we ask Morris to kill him someday? What do you think?"
Hearing that, Edwin lowered his eyebrows and said, "Gosh."
"Dean, stop messing around. You are the State Attorney. You are a public officer."
Belinda smiled bitterly, "Be like Edwin. Grow up and stop being so impulsive, OK? The world is still a peaceful place."
"Bullshit! Edwin has experienced a lot, and that's why he is so mature now."
Dean tugged angrily at his tie. "Anyway, this isn't over. They can bully me, but once they do you unfairly, I'll target the Seymour Group forever."
Belinda held Edwin with her left hand and Dean with her right, and they walked into the Purcell's place where she hadn't returned for a long time.
Meanwhile, when Robert Purcell, Belinda's father, the CEO of KS Group, heard that she had come back, he was overjoyed. His dignified and serious face was beaming, and he walked excitedly up and down the study.
"Dad, I'm back!"
Belinda walked into the study with Dean and Edwin. Unlike the time when she was in the Seymour's home, she wasn't gentle now at all. She sprawled across the sofa and kicked her high heels away.
Edwin also sat down and naturally placed Belinda's delicate and fair feet on his knees, giving her a foot massage.
"Behave like a noble lady, OK? Where have you been working? Have you been working with bandits?"
Robert deliberately put on a stern face. He missed Belinda so much when he didn't get to see her, yet when he did, he wanted to kick her out.
"You're not showing signs of Alzheimer's, are you? I used to behave like this. Is this your first day as my dad?"
Belinda raised her eyelids and saw the wall. She couldn't help but tremble slightly.
She saw the family photo on the wall which was taken more than ten years ago.
It was a photo of Robert's last wedding.
Belinda took the photo when Robert got married for the third time.
Robert married four times, making the Purcell family the talk of the nation.
Belinda was dissatisfied with such a family environment.
Therefore, she left home and went abroad years ago.
She became one of the Doctors Without Borders to save lives.
"After spending three years outside, you cursed me the second you came back. You are so considerate, my daughter! Good for you!" Robert was furious.
"Thank you for praising me, Daddy," Belinda smiled sweetly.
"Dad, Belinda is back now. Something needs to be on the agenda."
Edwin put on Belinda's shoes for her and said with a serious expression, "I have decided to step down and let Belinda be the CEO of KS Group."
Belinda's pupils contracted as she stared at Edwin's handsome side profile. He looked resolute and decisive.
"You..." Robert was so angry that he was at a loss for words.
"I only promise to take charge of the company for you for three years. Now that the three-year period is up, I'm leaving. You know that it's not what I want. I want to be a missionary." At this moment, Edwin's whole body was radiant with sanctity, and his manner was defiant.
"If you don't want to do it, then let Dean do it!" Robert had no choice but to compromise.
"No! No... I'm a public official. I can't afford to have anything to do with big money. If I did, I'd be suspended!" Dean was caught off guard, and his face turned pale.
Robert was so depressed and thought, what's the use of having so many sons? No matter how high and mighty they are outside, in front of me, they are so timid! How am I supposed to count on them?
My health has been deteriorating, and I have long contemplated taking a back seat, but no one in the family can inherit my business empire.
I'm not looking down on Belinda. It's just that I stubbornly believe that the heir should be one of my sons.
"Who says women are inferior to men? I'll be the CEO!" Belinda's rosy lips curved up as she proudly raised her chin.
"Just like that? Do you think KS Group is a game? You are just a young woman. How can you convince others? Do you know anything about business?"
There was obvious anger and sadness on Robert's aged face. "Besides, you are immature and unpredictable. You ran to Indonesia for three years without a word.
"Do you have any idea how worried I am about you? All of your family have been worried so much! I thought you were blown to pieces by some bomb at the border!"
Belinda felt heartache, and her eyes turned red.
She thought, dad owes Mom so much, and for that, I always hold a grudge against him. However, it's also true that I married Ableson behind Dad's back for three years. And for that, I owe him.
"Dad, Belinda knows as much as I do."
Edwin picked up the teacup and took a sip gracefully. "Do you remember the financial crisis we experienced in the Purcell Group four years ago? Those several effective control measures were all proposed by Belinda.
"Also, do you still remember the acquisition plan of the Philemon Group two years ago? Belinda pulled a few all-nighters to make it."
Robert was surprised when he heard Edwin's words.
"Dad, in fact, you should give Belinda more credit. She is the calmest, most resourceful person in our family.
"You have always been known for being wise at discovering and deploying talents. Now that someone talented is standing right in front of you. So, why would you turn her away?" Dean persuaded.
Robert pondered for a moment and then said in a dignified tone, "Alright then. Belinda, since you want to take charge, I might as well test you to see if you have what it takes. Consider it your birthday gift from me."
Belinda sat upright, her eyes bright as stars.
"Rest for a few days and then head to Harrisburg next week to report to KS World Hotel. If you can give that hotel a new look and turn it around in six months, I will consider making you KS Group's CEO."
...
After coming out of the study, both Dean and Edwin put their hands on Belinda's shoulders at the same time.
"You are now shouldering great responsibility," Edwin said.
"What a mess you are facing," Dean sighed.
"I know that Dad is trying to freak me out and make me retreat. Well, that won't work. I'm a spring by nature. The more pressure I get, the better I get." Belinda clenched her fingers, and her ambition, which had lain dormant for three years, was stirring.
Dean and Edwin smiled at each other.
"Good for you, Belinda. Our lifelong freedom is counting on you."
- Writer
