Chapter 56
962 Words
Everyone in the audience held their breath and eagerly awaited the appearance of the legendary five-star general.
"This is the first time I'll see a real general, let alone a five-star general."
"I'm so excited. We must get a photo with him!"
Samuel also strained himself to see over the crowd, holding a cane in his hand. He was eager to catch a glimpse of this legendary figure. A five-star general represented the pinnacle of military honor in Novaria.
"Grandpa, do you think the five-star general will like me? I heard he's only in his twenties." Sophia forgot all about her boyfriend Mark and dreamed of catching the eye of the unseen general. If she could, she might become the most envied woman in all of Novaria.
"Yes, at just twenty-something, he's already a five-star general. He's the greatest in Novaria. The Harrison family would gladly serve such a man," Samuel said, tears glistening in his eyes. He even trembled with excitement.
Chad was full of admiration. "Mom, who do you think the five-star general is? There's so little information about him. If we knew more, our family could benefit a lot," he said.
Sally nodded. "Yes, but our family's status is too low. Look around. These are the top elites of Yonderville. We wouldn't even get a chance to say hello."
Many others shared the Harrison family's thoughts. They felt their status was worlds apart from that of a five-star general. Meanwhile, Elliott looked at Jonathan in the corner, ready to announce his identity. But a soldier rushed up and whispered in his ear, "Colonel Wellington, the five-star general asked you not to reveal his identity."
Hearing this, Elliott quickly stopped and exchanged a glance with Jonathan. Then he smiled and said, "My apologies. The five-star general prefers to remain anonymous for now. But he's right here with us. He wants to see if the families and forces of Yonderville can be entrusted with the Roberts family's legacy project."
"What? The five-star general is among us? Oh my God! Who is he?"
"Did he hear what I said earlier? Will he have a bad impression of us?"
Everyone began to look around and scrutinize the people nearby. But by the end of the banquet, no one found any clue about the legendary five-star general. They were somewhat disappointed.
Jonathan, Olivia, and Ruby left the venue and returned to the cabin arranged by the Harrison family.
The next day, the Harrison family held a family meeting about the partnership with the Apex Group.
At the meeting, Samuel sat at the table and said calmly, "Today, I've gathered you to announce that Sophia will be in charge of our partnership with the Apex Group. All other projects can be set aside for now. Focus all your energy on this partnership."
Hearing this, the Harrison family members had mixed reactions.
Declan and Maeve were delighted. "Dad, Sophia is more than capable. We're going to make a fortune from this partnership."
"Thank you, Grandpa. I won't let you down," Sophia said sweetly.
But Sally stood up and complained, "Dad, you can't make this decision. Without Olivia, we wouldn't have gotten the contract with the Apex Group. Now you're excluding her from the partnership. I don't agree!"
Though Sally mentioned Olivia, she was thinking about Chad. If Olivia wasn't involved, how could Chad participate and benefit from the project?
"Me either! This project was secured by Olivia. How can Sophia be in charge? At least let me participate," Chad interjected. He was determined to secure his future and interests.
Sally turned to Olivia, who was sitting in the corner, and urged, "Olivia, say something! This is our family's project. We can't let Sophia take all of it."
"Yeah, Olivia, say something!" Chad was impatient.
Declan sneered, "Olivia has been away from our family for five years. She doesn't understand our current situation. What can she do? Does she understand projects or partnerships? Sophia is the most suitable person here."
"Exactly! This project belongs to Sophia," Maeve agreed.
Many others supported Declan's family and hoped to gain benefits. Sally and Chad had no chance to speak.
"Olivia, don't be foolish. Say something," Sally urged Olivia.
Olivia sat in the corner with mixed emotions. She knew the importance of this project and believed she was capable. But faced with the family's disputes and pressure, she hesitated. She didn't want to escalate family conflicts or cause more turmoil with her insistence.
Looking around at the eager faces, Olivia decided to compromise.
She clenched her fists. 'I can do this, but now is not the time to argue. For the family's harmony, I'll step back.'
She glanced at Jonathan beside her and told Sally, "Mom, I don't know. I've been away for a long time. Maybe it's better if..."
"No! If you won't do it, Chad can do it for you," Sally interrupted and glared at Olivia.
"Haha! Did you hear that? Olivia admits she’s not suitable. Just give up!" Sophia laughed coldly. "Do you want someone with no qualifications or experience to handle this project? That would disgrace our family."
"Exactly! How can a woman who was expelled from the family five years ago represent us in a partnership with the Apex Group?"
"Dad, don't be soft-hearted and change your decision because of their nonsense."
"Right! This concerns the family's future."
Samuel's face darkened, and he yelled, "Enough! I've made my decision, and no one can change it." The room fell silent. Sally and Chad were frustrated.
At that moment, a discordant voice broke the silence.
Jonathan looked at Olivia seriously and asked, "Olivia, have you thought this through? Do you really want to give up this project? If you want it, no one can take it from you."
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