Chapter 57
1104 Words
As soon as Jonathan finished speaking, the meeting room fell silent.
Sophia's face turned gloomy, and she yelled at Jonathan, "Jonathan, it's none of your business! Keep your mouth shut and get out! This is a family meeting, and it has nothing to do with you!"
"You worthless fraud! What right do you have to make a fuss here? Get lost!" Maeve chimed in.
Declan's eyes narrowed with anger. He turned to Jagger and said, "Jagger, control your son-in-law. The military just gave him a bit of attention this time. Who does he think he is? He's being so rude to Dad."
Jagger smiled awkwardly, stood up with a frown, and shouted at Jonathan, "Enough, Jonathan! This is a family meeting. You don't speak here. Leave now!"
Sally stood up and elbowed Jagger. "Jonathan is right this time. This project was secured by Olivia. Why shouldn't she participate? Even if Olivia doesn't want to do it, Chad should be the one in charge!"
Then she tugged at Olivia's arm. "Olivia, you shouldn't back down. You may not want to take on this project, but at least let Chad be a part of it. Otherwise, we'll always be oppressed by them."
"Olivia, you can't take it but I can. Say something." Chad wandered around Olivia, his face contorted with anxiety.
Sophia sneered, "Wow, a stepmother is acting like a real mother now! We all saw how you treated Olivia before. Olivia, think carefully before you make any decisions."
Though everyone seemed to be advocating for Olivia, they each had their own interests at heart. Olivia, caught in the middle, sat nervously in her chair. Her eyes darted, and she didn't know what to say.
She felt everyone's arguments had merit, but she didn't want to damage the Harrison family's unity and progress due to this issue.
Five years ago, her actions had hindered the Harrison family's advancement. She didn't want to be the cause of disunity again.
Just then, Jonathan gently took Olivia's trembling hand and looked at her with a soft gaze. "Olivia, believe in yourself. You should live for yourself and Ruby. As long as you stand your ground, they can't take this partnership away from you."
"Yes, if you don’t want to consider yourself, think about Ruby. Our family needs this partnership to make more money, so you can have a bigger house and pay for Ruby's education." Sally, desperate for Olivia's agreement, backed up Jonathan's words.
Olivia's mind was in turmoil, but thinking of Ruby and Jonathan by her side calmed her wandering heart. 'Yes, I should live for Ruby, Jonathan, and myself. Since I'm back in the Harrison family, I need to stand up for myself and fight for our family's benefits. What others say or do doesn't matter.'
With that thought, Olivia's eyes became resolute. She clenched her hands, took a deep breath, and stood up to face Samuel's stern look. "Grandpa, the Apex Group chose me for this project. So I disagree with handing over the entire partnership to Sophia. I want to be part of it."
"Did you all hear that? Olivia wants to be a part of it, and so does Chad," Sally exclaimed excitedly.
Sophia's face darkened with anger. She stepped forward and scolded, "Olivia, are you crazy? You don't know anything. What right do you have to be involved?"
"Just give me some time to learn about the Harrison family's businesses." Olivia's voice was small. She sounded humble and insecure, and she retreated slightly, but her gaze remained firm.
Jonathan stood up calmly, wrapped an arm around Olivia, and glared at Sophia. "Show some respect to my wife. And, for the record, Olivia wants in. No one can snatch the partnership away from her."
Gulp!
Sophia was intimidated by Jonathan's fierce look. She stepped back and swallowed hard. She believed Jonathan could indeed sabotage everything if he wanted.
Tearfully, Sophia ran to Samuel. "Grandpa, say something. This project is crucial. How can we hand it to someone who knows nothing? It's a disgrace to the Harrison family."
Samuel's face darkened. He weighed the situation before coldly saying, "Enough! Since Olivia brought the project, she can participate if she wishes."
"But..." Sophia tried to protest, but Samuel cut her off. "However, I need to test your abilities first. Each of you will draft a proposal. We'll have an anonymous vote in the company, and whoever gets the most votes will lead the project. Jonathan, Olivia, do you agree with this decision?"
Sophia and her parents exchanged understanding looks and smiled faintly. It was clear that Samuel was biased towards Sophia. They were sure Olivia would draft a poor proposal. The odds were overwhelmingly in Sophia's favor.
Declan immediately protested. "Dad, that's unfair. Olivia just returned and knows nothing about this business. How can she draft a good proposal?"
"That's right, Dad. It's too hard on Olivia," Maeve argued.
Even Olivia felt unsure. She was willing to learn, but she knew that producing a proposal in a few days was impossible.
However, Jonathan stepped forward and agreed, "Deal. We'll do it your way." After the meeting, Sally and Chad berated Jonathan for being reckless.
"I've had it enough! Jonathan is such an i***t. Why did he agree to that? Now we’ll lose the project with the Apex Group!" Sally fumed and stomped out of the meeting room in her high heels.
"Hahaha! Jonathan thinks he's so great. He's just as ignorant as ever. Wait and watch! Sophia will definitely take charge of this partnership."
"They're just wasting our time."
The Harrison family members gradually dispersed.
Only a tense and worried Olivia and a calm Jonathan were left in the large conference room.
Olivia sat in the corner, recalling everyone's comments. Her heart was full of anxiety. She wanted to learn but felt helpless against such a challenge. She bit her lower lip, and her eyes flickered with unease.
Jonathan watched silently beside her. He saw her anxiety but also that glimmer of resilience in her eyes. He gently took her hand to offer comfort.
"Jonathan, do we even stand a chance?" Olivia's voice trembled as she looked up at him. Her eyes were full of helplessness.
Jonathan pulled Olivia into his arms. "Believe in yourself and in me. Don't worry. We have some time before the partnership starts. I'll help you draft the proposal. It's not that hard. If we put in the effort, we can do better than Sophia."
Olivia felt her tension ease a little and nodded. Though she still lacked confidence, Jonathan's words gave her some courage.
"Really?" Her voice choked with emotion.
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