Chapter 2
1268 Words
As she walks down the magnificent hallway, her presence is heralded by the gentle, soothing scent of lavender. The hallway itself is a testament to opulence: high, vaulted ceilings adorned with intricate frescoes, marble floors that gleam under the soft morning light filtering through grand arched windows, and walls lined with tapestries and gilded mirrors.
Her steps are measured and graceful, the sound of her heels clicking softly against the marble floor echoing through the space. Her dress, elegant and perfectly tailored, sways slightly with her movement, a blend of classic and contemporary style that complements her poised demeanor. The scent of lavender, subtle yet pervasive, lingers in the air, adding a touch of calm and serenity to her surroundings.
As she approaches the grand dining room, the double doors stand open, inviting her into a space of equal grandeur. The dining room is filled with natural light, streaming in from floor-to-ceiling windows that offer a breathtaking view of the estate’s manicured gardens. A massive, ornate chandelier hangs from the ceiling, casting a warm glow over the long, polished dining table set with fine china and crystal.
Seated at the table are her father, stepbrother and stepmother.
“Father,” she says looking at her father who had a newspaper glued to his face as usual. Setting her glasses and bag on the chair close to her.
“Good morning Aria” Her father responded but his head was still buried in his newspaper
At the head of the table, in the largest and most ornate chair, sits Father still with his newspaper. His chair is a high-backed, intricately carved piece with plush cushioning, befitting his position as the head of the household. He exudes an air of authority.
Adjacent to her father, a chair was pulled out for her by the butler.
“Thank you, Walter,” Aria said and smiled a little. Her chair is also beautifully crafted, with elegant carvings that match the father’s, though slightly less imposing. It carries a sentimental value, a silent reminder of her mother’s presence.
On the right side of the table, close to the father, sits her half-brother, Ares. His chair is similar in design but slightly more modest.
Opposite him, on the left side of the table and near her father, sits her stepmother, Gloria. Her chair, too, is elegantly carved and cushioned, reflecting her position within the family.
Ares who was dressed in a sharp morning suit, looked up from his food and looked at her with a blank expression. Not saying a word, he continues with his breakfast. Her father, at the head of the table, finally put his newspaper down and picked up his cutlery ready to eat.
The table is laden with an impressive array of breakfast foods, a testament to the household’s affluence and attention to detail. There are silver platters heaped with fluffy scrambled eggs, crisp bacon, and savory sausages. A large, ornate fruit bowl overflows with a vibrant assortment of fresh fruits – plump strawberries, juicy melons, perfectly ripened bananas, and exotic kiwi slices.
Crystal pitchers hold freshly squeezed orange juice and chilled apple cider, while a silver coffee pot emits the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee. A variety of freshly baked pastries and breads – croissants, scones, and artisanal rolls – are arranged in baskets, accompanied by an assortment of jams, marmalades, and rich, creamy butter.
In the center of the table stands a grand centerpiece: a tiered silver stand displaying an assortment of delicate pastries and petit fours, adding a touch of elegance to the table. Fine china and crystal glassware are set at each place, their intricate patterns and delicate designs reflecting the light.
Aria picked up her cutlery and began eating. The room was so quiet but one could feel the hostility in the room. The butler standing still at the door with his back facing them could still feel it.
To impress his father, Ares decided to begin a conversation.
“Father” Ares begins but his father does not raise his head from his meal so Ares continues “I found out from my spies that our chemical supplier, Marcino Pharmaceuticals wants to withdraw and work for another group”
His father raised his head slowly and looked like he was contemplating in his mind but he was yet to voice it.
Ares smiled slightly he had finally gotten the attention of his father.
“They know the consequences of betrayal” Her father who said only a few words remarked
Ares leans forward his eyes narrowing “Who do they think they are? After all we’ve done for them? We should send a message. Make sure they understand the consequences of betrayal.”
Gloria who had been silent since nodded in agreement and continued eating
Aria who has also been quiet all along decided it was time to get involved. “Killing them isn’t the solution. We need them. Finding another trustworthy supplier is going to be nearly impossible.” She interjected
Ares had been trying to avoid Aria since she stepped into the dining room. But now that she had commented, he just had to face her.
“And what do you suggest? Let them walk all over us? Show weakness?” he said raising his voice slightly
Aria had now dropped her cutlery and stared him dead in the eye unflinching “No. We threaten them. Make it clear what will happen if they leave, but also offer them a better deal. More money to keep them loyal. It’s a win-win.”
Her father who had been quiet suddenly spoke “Aria has a point. We can’t afford to lose our supplier right now. We can always eliminate them later if they try to double-cross us again.” With this, he picked up his cutlery again and continued eating
“But what if they don’t respect the threats? What if they just take the money and still plan to leave?” Ares said again, this time he sounded frustrated. Frustrated that his father was always taking his daughters' side
“We monitor them closely. Show them the benefits of staying and the dangers of leaving. A mix of carrot and stick.” Aria said firmly
Slamming his fist on the table, Ares shouted “You’re being too soft, Aria! This isn’t a negotiation, it’s a war! A war between our Group and the Fuego group. If we don’t act now and show them our strength, they will finish us off and Gallo Group will be no more.
Aria stared at him angrily and replied coldly, “And wars are won by strategy, not just brute force. If we start killing everyone who inconveniences us, we’ll end up with more enemies than allies. Thank God you’re not the heir to Gallo Group if not you’ll be the one to make it crumble.”
“Enough!” Her father shouted “ We will try Aria’s approach first. Make them understand the consequences but also show them the benefits of loyalty. If that fails, then we consider other measures. Understood?”
No one replied
“Understood?!!” Her father said again with a threatening tone
“Yes Dad” Aria replied smirking as she had won this round again
“Yes Father” Ares replied
The tension at the table remains high, but the decision has been made. Gloria stared angrily at Aria and walked out.
“Excuse me, I have to get to work,” Ares said through gritted teeth and followed his mother leaving only Aria and her father in the room.
- Writer
