The Beauty Or The Knigdom II

"Good evening grandfather". There entered a young blonde haired lady seemingly in her early twenties and donning light silky dress, a nude wrapped box in her embrace.

Everyone turned over. Looking over at the visitor, both Mia and Lucian were surprised and left stunned and speechless.

The visitor was none other than Aubrey, the young lady at the honeymoon resorts.

"You, why are you here ?". Mia questioned, obviously tired and sick of Aubrey's presence.

"Tada". Aubrey giggled and walked towards them. "We meet again".

Then she walked towards the surprised Eldest Master Henderson passing him the wrapped box in her embrace which he accepted hesistantly.

"I was waiting for your father to come to his senses". Eldest Master Henderson boasted unwrapping the box and reaching for the letter.

Reading through the letter, his figure couldn't help but shiver his fingers shivering against the crisp note.

"What happened ?". Lucian rushed over worriedly.

"Say to your father that I'm giving him this last chance to give up and let go lest he perish alongside Leonard". Eldest Master Henderson fumed.

"My father is a stubborn man, what he's set his mind on he'll never give up on it ". Aubrey shrugged her shoulder helplessly.

"But, how about this. I'll have my father give up on this but . ." Aubrey paused caressing her nude polished nails.

"But what ?". Lucian who couldn't stand her presence asked in annoyance.

"You know best what I want". Aubrey smiled placing her hands on Lucian's shoulder.

"Too bad it's just your wishful thinking". Lucian brushed her hands off his shoulder.

"I'll review the process and get to work grandfather". Lucian concluded and walked towards the stairs to the study room with Mia arms in arms.

"I wasn't even asking for much". Aubrey shrugged her shoulder and walked out of the manor.

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Over the next few days, Lucian had an issue balancing the company's situation. Despite his efforts, the stocks continued to plummet and he was slowly loosing hope of being able to turn the table.

The employees were worried, Eldest Master Henderson was worried and sad and investors were pulling out .

It had been six days yet the situation was stagnant, Lucian was desperate and at a crossroads not knowing what to do.

Almost all the investors were now on Mr Wellington side yet he never for once did appear nor request to make or sign a deal , his only request was to marry his daughter.

He tried to reach out to Mr Wellington or even meet up with him several times but was turned down with no hesitation until he finally received a phone call from Mr Wellington's manager.

As expected, he had the same proposition as Aubrey. He also suggested marriage. To marry his daughter, Aubrey.

"Sorry, your wish is too farfetched and not within my reach. I'm a married man". Lucian replied.

"So you're choosing the beauty over the kingdom, how admirable ". Mr Wellington's manager sighed from the other side of the line. "Giving up on the company all for a mere lady".

"She's not a mere lady, she's my wife and besides whosoever said I was giving up on the company".

"Alright then, I'll love to see how long you can last ".

"Sure". Lucian replied staring down at the numbers on the computer screen, watching sadly as the company was falling apart before his eyes.

The next day, things were even much more worser. The news of the company's impending doom spread like wildfire and the stock fell even harder.

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Over dinner with Emily the next day, Mia heared the news and felt a sense of dread wash over her.

Now she couldn't help but get worried about the company's situation, she was previously in support of his actions but now the situation is getting more tougher and unpredictable.

"Tell me Emily, what do you suppose I do ?". Mia asked dropping her cutlery despondently.

"It's all up to you". Emily replied as she held Mia's hands in her's.

"But to be rational I think we'd better agree to Mr Wellington proposal". Emily added.

"Exactly my thoughts, I can't let the past generations blood, sweat and tears go in vain all because of my own personal feelings". Mia sighed. " The business field is indeed like a battlefield, no one would help another for no reason without any ulterior motive".

" Yes, it's especially fierce and a battle of the fittest. Only when one is strong enough can he stand tall against all those old foxes". Emily analysed.

" Now that Levii had successfully gotten what belongs to him , we live happily now with no worries compared to few weeks ago. So I'll suggest to get rid of all obstacles, only then can we live worry free". Emily concluded and Mia nodded affirmatively.

__________________

Two days passed by swiftly and the company continued to struggle.

Lucian was forced to make difficult temporary decisions like laying off employees and cutting back on projects yet he couldn't help but feel helpless.

Mia talked to him about agreeing to the proposal over dinner but Lucian disagreed and got mad.

"I haven't gotten to the point where I need to sacrifice my woman to survive, for my happiness. I know you feel pressured but don't, I'll get to the bottom of this matter and settle all ". He explained calmly after a while of disagreement.

"But the company can't wait, we don't have that much time. This is for the greater good".

"Our love is insurmountable and strong enough to weather any storm. I really am not worried about you marrying her because I know your heart lies with me ". Mia explained hoping he'll understand.

"Let enjoy our meal and talk about this later". Lucian frowned.

As though things couldn't get any better, the next morning they receive a call from the Henderson manor.

The reason for the call was anything but pleasant , Eldest Master Henderson was sick, gravely ill yet he refused to take medication or visit the hospital. He only insisted on seeing Mia and Lucian.

They were summoned yo his room immediately they arrived at the manor.

"You know what I summoned you for ?'. Eldest Master Henderson asked not beating around the bush.

" Yes". The couple chorused sitting by his bedside.

" I know I'm being shameless about this Mia but for the sake of the company and the family's legacy . ."

" I know grandfather and I also agree with the proposition". Mia replied almost immediately. " At least until the issue is settled".

" Grandfather this . . I barely even know her and you expect me to just marry her".

" All my life, I've never pleased with you for anything. Just this one time . ."

After a lot of conversation and argument, Lucian finally agreed to the notion.