Chapter 23 The Counterfeit Heiress Turns the Tables 22

Despite the clarity in Alex's heart, she maintained an air of resignation.

Tian Tian's smug satisfaction was palpable as she listened to Alex's mother's words. No matter how accomplished Alex might be, Tian Tian was the legitimate heiress of the Andra family, entitled to all its wealth. No matter how much Alex had contributed to the company, she could never usurp Tian Tian's rightful position. Such was the distinction between the genuine article and the counterfeit.

As evening approached, Keller's grandfather returned, accompanied by Alex's father. It seemed that Alex's mother had forgiven her husband.

After dinner, during which each family member harbored their own thoughts, Keller's grandfather summoned Alex and Tian Tian to his study. The conversation revolved around the importance of sisterly harmony, forgetting past grievances, and becoming a united family.

Eventually, Keller's grandfather proposed that Tian Tian join the company, taking over Alex's former position, while Alex would ascend to the role of Deputy Chairman and continue to oversee the film and television division.

"You've been managing the film and television division impeccably. Your intimate understanding of it makes you the most suitable candidate to lead it further," Keller's grandfather said to Alex, his heart filled with emotion.

"Grandfather, I won't fail you," Alex replied sincerely, bringing a sense of relief to Keller's grandfather.

He had always viewed Alex as the heir to Andra Enterprises, and she had never disappointed him in business matters. He was confident in the company's future, yet fate had dealt an unexpected blow.

Though he cherished Alex like his own granddaughter, Tian Tian was indeed his blood relative. He couldn't be partial, so he resolved to groom Tian Tian into a worthy heir, with Alex's support by her side.

However, Tian Tian failed to comprehend Keller's grandfather's noble intentions. In her eyes, it was all a matter of favoritism. She, the true granddaughter, should have been granted a higher position than Alex.

"Tian Tian, you must learn from Alex, understand?" Keller's grandfather said gently to her.

"Yes, Grandfather. I will definitely learn from my sister," Tian Tian replied, though inwardly she resented the arrangement.

Satisfied with Tian Tian's response, Keller's grandfather nodded. "I'm growing old, and Andra Enterprises will rely on you both in the future. You must work together and not disappoint me."

"Grandfather, you're not old at all. You're still young," Tian Tian said hurriedly, her voice tinged with sadness. Seeing Keller's grandfather's weariness, Alex spoke earnestly, "Grandfather, rest assured. Tian Tian will become an excellent heir, and I'll do my utmost to assist her in managing the company's affairs."

"Alex, remember what you've promised me today," Keller's grandfather said solemnly, looking intently at her.

"I will," Alex replied firmly.

"Then it's settled. You'll accompany me to the company tomorrow," Keller's grandfather said, noting Alex's regained composure.

"Alright."

The next morning, Alex rose early, dressed in a well-tailored business suit that accentuated her curves. After breakfast, she accompanied Keller's grandfather to the company.

As they entered, all eyes turned to her and Tian Tian, their gazes filled with varied emotions—mockery, disdain. Alex ignored them all, knowing she had done nothing to warrant such judgment.

Now, she held a position second only to Keller's grandfather, with responsibilities that matched her newfound authority. Adding to her workload was her role as the silent mastermind behind HuaRen Media Co., Ltd. The pressure was immense, yet she persevered.

After delegating her tasks, Alex delved into the project progress reports from the film and television division, meticulously reviewing each detail.

With a hectic schedule, she made her way to the staff canteen at half past twelve, intending to grab a quick meal before returning to work. As she entered, she noticed a group of young women surrounding Tian Tian, oblivious to her presence. They were discussing her, their voices filled with contempt.

"Assistant, I knew from the start that you weren't ordinary. As it turns out, you're the real heiress of the Andra family. That impostor may act the part, but she's nothing but a clown," said one woman, dressed provocatively.

"Exactly! I don't understand why Chairman Andra keeps her in the company, let alone promotes her to Deputy Chairman!" another woman exclaimed, seemingly outraged on Tian Tian's behalf, inciting the rest to share her indignation.

Tian Tian, basking in their admiration, feigned sympathy. "It's not her fault. She was just a child back then. If she knew, she wouldn't have agreed to the switch."

"You're too naive, Assistant. Not everyone is as kind as you. She must have been thrilled to take your place," one of them sneered.

"Yes, and she even tried to steal Keller Young Master from you. If I were you, I'd have her thrown out of the Andra family, leaving her with nothing!"

"Absolutely! Knowing she's not part of the Andra family, yet she refuses to leave. She must be eyeing the family's wealth, taking advantage of your kindness. It's outrageous!"

"No, I don't think so. I believe my sister isn't like that," Tian Tian said, her expression one of unwavering belief.

Alex watched silently, a faint smile playing on her lips. Throughout the conversation, Tian Tian hadn't uttered a single word in Alex's defense, nor had she warned the employees against their gossip. It was a blatant encouragement for them to slander Alex, all while portraying herself as the innocent victim, winning sympathy and admiration with her supposed 'generosity and trust.' It was a masterful manipulation.

Moreover, the women's incessant chatter and lack of discretion amused Alex. Didn't they realize that when speaking ill of others, one should be mindful of their surroundings? As the Deputy Chairman, she had the power to dismiss employees. Was it wise to so openly offend her?