The Inheritance Ultimatum

Every week, the Midas family gathers in the lavish Golden Mansion to indulge in a feast fit for royalty. The long table was adorned with plates of succulent lobsters, rare truffles, and other delicacies seldom seen in the Region of Eudaemora. While the feast displayed extravagance, it was a family tradition that Amon despised. He'd rather eat his meals alone on Mondays through Sundays, but such solitary enjoyment was a luxury he couldn't afford. To do so would put him at risk of being disowned by his grandfather, Schulton.

In truth, Amon was already teetering on the brink of being disowned by his clan, and those who sought the family's wealth continued to add insults to his dignity. On this particular day, Bruno, Amon's half-brother, confidently shared the news of his upcoming marriage.

"So, grandfather," Bruno declared with a sense of self-assurance, "Oswanna and I are planning to tie the knot."

Schulton Midas, the aged patriarch, could not hide his excitement. "That's wonderful news! You and your beloved have been together for two years. We must celebrate with a grand wedding... I will take care of all the expenses, so you need not worry."

Bruno's grin widened. "Thank you, grandfather!" His gaze then shifted towards Amon, who caught the instigating look in his eyes. "And what about you, Amon? Do you have any exciting announcements to share?"

Amon let out a sigh. The annoyance in his expression was evident to everyone in the room. Nevertheless, he responded to his younger brother's question.

"I have successfully acquired the farm in the Eastern Farmlands... the one I have had my eye on for the past few weeks."

The room was filled with a deafening silence. Emilia, Amon's stepmother and Bruno's biological mother, broke the stillness. "Well, we all acknowledge your capabilities, Amon. But your grandfather desires more for you than mere wealth. He hopes for you to find something beyond riches—something like... love or happiness..."

Amon cut her off and was clearly starting to lose his patience. "Apologies, but... I have no need for any of that." Rising from his seat, he turned his back to them and headed to exit the room.

"You have one month, Amon!" Schulton's voice echoed in the dining hall. "Find a lover and get married, or else... you will be struck off my list of inheritors."

The statement shocked the family members. Of all the potential heirs, it was Amon who was the best candidate because of his exceptional talent in managing businesses and innate sense of judgment. They also thought that he was Schulton's favorite. Was the inheritance game being turned all the way around? If that's the case, everyone would have an equal opportunity, that is, if Amon could truly find a lover in a month. Of all potential heirs, he's the only one who's single.

Amon Midas' cold and aloof behavior served as a fortress to his stone heart, and everyone who tried to seduce him would only lead to wasted time and efforts. It was known to all who had done business with him that he viewed everything professionally and objectively, and emotions would never have any part in all his deals.

Amon was confident that he could get more than what he invested in just about everything. He could deal with money, but not a woman. Because his father had two wives, he refused to walk down the path towards the world of the married.

The golden-haired gentleman planned to live his life alone - swimming in gold coins, sleeping on top of his gold bars - because that's what makes him feel good. Well, he had yet to experience love, but he guessed it would be the same. They said, "Love brings happiness," but if counting his assets brought him joy, why bother with the complexities of falling in love?

"Where are you going, young lad? The dinner's not yet over."

Turning to the person behind him, he furrowed his brows seeing his step uncle, Emilia's brother, looking at him with a wide grin as if he just witnessed a controversial theater drama with what happened earlier. Amon replied, "I am full." 

"Shall I introduce you to a lady?" Raleigh inquired, clearly mocking Amon with his tone.

"Thank you… but I am really not interested," and Amon walked away.

Raleigh knew his step nephew; he was not the type to socialize with ladies unless it was about business. That would mean one less competitor from the Midas' assets. Amused with the turn of events, he walked on the carpeted hallway with a wide grin.

As soon as Amon returned to his room by the second floor, he went directly towards his desk. He stared at the piece of paper he just acquired that day. It was a contract - a signed deal that enabled him to secure the ownership on that certain farm in Eastern Farmlands.

In addition to his prowess in the world of business, Amon possessed another noteworthy attribute that garnered him widespread recognition: his exceptional discernment. 

Amon had an innate ability to gauge the true value of objects and properties with remarkable accuracy. When he cast his discerning eye upon an item or a parcel of land, its worth became instantly apparent to him. He could effortlessly distinguish if a gold bar had been alloyed with lesser metals, and he possessed an uncanny knack for evaluating the true value of land. Moreover, his ability extended beyond material possessions; he also had an innate talent for determining whether a person held potential utility to him.

Amon's perceptive nature allowed him to navigate the complexities of the business world with shrewdness and precision, ensuring his success in ventures both grand and small. And that woman, Holly Johara, had certainly made relentless demands during their negotiation. However, Amon was driven by an unyielding desire to acquire the potato farm, and was firmly convinced that it would generate substantial wealth for him. 

"I can't believe I agreed to this…" Amon murmured, shaking his head in annoyance as he looked over the contract once again. 

Holly Johara requested for a lifetime medical services for her youngest daughter, and a two-storey house of their own within Grythwill City for them to live in. Aside from that, she even demanded a permanent job in Midas Jewelries. 

But what's even more ridiculous was the contract clause for her eldest daughter.

"Within 1 month, she wanted me to introduce her eldest daughter to a rich gentleman and support their future marriage?" he sighed, "How… creative."