At the Hughes Mansion, the morning sunlight bathed the grand dining room in a warm, golden glow. The long table was laden with an elaborate breakfast spread; freshly baked bread, an array of fruits, steaming coffee, and eggs prepared in every conceivable way. Chairman Hughes, an imposing figure with sharp features and piercing ocean-blue eyes, sat at the head of the table. His mere presence commanded attention and respect, his silver hair neatly combed back
As he took a sip of his freshly brewed coffee, he turned his gaze towards Leonard, his eldest son, who sat across from him. "Leonard," Chairman Hughes began, his voice a blend of authority and curiosity, "do you have any idea why your son, Mark hasn't been answering his phone?"
Leonard exchanged a quick, uneasy glance with his wife, Margaret. She was a graceful woman, with kind eyes, but at the moment, her face mirrored her husband's uncertainty. They both knew that any misstep in their response could draw the chairman's anger.
"Father," Leonard began cautiously, choosing his words with care," Mark has been occupied with some important matters at his company. He's been quite busy lately."
Chairman Hughes set down his coffee cup with a soft clink, his expression hardening. "Mark isn't the only one running an automobile company. He needs to learn to balance his responsibilities. I've arranged several blind dates for him, and I expect him to attend. He needs to think about his future and our family's legacy."
"Of course, Father. I'll speak to him about it." Leonard nodded, though he felt a twinge of anxiety.
Margaret, sensing the tension, tried to interject. "Perhaps Mark just needs some time, Father. He's been…"
Chairman Hughes cut her off with a sharp look. "Time is the only luxury we don't have, Margaret. Our image must remain strong. If Mark doesn't step forward, Robin will take the lion's share of the inheritance."
At the mention of Robin, a visible shift occurred around the table. Robin, Mark's cousin, was seated with his wife and parents. Robin was the epitome of the idea of Hughes's heir; successful, married, and deeply embedded in the family business. His mother, Lillian, couldn't hide her I don't know as she glanced at Margaret, who glared back at her. Robin's father, Albert, wore a smug smile, clearly pleased with his father, the chairman, and endorsement of his son.
"Robin has always been exemplary," Chairman Hughes continued, oblivious to the undercurrents at the table. "He's married, responsible, and understands the importance of family. Mark should take note.
Leonard and his wife fell at a loss for words as the only thing they could do was nod in response to the chairman's words. Margaret behind her calm demeanour was seething in rage as she didn't like the idea of her mighty son being compared to Robin.
Robin's wife, Susan, smiled sweetly at her husband, squeezing his hand. "Robin works so hard for the family, grandfather. And we hope to welcome a baby soon." She said, her voice dripping with satisfaction as she turned to exchange glances with her mother-in-law, Lillian who smiled in response.
Margaret clenched her fist under the table, her knuckles turning white. "Mark has his known strengths. He just needs some time to find his footing." She said, her voice barely masking her irritation.
Lillian raised an eyebrow, her smirk widening. "Time is indeed precious, Margaret. But some people recognize their duties without needing constant reminders."
Leonard intervened, trying to defuse the situation. "Father, we understand your concerns. Mark will attend tomorrow's dinner, and we will make sure he understands the expectations placed upon him."
Chairman Hughes nodded, his gaze still sharp. "Good, he should look up to Robin and learn what it means to be a true Hughes. Our family's future depends on it."
The tension in the room was palpable, with every word exchanged adding to the charged atmosphere. Valerie, sending the growing hostility, decided to focus on her breakfast, hoping to avoid being drawn into the conversation.
Chairman Hughes turned to her. "Valerie, I expect you to ensure your brother understands the importance of tomorrow's dinner. If he fails to show up, he'll cease to be a Hughes."
Valerie looked up, her eyes widened with a mix of surprise and apprehension. "Yes, grandfather." She replied, her voice steady despite the pressure.
As breakfast continued, the atmosphere around the table remained tense. The family air in total silence, the only sound being heard was the clinking of the silverware. Chairman Hughes finally finished his meal and stood up with his butler following him from behind as he exited the dining hall, not failing to remind Leonard about talking to his son.
When the chairman was finally away from the dining hall, Robin felt triumphant, he leaned over his wife and whispered. "Looks like the old man finally sees things our way."
His wife nodded, smiling from ear to ear. "It was only a matter of time. Your cousin has been too distracted with the so-called business ventures."
Across the table, Margaret fumed silently, she wanted Mark to take his time to find the right woman for himself and didn't want him to just marry anyone. But the constant comparison to Robin was adding fuel to her annoyance.
Leonard placed a comforting hand on her arm. "We'll talk to Mark, Margaret. He'll come through, he's our son."
Margaret, knowing how stubborn her son could be only wished he'd comply and not rub shame on their faces. "I hope so, Leonard. I truly do."
Once breakfast was over, the family members began to disperse, each lost in their thoughts, Leonard and Margaret retreated to their private quarters, their minds racing with the implications of the chairman's ultimatum.
Meanwhile, Robin and his family lingered, basking in the chairman's approval. Lillian, still smirking, couldn't resist the final jab at Margaret as they left the dining hall.
"It seems like some people need a bit more motivation to live up to the family's name."
Margaret's patience has already stretched thin, lashed back at Lillian who didn't want to stick her nose to her affairs. "Don't be so sure of yourself, Lillian."
As the door closed behind them, Margaret turned to Leonard, her frustration evident. "We need to make Mark understand what's at stake here."
"I know, Mark wouldn't dare disobey the chairman's orders, after all, he was raised personally by the chairman," Leonard said, trying to put his wife at ease.
Valerie, who had been quietly observing the entire scenery, spoke up. "I'll make sure Mark knows how important this is. He'll be at the dinner, I promise."