Under years of high - pressure and over - consumption, Duke Black finally collapsed during an emergency meeting - he had a stroke, and the situation was extremely serious.
This became the best opportunity for me to fully take over the Black - family enterprise. On the day when I officially took charge of the enterprise, I announced an investment of one billion in the new - energy research institute led by Adrián.
The board of directors instantly exploded. "One billion?! Investing in a basic research institute that won't see returns in the short term?!" An elder slapped the table and stood up. "General Manager Lillian! You're joking with the future of the group! Adrián's project is a bottomless pit for burning money! You're harming the interests of all the shareholders!"
There was an immediate buzz below. "What on earth was Duke Black thinking? Does he really want to hand over the family business to an illegitimate daughter?"
But they were helpless. Only I could stabilize the huge ship of the Black - family enterprise at this time. I perfectly replicated Duke Black's methods and was even more cold - blooded and efficient than him. In the end, some people chose to compromise, and some took the money and left.
Some people thought that our "father - daughter relationship was deep" and came to test me with generous gifts. "General Manager Lillian, is the duke feeling better recently?"
I glanced at my watch and showed a gentle and harmless smile. "Thanks to your concern, he's actively cooperating with the treatment now." It was two o'clock in the afternoon, and our beloved duke should be in the special "cognitive function enhancement treatment room" in the nursing home, enjoying his well - deserved "rest".
...
After eight years of setbacks, Adrián's core new - energy technology finally made a breakthrough, attracting global attention. In the core laboratory of the research institute, I saw the video footage of their mother - a woman with gentle eyebrows and extremely determined eyes.
Just as I was about to leave, the holographic projector seemed to malfunction and flickered. The image of that woman clearly appeared in front of me. She smiled and nodded at me. "Thank you, little Lillian. Thank you for becoming a family they can rely on."
I was stunned. By the time I came to my senses, the image had disappeared. I asked Adrián if it was a pre - set program. Adrián shook his head, his eyes full of confusion. "No."
He looked at me with a hint of imperceptible expectation. "Did you... just say that to comfort us?"
I smiled and changed the subject. "Maybe there's a problem with the system."
...
Many years passed. One day, on a whim, I went to "visit" Duke Black. He was no longer the powerful figure he used to be. He was curled up in a wheelchair, with gray and sparse hair and cloudy eyes.
When he saw me, a venomous light flashed in his cloudy eyes. His hand, like a withered branch, reached out through the railing and tried to grab me. "You evil creature... If I had known earlier... I should have let you and your short - lived mother rot in the mud together! Lillian... You'll get your retribution!"
I raised my eyebrows and said regretfully to the nurse beside me. "It seems that the duke's cognitive impairment and persecutory delusions have worsened. The treatment plan needs to be upgraded. Make sure he has a 'peaceful rest'."
The nurse nodded understandingly and skillfully stuffed a soft cloth into his mouth. Immediately afterwards, a stifled, shrill and desperate whimper came from the treatment room.
As I walked out of the nursing home, the midday sun was so bright that it was hard to open my eyes. I raised my hand to block the light and looked at the light spots leaking through my fingers. My retribution?
Just then, my phone vibrated. It was a call from Adrian. Her voice was full of long - lost, real excitement and sobs. "Little Lillian! The famous doctor you contacted said that Adrián's wrist... has a chance of being cured! There's an 80% chance of a complete recovery!"
I immediately opened the car door. "Okay, big brother. Wait for me. I'll be there right away!"
As soon as I hung up Adrian's call, Adrián called. His first words were, "Thanks, sister."
I was silent for a moment, opened the car door and got in. "Are you a parrot, second - brother? You just keep saying thank you all day long."
(The End)