“I made sure it was preserved just the way it used to be,” Uncle Shedrak said as he watched me.
“Thank you, Uncle.
I really appreciate it.” “But you can always change it if you don’t like the design anymore,” he added.
Another shareholder stepped forward.
“Yes, Miss Johnson.
If you don’t like the current design, we can arrange for it to be redesigned immediately.” The others immediately nodded in agreement.
I glanced around the office once more before gently shaking my head.
“There’s no need for that.” “I prefer it this way.” At least this way…
I could still feel my father’s presence in every corner of the office.
“Very well, then,” another shareholder said with a polite smile.
“We’ll let you settle into your new office, Miss Johnson.” One after another, they excused themselves and left.
Soon, only Uncle Shedrak and I remained.
He walked over and took one of the chairs in front of the desk before gesturing toward the CEO’s seat.
I took a deep breath.
For a brief moment, I simply looked at the chair my father had once occupied.
Then, slowly, I walked over and sat down.
The leather chair felt strangely familiar…
Yet so different.
Uncle Shedrak smiled faintly.
“The procedures for appointing your new assistant are already in progress.” “Alright, Uncle.
Thank you.” He studied me quietly before speaking again.
“You’re nervous.” I looked up at him.
He smiled knowingly.
“That’s perfectly normal.” “You’ve been helping me manage the company over the past few years.
This won’t be entirely new to you.” I nodded.
Helping and leading…
Were two completely different things.
Even while I was still in university, I always made time to assist Uncle Shedrak with important matters at the company or visit our restaurants and cafés whenever I could.
Back then, though…
I had been almost invisible, quietly standing behind him while he made every important decision.
But now…
There was no one to hide behind.
Now…
Those decisions would be mine to make.
Before the appointment of your assistant, the secretaries will be helping you,” Uncle Shedrak continued.
“They’ll be bringing you several documents to review.
Most of the information won’t be new to you, but they’ll give you a broader understanding of the company’s current operations and future plans.” I nodded obediently.
“Alright, Uncle.” He smiled, seemingly reassured, while I looked down at the desk before me, studying the files already laying there…
The next few hours passed with Uncle Shedrak helping me settle into my new role.
He introduced me to the various directors and executives within the company, patiently explaining their responsibilities and how each department worked together.
Johnson Culinary Group wasn’t nearly as large as Livingston Cooperation.
Yes, we owned numerous restaurants, cafés, hotels, and food-related businesses across the country, but that was still a far cry from Livingston Cooperation, whose subsidiaries stretched across different industries and countries around the world.
Yet that didn’t ease my anxiety.
By the time work was over, however, I was completely exhausted.
As Uncle and I drove back to the estate, I leaned quietly against the seat, watching the city streets blur past the window.
Perhaps he noticed how drained I looked because, unlike usual, he didn’t try to draw me into one of our conversations.
Instead, he simply let me enjoy the silence.
Soon, the car pulled up in front of the villa.
If I had been nervous walking into the company that morning…
I somehow felt even more nervous stepping back into the villa.
In the past, returning home after spending the entire day surrounded by people always brought me comfort.
Today…
The moment I stepped inside, another wave of emotions settled over me.
The wedding date hadn’t even been decided yet…
Or at least, I thought it hadn’t.
Lately, so many things seemed to happen without my knowledge.
One thing, however, never changed.
Whenever Aunt Rose and I sat together, the conversation always somehow found its way back to the wedding.
Sometimes it was dresses.
Sometimes flowers.
Sometimes venues.
Sometimes invitations.
It had reached the point where I couldn’t help wondering…
Was this really just a corporate arrangement?
Because Aunt Rose certainly wasn’t acting like someone who believed this marriage would only last three years.
House staff moved busily throughout the villa, each pausing politely to greet Uncle Shedrak and me before continuing with their work.
As I stepped farther inside, I heard Aunt Rose speaking on the phone in the living room.
“I have something to take care of upstairs,” Uncle Shedrak said after noticing where I was headed.
“Alright.” He smiled before walking toward the staircase while I made my way into the living room.
Aunt Rose sat elegantly on one of the sofas, dressed in a simple knee-length dress.
As always, her honey-blonde bob was perfectly styled, making her look graceful even while relaxing at home.
“Alright,” she said into the phone.
“Just let me know once you’ve reached the designer.” She ended the call and looked up…..