Chapter 1
"Ridiculous! You've been engaged to Nyra for over a decade; how can you suddenly decide to choose your fiancée by drawing lots?" Johan Howell's face hardened, and he quickly assured me that Veer was just fooling around.
Everyone knew that without my family's support, Veer Howell would never have the opportunity to take charge. Yet, Veer remained indifferent, smiling as if nothing mattered.
"Dad! Isn't the transfer of power just a matter of your approval? As long as you agree, how could I not get it?" he said.
"My engagement with Nyra has gone on so long that there's no spark left. If we got married, we'd probably end up divorced, so why not find someone who brings some excitement?"
The maids watched eagerly as he handed out lottery numbers, their faces full of newfound pride and self-satisfaction.
"We might be lowly in status, but in terms of looks and figure, how do we not stack up against that pampered heiress?"
"If I get picked, I'll bring everyone to the Howell estate to enjoy the good life and no longer endure the hardships for a few thousand dollars at the Griffin’s!"
"Miss Nyra, if one of us is chosen, don't be upset! After all, you were the one who failed to capture Mr. Veer's heart!"
The most vocally sarcastic maid was Selah Ryan, and it was clear from her smug look that the outcome of this lottery was already determined.
Veer drew the winning number, exchanged a knowing glance with Selah, and unsurprisingly, she won. Veer's face lit up as he pulled Selah into his arms and turned to me with a mocking sneer.
"One in nine odds, and you still weren't picked, just means we were never meant to be!"
My parents looked displeased, wanting to speak up for me, but I stopped them with a gentle smile.
"Yes, congratulations, soon you'll have a match made in heaven."
He snorted arrogantly, "Of course. As for our engagement, consider it null and void. Don't bring it up again, or it might hurt Selah's feelings!"
Selah's eyes filled with crocodile tears, and she stood on tiptoe to plant a kiss on his cheek. "Mr. Howell, you're so thoughtful. I knew I chose well. You've kept your promise to marry me."
The other seven maids sensed something was off and began to whisper.
"Did Mr. Howell promise to marry her before? This lottery was rigged for her from the start! No wonder she was so smug."
"I remember Mr. Howell visiting the Griffin estate, sneaking off to the maid's quarters. I even heard some... heated conversations!"
Their words brought back memories of Veer Howell’s past visits to my home. He was supposedly there to discuss our marriage but would disappear shortly after arriving. When he reappeared, he reeked of cologne and wore an unusual flush. When questioned, he'd sheepishly say, "I just needed the restroom but found it dirty and had to reprimand the maid, which took some time."
At that time, I never imagined a son raised in luxury like Veer would take an interest in a maid. Especially one like Selah Ryan, rumored to have been kept and discarded by several wealthy patrons, yet he didn't seem to care.
Selah gave me a false comforting smile, "Miss, soon I'll be Mrs. Howell. I might be calling you this for the last time. Without me to vent on, please don't trouble the others."
What a smooth talker she is, spinning lies so easily. I returned her smile, keeping my composure.
"Don't worry, I'll treat the others well. After all, we'll be seeing a lot of each other."
Veer looked at me disdainfully and, with Selah by his side, went off to discuss wedding plans.
"Selah will be Mrs. Howell soon. If you dare to boss her around like before, I'll remove the Griffin name from the family business!"
Listening to his threats, I could only laugh. Without my family's backing, what power does he think he has to take over the family business?
Chapter 2
The Griffin family holds the authority to veto the succession of the underworld network. By using this veto, Veer Howell will be blocked from taking control. I already have another candidate in mind for the role.
On the day of the succession meeting, all the senior figures of respect and authority within the network were present. We waited for Veer Howell for half an hour. Noticing the growing impatience among the elders, I instructed my assistant to commence the meeting without further delay.
Just as I retrieved my grandfather’s will, Veer Howell barged into the room with Selah Ryan, the door banging shut behind them.
"Apologies, my fiancée was quite captivating last night, and we overslept this morning. I’m sure the gentlemen here will understand," he said with a smirk, looking at Selah.
Veer bore fresh marks on his neck and wore an air of shameless amusement. Selah blushed, lightly tapping his chest with a bashful expression.
"Veer, we agreed not to bring this up in public. It’s embarrassing," she murmured.
Veer wrapped an arm around her, seemingly oblivious to the room's tension. "Soon enough, they'll address you as sister-in-law, so there’s nothing to be shy about."
The elders’ expressions were grim. I fixed a cold stare on him and said, "Since you’ve arrived, take a seat. The meeting has already started, and we’re about to conduct the vote."
He shrugged, sat down, pulling Selah onto his lap, and continued their antics. Selah’s flirtatious laughter filled the room as the two continued their public display of affection.
The uncles and elder gentlemen could no longer contain their anger. One slammed the table, shouting, "Veer Howell! Where’s your respect for us elders? Arriving late is one thing, but bringing a woman here..."
"Seems like you’re not interested in leading the network!"
Veer sneered dismissively, striding over to snatch the will from my hands and slamming it onto the table.
"This is the will the Griffin family drafted when my engagement with Nyra was arranged. It supports my takeover of the network."
"The successor has long been decided as me. This meeting and the vote are mere formalities. My attendance is simply a courtesy!"
His arrogance was astonishing. It appeared he was so engrossed in his affairs with Selah these past days that he failed to realize taking over the network required not only my family’s and the Howells’ support but also the agreement of more than half of the key figures in the network.
I smiled faintly and asked, "You seem quite assured of inheriting the network. Very well, there’s no need for this meeting then. I trust everyone knows who they truly want to vote for."
Unaware of my implication, he answered arrogantly, "Of course! Who else but me in the Howell family could lead? There’s no need for this bureaucratic meeting! I need to take my fiancée to choose a wedding dress!"
Watching him tenderly lead Selah away, I finally spoke up. "I’ve exercised the veto to prevent Veer Howell from taking control. As for whom you choose to vote for, whether it's him or the person I proposed, I trust your judgment."
Most present raised their hands to veto Veer Howell, and I couldn’t help but smile in satisfaction. The handover ceremony is tomorrow, and I wonder how long Veer Howell can keep up his bravado.
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