Chapter 11: The Request for Reconciliation
The morning after the dinner party, New York City Hall.
Chad and Vianna sat side by side on the hallway chairs, their appearances immaculate, maintaining a calm demeanor. Despite Chad’s humiliation at the dinner party the night before, they had scheduled this. meeting with Richard a week ago.
In their view, money could restore lost pride. To abandon an opportunity for profit over wounded pride would be foolish. So, they behaved as if the previous evening had never happened and arrived early to meet Richard, hoping to discuss the municipal project.
Mayor Richard’s assistant, Mara Claire, emerged from the office. Vianna immediately rose to greet her,
“Good morning, Miss Claire, Vianna said, her voice friendly.
Vianna had learned that Mara was the daughter of Mary Claire, president of the Women’s Rights Association. Last night, Chad had donated two million dollars to the association on behalf of the Weatherfield Group
But Mara’s expression remained cold. I’m sorry. The mayor reviewed Weatherfield Group’s profile and found that your firm does not meet the requirements for the municipal project. He doesn’t want to waste your time!”
Vianna and Chad exchanged stunned glances. Vianna refused to give up. “There must be some misunderstanding. Could we have a moment with the mayor to clarify?”
I’m sorry,” Mara replied, her tone unchanging. “The mayor’s schedule is full. Please, take your leave.”
Vianna’s expression hardened. “I hope he considers the votes of the tens of thousands of employees and their families who work for the Weatherfield Group.”
Chad stood abruptly, his face dark with frustration. Without another word, he turned and walked away Vianna and their entourage hurried after him.
“This was deliberate, Vianna muttered under her breath. “There are a hundred ways for Richard to tactfully reject cooperation. Instead, he chose the most direct and brutal way to humiliate us.” Chad remained silent, his mind racing.
Was it because of Amelia? No, impossible. Richard was a politician, driven by votes. She wasn’t worth jeopardizing a billion–dollar project.
He gave a cold command. “Fix this with Mara. I want to know why Richard did this.”
“And you?” Vianna asked
Chad didn’t respond. He pulled out his phone, staring at the contact name on the screen: “Parasite.”
The word glared back at him, like a slap in the face.
After hesitating for two seconds, he made the call,
Amelia, still lying in bed, was awakened by the ringing phone. She rubbed her sleepy eyes before picking it up. Seeing Chad’s name, she hesitated briefly but answered, her voice icily indifferent
“What do you want?”
Chad got straight to the point. “What’s your relationship with Richard?”
“You called me first thing in the morning just to ask this? Are you insane?”
Amelia hung up without waiting for a response and immediately blocked his number before rolling over to continue her sleep.
Chad was about to call again when his phone rang. It was his father, Joseph.
Chad realized his parents must have heard about last night’s events. After a moment’s hesitation, he answered.
Joseph’s voice was low, simmering with restrained anger. “Why didn’t you tell us about the divorce?”
In the background, Chad could hear his mother shouting. But Joseph was less concerned about the marriage itself and more focused on other matters. I’m at City Hall Chad replied tersely.
His mother’s voice faded, and Joseph’s tone softened slightly. “Did you meet with Richard? What did he say?”
I didn’t meet him. His secretary said we don’t meet the project requirements.”
There was a long silence on the other end. Just as Chad felt the tension tightening around him, Joseph spoke again, his voice disturbingly calm “Come home. Now. We need to talk.”
Inside the study of the Weatherfield estate, Joseph’s eyes narrowed dangerously.
I
“You promised me you would secure this project,” he said. “So why didn’t you meet with Richard last night? Why did you leave? I need an explanation!” Chad stood before the desk, his head lowered, unable to meet his father’s gaze.
“Politics isn’t a game, son, Joseph sneered.
“Richard is a mayor His world revolves around votes, achievements, and power. Do you think he’d sabotage a billion–dollar project for a woman?” Rising from his chair, Joseph loomed over Chad.
“The problem is your arrogance. You think being a capitalist makes you untouchable, that he’s merely a spokesperson for your money.” It’s my fault… Chad’s shoulders tensed.
Joseph didn’t deny it. Instead, he shifted the conversation. “Richard’s been single since his divorce. But last night, he chose Amelia.” Histone grew pointed. “What does that tell you? She matters to him”
Chad’s face turned ashen. “What are you getting at?”
Seeing his reaction, Joseph didn’t mince words. “Arrange a meeting with her. Apologize. Win her back.”
“Whether you have to beg for reconciliation or use Luna’s custody as leverage, I need you to secure this project. At any cost”
“That’s impossible!” Chad snapped, his voice shaking with rage.
Joseph’s expression hardened, “Chad Weatherfield, this is not a request–it’s an order. You have three days. If you fail, your brother will replace you. And perhaps Richard’s issue isn’t with Weatherfield Group, but with you”
Chad clenched his fists so tightly that the wounds from the shattered wine glass reopened, stinging with humiliation
Even though the divorce had been finalized, the thought of Amelia currying favor with another man was unbearable. And he refused to use Luna as a bargaining chip.
But Joseph’s unyielding gaze crushed any resistance. Chad knew that defying his father would strip him of everything. He’d become the very parasite he despised, living off monthly family fund disbursements His father only cared about the family’s collective interests. Anyone could be sacrificed.
Chad took a moment, his voice emotionless. “Yes, Father.”
Joseph’s tone remained cold. “This is your last chance. Leave through the back door. Your mother is furious, and you don’t have time to explain.”
As the car pulled away from the estate, Chad tried calling Amelia again. When the call didn’t go through, he sent her a message
“The court hearing is approaching. We need to talk”
The message was marked as read, but there was no response.
A minute later, his screen lit up with a reply from Amelia.
There’s nothing to discuss. And tell your mother to stop harassing me!”
Chad frowned, his thumb hovering over the keyboard. After two seconds, he typed:
“We can discuss Luna’s custody”
The reply came instantly.
“Time and place”
Chad’s
Chad’s gaze fell on the bright neon sign outside Joanne’s Cafe.
