The Announcement

“Grandma, what is this family dinner about?” 

Dario, the youngest grandson of old Grandma Katherine, asked curiously, interrupting the silent dinner. It was unusual for their family to dine together unless there was an announcement to make. 

Atlas, the eldest grandson, paused to hear his mother's response. He knew there was no important announcement to make aside from announcing who she was going to hand over the company to. 

“I called everyone, including your brother, Alden, who just returned from Country D, to announce who I was going to hand over the company to,” the old woman replied before she continued eating. 

Atlas chuckled at his grandma's words. Every action she took was unpredictable. Wasn't it obvious that he was the one she was going to hand over the company to? Was there any need to inform his brothers instead of announcing it to the press?

“Atlas, why did you laugh? What is so funny about my words?” She asked with a serious look on her face. 

Atlas hesitated before he replied, “It is just funny to me. Why invite the boy who ran away from this mansion ten years ago? Besides, why is there a need to announce it here instead of the press?”

Alden, who suddenly became the topic of conversation, let go of his cutlery. He raised his gaze to watch his brother and grandmother with a bright smile on his face. 

“I called him over because I was going to hand over the Crawford group to him. I don't want it to come as a surprise to any of you,” she replied coldly, not caring how much those words hurt both Atlas and Aziel, whose sacrifices were the reason the company was still at the top. 

Just like Atlas, Aziel also had his own expectations. Even though he was the second grandson, he still hoped for things his older brother wanted. Not only that, he worked harder than anyone in the Crawford group. 

Grandma Katherine's words made everyone's eyes widen in awe. Alden wasn't left out. 

How can his grandma hand over the company to him when he has been away for ten years and literally hasn't done anything for the company? Maybe their grandma was making a joke like usual. 

Before Alden could ask any questions, Atlas asked, “Grandma, why are you giving him the company when he has zero right to own one percent of it? I am the best candidate, but no! You chose him over me. It's been him over the rest of us! When will you even appreciate our hard work and let us have what we deserve?”

“Yes! When will you even consider the fact that Atlas and I were the reason Crawford was still the number one in the business world? I wonder if you will even give me anything after all these years of hard work,” Aziel voiced out before Grandma Katherine could speak up. 

Grandma Katherine let go of her cutlery before she raised her gaze to stare at her grandsons. “Among the both of you, who deserves the company? Atlas, who steals the company money, planted the seed of corruption or the fact that he was a murderer? Or you, Aziel, who always indulges in one scandal after another and is sued for sexual harassment?”

“Grandma!” Atlas yelled. “Steal? Did you think the company would still function without my help? Or the help of the corruption I planted?” He asked without an ounce of shame.

Grandma Katherine chuckled at his childish behavior. Only if she knew he wouldn't change, she wouldn't have given him the benefit of doubt. She should have allowed him to keep living as a murderer rather than Crawford's eldest grandson. 

“Hmm, let's see about that. Maybe the company will fall when your brother becomes the CEO,” she said, a curl smile on the corner of her lips. 

“But grandma, can't you–”

Before Aziel could complete his statement, Grandma Katherine cut him off. “Can't what? I already made my decisions and i don't care if it doesn't go well with anyone.”

Alden, who had been watching them, smiled brightly. It wasn't supposed to look funny, but it seemed so to him. He found it unbelievable to still see how energetic Grandma Katherine was. She hadn't changed a bit. 

“Alden, I will only hand over the company to you if you get married. Prove to the public that you can lead Crawford and aren't gay.” With that, she stood up and left. 

She had always been this way. Always prioritizing the public's opinion over her family. After she lost her eldest son and daughter-in-law in a ghastly accident because of her family's opinion, she made up her mind not to care about her family's thoughts. That was one of the reasons Alden left home; she just wouldn't give him the chance to explain. 

Ten years ago, he was sexually harassed by his uncle's friend and framed. He was accused of seducing his uncle's friend into kissing him when it was the other way around. He was just like every other boys with one difference: he doesn't love anyone. 

“Are you going to shamelessly accept that position, Alden?” Aziel asked harshly. 

“Instead of asking him when you know Grandma has already decided, why not accept your fate?” Dario replied with a question in place of Alden. 

Alden used the opportunity to walk out of the dining room. He knew if he waited longer, it would lead to a fight between them. 

On his way out of his mansion, his elder brother stopped him. Atlas walked up to him before leaning closely. “Alden, reject Grandma's offer or—”

“Or what? I already accept it. Expect me as your new boss, elder brother,” he whispered back to Atlas before he walked away. 

He got into his car before he drove out of the parking lot. He drove off to his favorite restaurant. The restaurant used to be his first love's favorite restaurant. He always loved going there anytime he was confused or going through hardship, he found solace there. 

After he arrived, he alighted from his car and walked into the restaurant that hadn't changed from how it was ten years ago. 

“Alden, you are back in the city?” 

The moment he walked in, the owner of the restaurant hurried to him before she asked. 

“Yeah. This time, I am back for good,” he replied, smiling. 

He sat down close to the window. He enjoyed watching the beautiful atmosphere as he ate. 

“Here is your favorite chicken-fried steak. I wish I knew you were coming, I would have prepared something better,” the old woman said sadly. 

“Haha. Madam Flora, I am no longer that nineteen-year-old boy you used to know.” The both of them laughed at his words, reminded of good old times. 

Madam Flora returned to her kitchen, leaving Alden to enjoy his meal. 

Meanwhile, Olivia was over the corner, watching the man whom she had been waiting for almost an hour. He wasn't as she thought. He seemed simple and nice, making her wonder if he was really the man she had been waiting for. 

She stood up and walked up to him. Without waiting for him to say anything, she sat down on the chair facing him. “Good afternoon. Can I join you?”

“Why ask when you already did?” He replied, his gaze not leaving his food. 

She clenched her teeth as she tried to keep her composure. “Oh. I am Olivia, you?” She asked again, sounding awkward. 

“I am sorry, I don't tell strangers my name,” he said, a faint smile on his face. 

“We can be more than strangers, Alden,” she called out his name, amusing him. 

He chuckled at her words, not revealing the fact that he was amused that she knew his name. Maybe he might be a lady Atlas sent to ruin his mood. 

“I am sorry. Can you let me eat in peace?”

She moved her face closer before she proceeded with her actual plan, trying her best not to sound awkward. “Mr. Kendrick, marry me.”

He raised his gaze to stare at her face, which was close to his, before he asked, “Why should I marry you?”