Chapter 4-A grand family affair

Emily’s POV

Leon wanted to ask me something — probably about what the hell that was all about — but I wasn’t in the mood and shot him a look which meant don’t ask. 

Driving to the hotel, I was extremely nervous. Not just because of what had happened, but more so because I was going to see my father very soon. It had been a long time since our last face-to-face meeting…

You see, much to the horror of my parents, and especially my father, I had left home all those years ago in search of a normal life. It wasn’t that I didn’t appreciate the childhood I’d been fortunate enough to have. And it wasn’t because I didn’t enjoy the finer things. But I had longed for something more, something to achieve on my own. 

The last conversation between my father and I often played on my mind. 

“Emily, my dear daughter. You’re now no longer a girl, and I’ve always envisioned you joining the company one day…” My father had shared with me. 

Although I was the youngest, and a woman, the family always teased I was the most like Father out of the three siblings. 

Maybe that’s what pushed me to move away and pave my own path? But I had ended up marrying Fred and had spent the last three years unhappy. 

Will Father blame me for leaving? I had never asked him. Reunited with my family now, I couldn’t help but wonder if I had made the right decision back then. 

Leon drove us to the entrance of the Grand Opal, and the valet parking servicemen opened the doors for myself and my two brothers. Leon handed the keys to one of them, and I stepped out of the Jag. 

Unhooking my shimmering silk cape, I gave it to one of the servants standing nearby, revealing my figure-hugging evening gown topped with a sparkly antique diamond brooch — a family heirloom handed down from my grandmother. 

Gathering my thoughts, and linking my arms with my brothers on either side of me, we entered the hotel. 

“Oh wow, they’ve really outdone themselves this time!” I gasped, staring at the red, pink and white Ecuadorian roses filling the corners of every space. 

“All thanks to Mum. You know her,” Richard replied. Our mother had impeccable taste, and it showed. Even the long spiral staircase was adorned in flowers, no detail left unturned. 

“Well actually,” piped Leon, “it was Father who flew in the tens of thousands of flowers via international overnight courier. Anything for his daughter, and only the best, as we know.” 

The waiters standing nearby pushed open the ornate doors of the banquet hall. As we stepped inside, the lights suddenly dimmed, creating a soft glow across the massive room; the sound of Tchaikovsky’s ‘Waltz of the Flowers’ filling the air.

“Ladies and gentlemen, let’s welcome Miss Emily from the AirLoft Group!” announced the host, signaling our arrival to the guests inside. 

A massive applause broke out, so loud I could barely hear my thoughts. Look at all these people here. Goodness, Father has even invited celebrities from around the world to attend my party! The crowds were a little overwhelming, but I composed myself and gleamed. 

I had been to a few important events with Fred over the years, but nothing quite as extravagant as this one. “Just breathe, Em. You’re doing great. They are all here for you,” giving myself a silent motivational speech. 

Richard gave my arm an encouraging squeeze, and we made our way in. My parents were standing nearest to us, smiling from ear to ear. My brothers let go of my arms, straightening their tuxedo jackets as we approached Father and Mother.  

Our father was still the monumental CEO, and my brothers always behaved a little more dutifully when around him. I, on the other hand, had never felt the need; my father always doted on me, no matter how I acted. It was a fact I was always aware of since young, and it had always left me feeling pangs of guilt. 

“But now is not the time to worry about that, Em,” I reminded myself. 

Throughout the night, my father proudly introduced me to every guest as one of the family heirs. His grand sentiments touched my heart; the attention and thoughtfulness of this banquet and his careful arrangements even more so above anything.

How silly of me to think he would blame me. Like the true gentleman he was, it was only my well-being he cared for. 

“Let’s not dwell on it tonight, poppet, but just so one thing is clear. No one is allowed to cause my daughter harm. And if anyone tries or has tried to, I will make them pay the price. That’s all, I will not speak of the matter again,” my father declared to me at one point in the night. And I knew by his firm tone to leave it at that. 

“Thank you, Papa. There’s much to talk about, but you’re right, now is not the right time,” I responded. “I did want to ask you, though, if you’re certain about me taking over the family business? I can tell by your introductions to our guests, that’s your plan.” 

And the more I thought about it, the more I wanted it, too. 

“You can start by managing a subsidiary of the firm. It’s an excellent way to test your abilities, my darling.” 

“Plus, Em, you’ve got Richard and I to help get you started,” added Leon, who was standing nearby. “We’re always here for you. But we know how capable you are. You’re a force, dear sister.” 

In past attempts to hide my true identity, I had never utilized my business talents. But I had also studied at Harvard Business School, just like my brothers and father, and had obtained not just one, but a double degree. 

I had always been confident in my talents, even as a girl. The last few years had taken a knock to my confidence, but that was all about to change. I would let Fred know what an incredible woman he had given up if it was the last thing I did. 

Even if not just for Fred, but for myself!