In a fancy restaurant, there are only five people. The businessmen who are about to be their business partners are Mr. Rodriguez, Dylan, Maureen, Venna, and Amethyst. Since Amethyst is not the type of person who always wants to talk about business, she only keeps her mouth shut. It was because she wanted to deal with numbers and money more than with businesses. That's why all her business fell.
It's quite funny for the core members of the La Xiena Mafia.As Dylan, Venna, and Maureen delved into discussions about potential business partnerships with Mr. Rodriguez, the atmosphere in the meeting room was charged with anticipation. It was because the business was profitable, and it would give them a greater foothold in other industries if it succeeded. And if it does not, it will only make them lose a little money, which isn't that heavy in their wallet. The reason why Dylan let Amethyst come with them was to make her comment about whether it was feasible or not, whether it cost them a lot or not. She may not know how to deal with businesses, but she knows how to deal with money and finances. They exchanged ideas and proposals, considering the various opportunities that lay before them."Dylan, what do you think about the proposal from Rodriguez Industries?" Venna asked, her brow furrowed in concentration as she studied the documents spread out on the table.She's the one who keeps on looking at the documents, as she has this kind of ability that makes her cautious all the time. This is also the reason why Dylan wanted her to be with him. Even though he knows how to deal with businesses, he still needed the reactions and comments of his own people.He's not someone who ignores people's comments after all.Dylan considered the proposal carefully, weighing the potential benefits against the risks involved. "It's definitely worth considering," he replied, his tone thoughtful. He looked at Venna and Maureen. "Their expertise in logistics could complement our operations quite well."Maureen nodded in agreement, her expression mirroring Dylan's seriousness. "And their network of suppliers could provide us with access to new markets," she added, her voice filled with enthusiasm.Just as they were about to delve deeper into their discussions, the door swung open, and the daughter of the businessman they were negotiating with entered the room. She sauntered over to the table with a confident stride, deliberately positioning herself beside Dylan.This made Maureen and Venna frown, and Amethyst's hand under the table was clenched. Why is this woman sitting beside Dylan? This woman is Mr. Rodriguez's daughter, and of course, they knew about her. It was because earlier, Mr. Rodriguez let them see his daughter's picture.She's not even that pretty. She's even prettier in the picture. Was it because of the filter?Amethyst wanted to glare at this woman but refrained herself. She doesn't want to cause Dylan trouble. After all, this woman is Mr. Rodriguez's daughter.Also, she seems to be more important than hers.Dylan offered her a polite smile, though Venna and Maureen exchanged wary glances. They wanted to clap their hands with this woman's thick skin. She really did not even give me a glance. She immediately sat down on Dylan's side, and her eyes were only on him. It was as if the three women in front of Dylan were only air. She's annoying, as Venna and Maureen thought. They knew all too well the potential complications that could arise from such a situation, and they silently resolved to keep a close eye on the proceedings.The businessman chuckled softly as he observed his daughter's bold move, a twinkle of amusement in his eyes. Since his daughter likes this man, it doesn't matter if he's just new in this industry. He could take advantage of it. "Ah, it seems my daughter has taken a liking to you, Mr. Villarosa," he remarked, his tone light-hearted but with a hint of mischief.Dylan maintained his composure, though Venna and Maureen couldn't help but shoot him disapproving glances. This pair of father and daughter really knows no shame at all! If only they had important business with them, they would have left this early! They knew the implications of the businessman's words, and they silently hoped that Dylan would handle the situation with tact.They wanted Dylan to handle it and make this woman disappear in front of them.The businessman seized the opportunity to mention his daughter's upcoming birthday, his words hanging in the air like an awkward cloud. "I heard you were hosting a party celebrating your special day," he announced, his gaze flickering between Dylan and his daughter.The daughter looked at Dylan with anticipation, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Would it be okay if you invited me to the party, Mr. Villarosa?" she asked, her voice tinged with hope.At this point, Venna and Maureen feel like they want to take this woman's hair out of her head. She really had the nerve to flirt in front of them. Wow, this woman is really interesting, to the point that they wanted her to be six feet under the ground.Dylan's smile remained polite, though inwardly he couldn't help but feel a sense of discomfort at the situation. "Of course, I'd be honored if you attended," he replied diplomatically, though Venna and Maureen exchanged disapproving glances.After the daughter left the room, the atmosphere grew tense as Dylan, Venna, and Maureen resumed their discussions. They delved into the details of the various proposals on the table, though their focus was somewhat diminished by the awkwardness of the earlier exchange.Venna and Maureen exchanged worried glances, silently urging Dylan to reconsider his decision to attend the party. They knew the potential complications that could arise from such a situation, and they were concerned about the impact it could have on their business negotiations.But Dylan remained resolute, unwilling to jeopardize the potential business deal for the sake of personal discomfort. He knew the importance of maintaining good relations with potential partners, even if it meant enduring a few uncomfortable social gatherings.As the meeting drew to a close, Dylan, Venna, and Maureen exchanged firm handshakes with the businessman, their minds already turning to the next steps in their negotiations. And as they made their way out of the meeting room, they couldn't help but feel a sense of unease at the prospect of attending the upcoming party.Later, as they reconvened in Dylan's office to debrief the meeting, the conversation turned to Amethyst, who had remained silent throughout the proceedings."So, what's your role in all of this, Amethyst?" Venna asked, her tone gentle but curious. Of course, it was because he saw how this businessman looked down on Amethyst just because she did not speak up during the meeting.She had no intention of letting this person look down on her friend.Amethyst raised her head, her expression guarded, as she met Venna's gaze. "I'm the company's personal accountant," she replied coolly, her voice devoid of emotion.The businessman's eyebrows shot up in surprise at her response, a newfound respect gleaming in his eyes. He hadn't expected such confidence and professionalism from someone in Amethyst's position, and he found himself reassessing his initial impression of her.As the meeting drew to a close, Dylan, Venna, Maureen, and Amethyst couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction at the progress they had made. Despite the unexpected obstacles they had encountered, they had managed to navigate the complexities of the negotiation process with skill and finesse, laying the groundwork for a promising partnership that held the potential to shape the future of their respective businesses.Not long after that, Mr. Rodriguez excused himself to visit the bathroom, and a brief moment of respite settled over the meeting room. However, the tranquility was shattered when Amethyst's phone rang, breaking the silence with its shrill tone. This kind of ringtone made Amethyst shiver in worry. With a furrowed brow, she glanced at the caller ID, and a flicker of concern crossed her features. She knew who the caller was by just hearing the ringtone."Excuse me," Amethyst murmured, rising from her seat and hastily exiting the room.Amethyst did not even bother to look for them. They only go out immediately.Venna and Maureen exchanged worried glances as they watched Amethyst leave, their concern evident in their furrowed brows and tense expressions. They knew that something was amiss, and they couldn't help but feel a pang of anxiety at the sight of Amethyst's troubled demeanor.Of course, they knew who the caller was. Whenever they call Amethyst, it is always followed by a series of misfortunes in Amethyst's life.Once Amethyst was out of earshot, Venna and Maureen turned their attention to Dylan, their eyes flashing with a mixture of frustration and accusation. They had seen the worry etched on Amethyst's face, and they were eager for answers.They couldn't take it anymore. First, this man let that other woman go to the party they planned for him, in front of the person who had been in love with him. How cruel he is! Venna and Maureen couldn't take it anymore.However, they were worried about amethyst. Venna looked at her boss. "Dylan, do you know what's going on with Amethyst?" Venna demanded, her voice tinged with frustration.Dylan met their gazes with a carefully neutral expression, feigning ignorance as he shook his head. "I'm not sure," he replied smoothly, his tone casual despite the tension in the room. "She didn't say anything to me."Venna and Maureen snorted. How could she say something if you always cut her out whenever she's talking?Venna and Maureen exchanged incredulous glances, their suspicions growing stronger with each passing moment. They knew that Dylan was keeping something from them, and they were determined to uncover the truth.Before they could press him further, Mr. Rodriguez returned to the room, his joyful demeanor masking any hint of the tension that had filled the air in his absence. With a smile, he resumed his seat at the head of the table, ready to continue their discussions.But Venna and Maureen couldn't shake the feeling of unease that lingered in the room. As they forced themselves to focus on the task at hand, their thoughts remained fixated on Amethyst and the mystery surrounding her sudden departure.Meanwhile, outside the meeting room, Amethyst leaned against the wall, her heart pounding in her chest as she listened to the voice on the other end of the line. She tried to maintain her composure, but the news she had just received had shaken her to the core.As she hung up the phone, a sense of dread settled over her, knowing that she needed to return to the meeting room and face whatever lay ahead. With a deep breath, she straightened her shoulders and steeled herself for what was to come.Back inside the meeting room, Venna and Maureen continued to shoot accusing glances at Dylan, their frustration simmering just beneath the surface. They knew that he was hiding something, and they were determined to uncover the truth, no matter what it took.Outside the meeting room, Amethyst's heart sank as she answered the call, recognizing the harsh tone of her father's voice immediately. As expected, they know nothing but to piss her off. "Amethyst, get your ass home right now!" he barked, his words laced with aggression and cruelty.Amethyst clenched her fist as she kept herself calm. She couldn't allow herself to burst out in anger at her father. It wasn't because she's afraid, but because she knew that if she said something, her mother would be in danger. She won't fight her father until her mother is safe and sound by her side. She must be obedient, but not too much to become a pushover.Amethyst's resolve faltered for a moment, but she quickly composed herself, steeling her nerves as she squared her shoulders. She took a deep breath. "I can't, Dad," she replied, her voice steady despite the tremor of fear that gripped her. There's a woman on Dylan's side who wants to be with him. So, she couldn't leave. "I have important work to
Amethyst sat quietly in the backseat of the taxi, the city lights blurring past through the rain-speckled window. He was biting his lower lip because of the series of misfortunes he had in his life. Add to that the pain that Dylan gave him.Amethyst was really wondering to herself, How did she manage all this?He came back to his senses when Amethyst heard the taxi driver's voice."Miss, are you okay? Where are you going?" asked the taxi driver.Hesitating whether to go or not, Amethyst still gave the address of her family's house. It's a villa in an exclusive subdivision; that's why, when the driver saw it, he was surprised. Even so, he did not speak or ask.The steady hum of the engine and the rhythmic patter of raindrops provided a soothing backdrop, but her mind was far from calm.It's really raining today. Heaven is with the pain he feels. How about it? At that dinner, even in front of you, Dylan was openly flirting with others.Yes, she has no right to be jealous, but doesn't sh
Amethyst just sighed. He really doesn't want to go home, but he can't do anything because his father and brothers won't stop him if he doesn't go home.What else do they need from her? She knows that whenever her father and three older brothers are like this, something bad will happen.She has a hunch.Even before she entered, she took a deep breath. It must be a long battle between her and her family.As soon as Amethyst set foot in her family's house, the door barely closed behind her when her father's voice sliced through the air.It's been said that she didn't make a mistake. These people definitely have something bad to say.It's tiring.Amethyst is getting tired of this setup all the time."Amethyst! Do you have any idea what time it is?" Carl's voice boomed from the living room.Because Amethyst was already expecting this, she didn't panic anymore. For where else? Panic or not, it makes no difference.Might as well stay calm.She took a deep breath and walked in, her shoulders
Why is it that everyone can forget that? Good thing she remembered.Amethyst had always known, deep down, that her place in the family was different. Because her family is different from everyone else, and the reason why her family is different from everyone else is the reason why Amethyst wants to get out of this family to the point that she wishes she was not born here. It was an unspoken rule, a legacy passed down through generations, that women in their family were seen as lesser. Amethyst doesn't know why this is still being preached to them when there are many more capable women than men. Just like her, Amethyst is more capable than her three brothers.The patriarchy had roots that dug deep, starting with her great-grandfather and continuing through her father and brothers.What a pity. Amethyst knows that this will be the reason for the downfall of her family.How did he say it? There are no women in this world who will accept being treated like trash. She doesn't even know how
The next morning, Amethyst sighed when she got up. That's why she doesn't want to go home to her family's house and sleep here; she doesn't get rest but tiredness.The family gathered around the breakfast table. The smell of eggs and bacon filled the air, but the atmosphere was nothing but tension.Amethyst is still unable to get used to the atmosphere of the whole family when they are together, especially when eating. He doesn't know because sometimes Amethyst feels like she's at her funeral, and sometimes she feels like she's at a business meeting.Amethyst sat quietly, picking at her food, while Carl's voice cut through the room like a knife.Still, nothing has changed. It's early morning, but the mouth still doesn't stop scolding Amethyst. This is also one of the reasons why Amethyst is so tired of this family.Besides being biased towards men, they also don't care about her. Well, Amethyst doesn't care about them either, but it's just tiring to act according to their wishes."Ame
The tension at the breakfast table was palpable. Well, it's always like this whenever they eat together. If it was possible, Amethyst wouldn't want to eat with them anymore. Amethyst sat with her head down, her eyes reflecting a sense of hopelessness that did not go unnoticed by her aunt, Alice. Her aunt, Alice, has always been keen. He is more observant than Carl. Maybe that's the reason it's still alive. Her keen eye made her live this long.Seeing her niece's distress, Alice decided it was time to intervene.She has been silent several times, but now she won't let her say anything. Alice does not want to repeat what happened to her other two nieces."Carl, this isn't fair," Alice said, her voice steady but firm. He couldn't understand why his brother had the same attitude as their father. "You can't place this burden on Amethyst's shoulders. She deserves to choose her own path, just like anyone else."Of course, that's because he knows the reason why he wants to marry Amethyst to s
The family gathered around the dining table for a meal, the tension from the previous night lingering in the air. Well, no one else knows about the conversation between Amethyst's aunt and her father, which is why others are wondering about the tension around them.Well, that's not new either, because Amethyst is here and eating with them.Amethyst sat quietly, pushing her food around her plate as she tried to gather the courage to speak. She is not afraid, so she has no courage. Amethyst is not afraid of herself but of her mother and aunt. After all, when she leaves here, those two girls will be left at home.She had spent the entire day thinking about what she needed to say, and now, as her family chatted around her, she knew the moment had come.She can't postpone it anymore because her father and three brothers might get the right time and chances.Carl, her father, sat at the head of the table, his demeanor as stern as ever. He was talking to Larry about their business, and as us
Because of what Amethyst said, the dining room was silent. The surrounding area was immediately surrounded by tension after Amethyst's declaration that she would not allow them to be controlled.Immediately, Carl's face, which had been relatively calm before, changed. Carl's face was a mask of rage, his fists clenching and unclenching on the table.Amethyst couldn't believe she had a father like this, and Carl couldn't believe he had a daughter like this either.Both of them think like this."How dare you defy me?" he hissed, his voice low and dangerous.Because of his power in the family, no one defies his wishes. Also, because of the family's teaching, whoever is the patriarch has strength in the family. Now that Amethyst had declared that she would not control them, she felt like she had been slapped in the face.No one has ever done this to him.Before Amethyst could react, Carl's hand shot out, striking her across the face. The slap echoed through the room, and Amethyst staggered