What Do We Win?

“Life had been quite hard for me when the father of my children kept on leaving us for his work.” Delta prepared a story for everyone to hear. “It came to a point where I started incurring debts. However, I ran into Wolfram, and something instantly clicked between the two of us. Since there were no troubles, we decided to get married.”

Delta looked up at the father, hoping he wouldn’t make things difficult for her. “It wasn’t long before the new building was inaugurated and opened.”

Trisha decided to interfere again. “No troubles? So, you have children with a man that was not married to you in any way? Kept on leaving you for work? Maybe you’re just stalking him in hopes to get his attention and make him responsible for your kids.”

She then turned to Wolfram. “That woman is obviously just trying to turn you into a cash card. Sooner or later, she will ask you for the most expensive gifts and let her dump her children on you. Are you sure you want to stay married to a woman like that?”

“If she wanted that to happen, then she wouldn’t be asking me to get her a position in the company.” Wolfram waved a hand, shocking Delta inwardly. “She’s not a trophy wife, Trisha. You should be able to tell the difference between Delta and you—sorry, I mean, a trophy wife.”

“…!” Trisha would say something, but David cleared his throat again. She couldn’t defy the father now that he was the one who interrupted.

David then stared at Delta. “You want a position in the Marcille Faction? Interesting. Do you have any special skills to impress me? If you manage, I will even award you a VP position. It’s not that hard since Wolfram dies in that building every day.”

Delta stared at the old man. She didn’t realize the Marcille Faction was that hopeless with Wolfram at the helm. However, she didn’t want to create an opportunity to get Wolfram kicked out. “I don’t think I’m the right person to take on Wolfram’s work, but I can support him in making the Marcille Faction a worthy member of Colton Industries.

“I used to work in research and development. Even if I deal with medicine more, I can bring my work ethic to accomplish the same results while working with building companies and programs.” Delta smiled sweetly as if going through an interview.

“Research and development… medicine…” David lifted his brows. He then glanced at Zenon. “Ah, isn’t the Rhea Faction in charge of medical technology and its related services? Aren’t you interested in hiring her instead, Zenon?”

“With all due respect, Dad, I don’t want to recruit the unqualified for a high position. The seriousness of our work will greatly be affected, even if it’s just one woman.” Zenon turned his nose up. “If she doesn’t know more than that, I can only give her an entry position in the lab.”

David stared before looking at Yuri. “She has no knowledge of the infrastructure industry, Yuri. If you were Wolfram, would you have someone like her stay by your side?”

Yuri turned to his father. As expected, the final decision was placed on his shoulders again. He didn’t mind. His father was already sick and old; he shouldn’t ask his father to think long and hard anymore. That was why he just smiled in Wolfram’s direction.

“Wolfram’s trajectory is on a downward trend. Whether she joins him or not, we are seeing bad results already. I don’t think it’s too much of a risk to put them together.” Yuri caught Wolfram’s glare. “I believe Wolfram also knows that. There’s nothing much to lose if they both failed.”

“…and if we succeed?” Delta asked gently. “Will we win something from you, Yuri?”

Yuri smiled in return. “Reverence. Utmost respect.”

Delta smiled back. Wolfram suddenly chucked her out there to be fed to the company. Even if she was hoping to work in the mesmerizing building she once saw, she didn’t want to stand out too much. However, that couple over there…

While it was true that she had no presence on the surface, she didn’t like the sound of Zenon calling her unqualified. If he was just an old geezer, she would have let him off. He just had to be that woman’s husband. The child was innocent, but the parents kept on attacking her for appearing next to Wolfram. It was a natural reaction, but they didn’t stop after two times. 

“…so, how do you know if they failed?” Xander moved closer to the table, pouring wine into his glass again. He even did the same for his girlfriend. “You don’t expect the Marcille Faction to earn a lot of money within the year, right?”

“No, but all factions get graded by the board at the end of the year. Eight months is long enough for substantial projects to be sealed and signed. Some of them would even enter the second phase.” Yuri smiled. He raised buildings for his hotels, so he was a little familiar. “The scoring system is dependent on a lot of factors. I’m sure getting in touch with Colton Financial will guide you pretty well.”

Delta nodded. “What kind of scores are we expected to compete with? Are we expected to have a passing score of a hundred percent?”

Yuri shook his head. “Both Hermia and Amara operated for more than a decade now, yet none of them had reached a hundred percent. My Amara Faction continues to be on top with 95% yearly. After Father’s exit, our uncle struggles to keep Hermia above 80%. The Rhea Faction keeps on hitting 89% every year. Though this year, I wish to see an improvement to make up for the losses of the Hermia Faction.

“That is why the establishment of the Marcille Faction must be held on a high pedestal. The Hermia Faction can be revived upon the guidance of a good President. Training Xander may be a good solution.” Yuri’s expression was growing serious. “However, the Marcille Faction’s foundations must be built properly. Else, it will crash down and drag the whole group with it.

“Wolfram is failing to keep the faction afloat because of his aversion to work. It has nothing to do with his competence or skills.” Yuri pulled on his lips. “If you can motivate him, he might pull off wonders. If you need help in figuring out his working personality, I can give you a clue: he enjoys playing simulation games more than office work.”

When Yuri mentioned simulation games, Delta quickly thought about Wolfram’s so-called Red Core Secret Squad. Could he be in charge of things like that more than what their giant company needs on the surface? This Yuri looked like he was too diplomatic to think like a soldier. She only needed to take a glance at Wolfram to find the answer to her question.

Delta then smiled. “I understand. So, what number do you wish to see on the year-end report?”

Yuri gently shrugged. “I will commend you for hitting at least 75% as the Marcille Faction is a newborn. However, if you can surpass Rhea, I will grant you a seat on the board.”

With a mischievous smile, he glanced at the glaring Zenon. “I can even give you his seat if you impress me too much, Ms. Hart.”