Progun was a company focused on household supplies. It started with high-quality products to combat various insects and became well-known for its wide range of mosquito repellents.
Over time, Progun expanded into other daily consumer sectors. Many acquisitions were made, venturing into air fresheners, shoe polish, soap, and various everyday food products. At least, additional items such as soy sauce, sauce, tea, syrup, juice, and bread had solidified Progun’s position.
Talking about Progun was always associated with billions of dolar in value and the pride that came with it.
“Enjoy it while you can, Jon. Because once I decide to take it back, you won’t get anything.”
Jonas scoffed. “You’re too confident, Reas.”
“Not without reason. You should realize that too, Jonas. Fate works that way. Your mother could marry our father because our mother allowed it. You could have Nadine because I let her go. You can manage Progun now because I didn’t want to keep it. So…”
Andreas took a breath, and now he was truly relaxed. Relaxed enough to conclude his statement.
“… if you provoke me even once, I will take everything back. Everything, except Nadine. Now I will remain faithful to Vlora.”
Finishing their conversation, Andreas reached for Vlora’s hand and placed a gentle kiss on the back of it.
Jonas decided to rise from his seat. The intimate scene displayed by Andreas made him feel nauseous rather than the family’s shameful remarks.
“Don’t you want to continue this conversation over dinner?” It was not Andreas who asked. Unexpectedly, Vlora glanced at Jonas and displayed the standard courtesy expected of a future in-law.
Unfortunately, Jonas found the offer less appealing than the fact he had almost missed. Throughout Jonas and Andreas’ debate, Vlora had been silently listening without giving the normal response-at least, the response Jonas considered normal.
“You don’t care about Andreas’ life at all? You’ll regret it, Vlo. You’ll be left behind, just like the other women.”
Vlora gave a slight smile and let her hand continue to be held by Andreas. “I won’t let Andreas leave me. If he does anything to jeopardize our relationship, I will be the one to leave him.”
Andreas’ eyes sparkled upon hearing Vlora’s words. His gaze expressed admiration.
“When that happens, I can guarantee that I will be the one at a loss.”
Jonas could only gape in disbelief at Andreas and Vlora’s confidence. He felt sick and decided to leave right then and there.
Andreas chuckled with amusement. He let Jonas leave with a faint laughter.
“Didn’t you get offended by our conversation?”
Dinner, which had been interrupted by Jonas’ arrival, continued. Spoons and forks moved harmoniously as the owner enjoyed each bite.
“Don’t worry. After all, isn’t this what I like? A truly dynamic life.”
Andreas nodded. “You have a tendency to seek adrenaline.”
Various spices danced in Vlora’s mouth, indulging her taste buds. She let out a soft sigh while savoring the delicious flavors.
“Your relationship with Jonas is just as bad as your relationship with your father.”
“Of course. Isn’t that normal? Papa loves his mistress more than his first wife.”
Vlora’s chewing paused. She glanced and found Andreas seemingly relaxed as he spoke.
“Honestly, Jonas benefited when I decided to run away from my arranged marriage.”
Vlora guessed. “Has nothing to do with Nadine, does it?”
“Not at all,” Andreas smirked. “Jonas may be older, but I have a higher position in the family hierarchy. I am the first wife’s child.”
Vlora nodded, understanding.
“Jonas knows that his presence was never truly acknowledged by Nana. Even if he has the Sanders name, it doesn’t mean anything. You know it. Women can be sentimental when it comes to the second wife and affairs, especially when those relationships produce a child.”
There was a tainted face. A tarnished reputation. The Sanders family, as the party that broke the promise, could do nothing but prove to the world that they condemned such forbidden relationships.
“Nana had to hate them if she wanted Progun to continue to thrive for a long time. Mama could easily ask for Morales family’s help. The Morales family has been passive in the competition between Progun and Lostic, which is held by Ariel Sebastian Ramirez.”
Of course. Marriages for business gains always come with the risk of business losses.
“Although it can’t be fully said that Nana hated them because of that,” Andreas continued, shaking his head repeatedly. He looked at Vlora. “In Nana’s eyes, Papa is a disobedient child. He defied and ruined the pride that had been attached to the Sanders name. It can be said that Nana has lost face in front of the world.”
After briefly outlining the situation in his family, Andreas sighed and weighed his thoughts.
“If I marry and have offspring, Nana will undoubtedly support me even more. Mama’s shares are significant as well. So, if Mama and Nana support me, Jonas will undoubtedly be ousted.”
Vlora took the final bite before setting down her spoon and fork. She shifted her attention to a glass of water.
“Why don’t you do it, then?”
Andreas looked at his empty plate, smiling meaningfully. “Exploiting the people around me so openly isn’t my style at all. I prefer to make plans that will attract people naturally. They need to see that I deserve it not just because of family hierarchy.”
It was not difficult for Vlora to understand Andreas’ thought process. He did not want to be underestimated and seen as having privileges solely because he was a recognized child-although that was indeed the case.
Andreas wanted a fair fight. He wanted to defeat Jonas without any blemishes. His head would be held high, and Jonas would have no reason to belittle his achievements.
“For all that…”
Andreas turned his gaze and focused on Vlora. He smiled as he reached for her hand, giving it a gentle caress.
“… you will be the beginning of it. I can assure you that Nana will be thrilled to see my chosen woman.”
“What about the possibility of the opposite? Perhaps your grandma won’t like me, just like your father, Reas.”
“That’s the good thing here, Vlo. Everything Papa dislikes is what Nana likes, and vice versa. So, it’s not surprising to see Papa not loving Mama while Mama is Nana’s favorite daughter-in-law. They have different perspectives.”
Vlora nodded repeatedly with a different expression. “It seems like your family is very dynamic.”
That word successfully made Andreas grin widely. He admired Vlora’s ability to deliver amusing satire despite the sad facts.
“So, now you understand why I’m so excited to have you?”
There was no need to explain it twice. Vlora clearly understood Andreas’ intentions.
“Of course.”
*