The crisp sound of Rebecca munching on snacks filled the room. Her legs were crossed over each other, and the soft glow of the TV light cast shadows in the room. Mira’s voice broke the peaceful atmosphere Rebecca was enjoying.
“Mom, I’m back,” Mira said, sauntering into the living room. Her clicking heels announced her arrival, and Rebecca’s hand froze mid-air, a snack hovering near her mouth.
Mira smiled at her mom as she walked up to her on the sofa. “Good day, mom.” She greeted, sitting beside her mom giving her a bear hug, and pecking her cheeks.
“Oh, my darling daughter, I’ve missed you,” Rebecca said, caressing her daughter’s hair as they exchanged pleasantries.
“Where’s dad?” Mira asked her mom, her eyes searching everywhere. It was late already; he should have been back from the company.
Rebecca sighed at the mention of her husband. “Your father has been drinking since the last time you and Daniel were here. The company is on the verge of bankruptcy.” Rebecca explained all that had been happening at home recently to her daughter.
Mira’s expression turned serious as she listened to her mother’s words. She could feel a knot forming in her stomach as she thought about her family’s financial struggles. She had always known that her father’s company was struggling, but she had no idea it was this bad.
“What should we do, mom?” Mira asked concern etched on her face. “Can’t we just… I don’t know, sell some assets or something?”
Rebecca sighed, her eyes clouding over with worry. “It’s not that simple, sweetie. Your father’s company is in deep debt. We’ve already sold most of our assets, but it’s still not enough. I’m afraid we might lose everything if we’re not careful.”
As if remembering something, Rebecca’s expression turned serious. “It’s that wretched girl’s fault. Had she given her father her mother’s legacy, all this wouldn’t be happening.” Rebecca spat, her anger and frustration boiling over.
Mira’s face fell as she listened to her mother’s words. She had always taken her family’s wealth for granted, never thinking that it could all be taken away. She felt a surge of determination rises within her. She would do whatever it took to save her family’s company, even if it meant going down the drain.
“Don’t worry, Mom,” Mira said, trying to sound confident. “I’ll take care of it. I’ll make sure that our family’s company is saved, no matter what it takes. If I had to torture Lina into submission, I would go to any length to get that legacy from her.” She said, her voice dripping with venom.
Rebecca looked at her daughter, a mixture of concern and admiration on her face. “Mira, I don’t know what you’re planning, but please be careful. You are my only daughter, and I couldn’t bear to lose you.” This was the first time Rebecca warned Mira not to be too rash when it came to Lina.
Mira smiled, a determined glint in her eye. “Don’t worry, mom. I know what I’m doing. By the way, I have news about Lina.” Her mother’s interest was piqued again.
“Really, where did that bitch run away to?” Rebecca asked, her voice laced with malice.
Mira gritted her teeth, bracing herself for her mother’s reaction. “Mom, I know you won’t believe me, but… Lina is married now.” Mira’s face fell as she delivered the news.
Rebecca’s eyes widened in shock, and she looked like she had been punched in the gut. “What? Are you telling the truth?” she asked, her voice trembling with rage.
Mira nodded, and Rebecca’s face turned red with anger. “Did you know who she married?” Rebecca asked, her voice venomous.
Mira hesitated before speaking. “Mom, I know you won’t believe me, but… Lina married Raymond Walton, the most influential and wealthy entrepreneur in the country.” Mira’s words hung in the air like a challenge.
Just then, Jason walked into the room, a look of urgency on his face. “Mira, is what you said just now true?” he asked, his voice filled with happiness.
Mira stood up, a mixture of emotions on her face. “Dad, when did you arrive?” she asked, trying to compose herself.
Jason’s gaze swept the room, taking in the tension and anger that hung in the air. “I arrived just now,” he said, his voice calm and measured. “And I couldn’t help but overhear your conversation. Mira, tell me, how did you find out about Lina’s marriage?” Jason asked, his eyes narrowing slightly as he gazed at Mira.
“A friend of mine told me about this, but I don’t know how true this information is.” Mira tried making her father doubtful of the information. She wouldn’t let her father think Lina was better than her, ever. The calculating gaze in Jason’s eyes dims a little at Mira’s words. His mind has already gone far on how he would milk his son-in-law, forgetting Raymond wasn’t someone he could catch under his wings.
“What? Did you think that heartless girl would save our family?” Rebecca said hurriedly seeing that calculated expression on her husband’s face.
Jason nodded his gaze on his wife. “If what Mira said is true, she wouldn’t be so cruel not to help out. And remember that the owner of the company is special to her. Did you think she wouldn’t ask her husband to help if I used her deceased mother to persuade her?” Even if they beat Jason to death, he won’t admit that it was his deceased wife who owned the company.
“That’s right Dad. If this news is true, big sis would surely help out.” Mira knows Lina is a naive girl. As far as her mother’s name is mentioned, there is nothing she won’t do. The family of three eyes brightened as they dwell in their thoughts.
As they were deep in thought, the doorbell rang, shattering the tense atmosphere. “I will go get it.” Mira was the first to walk to the door.
Her heart was heavy with each step she took. She felt uneasy. As she opened the door, she saw two men at the door, one short and fat, while the other was tall. Mira didn’t know them. As she was about to speak, the short fat man interrupted her by bringing out his ID card. Mira was shocked to see their identity on the white shiny ID card.
“What’s taking you so long Mira? Who is there?” Jason walked towards Mira a moment after he saw that she wasn’t moving from the door.
“Good day Mr Lockwood, it’s nice to meet you once again.” The tall man smiles professionally, stretching out his hand for a handshake.
Jason was shocked to see those two in his house.