Chapter 9: Thank Miss Young For This
"I worry about her all the time. But knowing Derek, I'm sure he'll take good care of her. After all, Melissa didn't have a lot growing up."
No one said a word. Melissa could only seethe in anger. Every word that came out of Lola's mouth struck at wounds only she knew how to hit.
Meanwhile, Derek—oblivious as ever—raised his brows in surprise. To him, what Lola said sounded completely reasonable. As for the rest of the Lancaster family, they exchanged subtle side glances before focusing their eyes on Lola.
Is she saying this is just another of the things Melissa is taking from her?
Chairman Lancaster frowned and leaned forward. "Lola, I know you're a good kid, but this isn't about your sister or your family—it's about you."
Who cared about the rest? The chairman only cared about Loren—his good friend's daughter—and the promise he made to protect her daughter, Lola. All he ever wanted was to welcome Lola into the Lancaster family, sign her under his registry, and ensure she lived a comfortable life without having to lift a finger.
"Grandpa, thank you for everything," Lola said softly, squeezing his hand. "Even with a heavy heart, please bless the cancellation of my engagement with Derek."
Derek and the Young Family's faces lit up, while the chairman's frown deepened.
"I don't want to get in my sister's way," she added gently. "Though… I'm worried that if I do this, I might not be able to call you Grandpa anymore."
"Nonsense!" Chairman Lancaster harrumphed. "Lola, don't say such foolish things! I may allow this wish only because you asked for it, but you'll always be a granddaughter in my eyes. Not even this punk's new engagement can change that!"
Melissa clasped her hands tightly in her lap, secretly grinding her teeth.
Is she doing this on purpose to make me look bad? This stupid bitch…
Lola smiled warmly. "Also, Grandpa… about my mother's residence and garden…"
At that, the chairman immediately turned a sharp glare toward Lawrence Young. The latter let out a nervous laugh and discreetly glared at his daughter.
"Lola, what are you saying? Your mother's residence and garden are already in the process of being transferred to your name," Lawrence explained, nearly stammering. "You don't need to worry about that anymore."
"Why haven't Loren's properties been transferred to Lola yet, hmm?" the chairman barked. "They should've been handed to her when she turned eighteen! Lawrence Young, what have you been doing all these years?"
Lawrence panicked. "Chairman, the process was delayed since Lola wasn't around. But don't worry, it'll be done now that she's here!"
Lola glanced at her father, knowing full well he'd been eyeing her mother's properties for years. He'd already sold off several of them to fund his new wife and daughter's lavish lifestyle. They were just assets to him. And now, he was even planning to sell the one place that held the most memories of her mother.
"Lawrence Young," the chairman warned coldly, "you'd better get everything transferred. Until then, I will not allow any wedding between that girl and this punk."
Lawrence forced a smile, barely hiding the twist in his face. "Of course, Chairman."
"Lola," the chairman turned back to her, patting her hand. "Loren's properties were always meant for you. I'll personally make sure every single one of them is returned."
"Thank you, Grandpa!" Lola beamed in satisfaction.
Now that the chairman was involved, Lawrence would have no choice but to get it done. What he didn't know, however, was that Lola had already bought back everything he sold—using proxies.
And now? He'd have to break his bank trying to buy them again, just to return them to her. All while she calmly took back what was rightfully hers.
Mission accomplished, Lola thought.
Cancel the engagement. Reclaim what was hers. That was all she came here for.
But just as everyone was preparing to proceed with Melissa and Derek's engagement, the head maid rushed in.
"Sir!" she called, her voice laced with panic.
Lawrence frowned. "What is it? Why are you running?"
The maid bowed, but spoke clearly, "Sir, some people from Summit Partners are here!"
The moment the name left her lips, everyone's brows shot up.
"Summit Partners?" Derek echoed, springing from his seat. "Are you sure?!"
"Yes, Young Master Derek."
Derek looked at his cousins and uncles—those who had always looked down on him. Even they looked shocked. Summit Partners was the biggest investment and financing company in all of Novera, ever since it was acquired by a living business legend. Every company they touched? Turned to gold.
Their arrival meant one thing: money was about to rain.
Everyone scrambled outside the residence. Once they stepped out, a few luxury cars were parked in front, and men in suits were unloading gifts and flowers. One man stood at the center, clearly the representative.
Lola stayed behind, leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed.
Summit Partners?
Her brow arched.
Derek's been bragging about reaching out to them for weeks. But I saw his proposal. No way they'd find that worthwhile.
Even if Summit Partners had the power to turn garbage into billion-dollar empires, would they really bother with this?
Derek rushed over to the man, with Melissa and the Young Family in tow. The rest of the guests followed a few steps behind.
"Uh…" Derek cleared his throat. "Sir, you are…?"
"Mr. Derek Lancaster. Miss Young," the man said, offering a professional smile. He gestured toward the gifts. "I'm Harvey Ryaa, Chief Operations Manager of Summit Partners."
The Youngs and Lancasters lit up.
"I'm here on behalf of Summit Partners to congratulate you on your engagement," Harvey announced. "We wish you the best in this new chapter of your life."
Everyone's mouths dropped—Derek's, Melissa's, Jasmine's, Lawrence's. Even the usually composed members of the Lancaster family stared in disbelief. Harvey hadn't outright said it, but this gesture? It implied acceptance of Derek's partnership proposal.
"Oh, my!" Jasmine clasped her hands. "What a pleasant surprise!"
Lawrence turned to Melissa, grinning ear to ear.
Melissa really is my lucky charm. First, the Lancasters. Now, Summit Partners? Derek might even become a director at this rate!
"Derek!" Melissa beamed, barely holding back a celebratory hug.
Derek blinked, then quickly composed himself. "Mister Harvey, thank you for these generous gifts. Why don't you come inside?"
None of the family objected. This was Summit Partners, after all. So, even if the engagement was intimate for both families, they wouldn't mind accommodating these people.
Harvey smiled politely. "There's no need. We only came by because the gifts were slightly delayed, and we wished to apologize for that."
He bowed politely. When he straightened his posture, the same polite smile remained.
"Please feel free to reach out to us once your schedule allows. We'll be taking our leave now—and once again, congratulations."
With that, Harvey turned to return to his car. But Derek rushed forward.
"Mister Harvey! Thank you again for coming!" His voice wavered between excitement and panic.
Harvey paused just as he opened the car door. He looked over his shoulder and smiled again.
"Please don't thank me. I'm only here to deliver the higher-ups' orders," he said. "Thank Miss Young for this."