Chapter 8 That Was the Reason?

Ethan's eyes were oozing affection. "Oh, what wonderful news. Both of you are my dearest daughters."

Charmaine looked at Larissa defiantly.

Larissa might have gotten their father the deal, but Charmaine had contributed to the success too. There was no way Charmaine would let Larissa steal her thunder.

"Anyway," Larissa raised her eyebrows. "Dad, remember the reward you promised me?"

Charmaine's face turned ashen. That was her room!

Still overjoyed by the delightful news, Ethan replied, "But of course! Charlaine, empty your room now. Larissa will have it now."

Charmaine pouted and clung to Penelope's arms to seek assistance. "Mom! I don't want to stay in the loft. The room has been mine for years. And you know I can't sleep in another bed!"

"I..."

Penelope was at a loss for words. Truth be told, she favored Charmaine, whom she raised for 18 years. And not Larissa, who came back a year ago.

"Larissa, you heard Charmaine. Why do you want to take her room? She needs her mattress."

Larissa shrugged. "What does that have anything to do with me? I'm not picky with beds."

"Do you really want us to fight like this?" grumbled Penelope.

But Larissa didn't back down. "If you are so ready to break your promise, it casts doubt on your business integrity. Don't forget that I work for the Hamiltons now. I see their decision-makers every day. Now, wouldn't it be bad if they knew how fickle you are?"

Ethan stepped in. "Enough! I am a man of my word. Charmaine, move out now. If you want to make a fuss about your bed, you can sleep on the floor!"

Charmaine wailed and threw herself into Penelope's embrace. Penelope could only glare at Larissa. She wouldn't dare disobey Ethan.

Shortly after, she led Charmaine to pack up her things.

Ethan then turned to Larissa and smiled. "Are you happy now, Larissa?"

"Maybe."

"Can you do me another favor?"

"What?"

Ethan pressed on. "Everyone in Ambrollum City wants a slice of the Hamilton Group's latest project. And we are off to a good start. Let's strike while the iron is hot and circulate the news.

" I plan to hold a banquet tomorrow night. I'm going to announce that the Hamilton Group will become our business partner. That way, our status will be greatly elevated."

"So, what's my role?" asked Larissa.

"Would you be a dear and invite the CEO of the Hamilton Group to the banquet?" answered Ethan.

The CEO? Larissa frowned. She wasn't willing to parade him around. First of all, he kept a low profile. Plus, he was disabled. Larissa doubted that he would want to be seen in a wheelchair.

"Sure, I can do that. This isn't a promise, though. He might not be free." Larissa tried to make the outcome sound vague.

"No worries. Just ask him the question."

Larissa snuck out and texted Ambrose secretly.

"Hi, will you be free tomorrow?"

"Why do you ask?" Ambrose texted back.

"Oh, nothing. My dad is holding a banquet tomorrow. He wants you to be there. It's fine if you can't attend."

Meanwhile, Owen, who was used to Ambrose's stoicism, panicked when he saw his employer's furrowed brows before the phone screen.

Did something happen? Was it an emergency in Jaedornia?

"Mr. Hamilton?" Owen probed gingerly.

"I'm meeting my in-laws," uttered Ambrose solemnly.

"Huh?"

Was that the reason?

Larissa stared at her phone for a long time, but she received no reply. Anticipating a negative response, she typed, "It's fine. I know you must be ..."

"Sure. I'll be there."

Ambrose's reply appeared before Larissa could finish typing her sentence.

"Are you sure?" Larissa continued.

"Yes."

"Yay! I'll pick you up tomorrow then."

With this piece of good news, Larissa skipped back to the house. She ran into Charmaine, who was dragging a suitcase.

"Just you wait, Larissa. I will have my room back." Charmaine threatened her.

"Oh?" Larissa laughed. "I'm afraid you'll be disappointed. I will get back everything you took from me."

"Bitch!" Charmaine raised her hand.

"Dad!" Larissa suddenly shouted.

"What's the matter?" Ethan scurried over.

Charmaine lowered her arm immediately and forced a smile, "Nothing, Dad. Larissa and I are talking about swapping rooms."

"Larissa is a busy person. Just handle it yourself. Don't pester her," Ethan said dismissively.

Charmaine felt like she could implode.

Where did the father who doted on her go? Larissa got him a deal. And so, he forgot about his other daughter?

"Larissa, any updates?" Ethan inquired.

"Yes," Larissa nodded. "Mr. Hamilton said that he will be there tomorrow."

"Larissa! I knew you were the right person for it! You know what? I'll get all the invitation letters out now. We're going to be famous this time!" Ethan cackled.

Everyone knew how mysterious the new CEO of the Hamilton Group was. He never attended any public events.

But not for long!

Tomorrow, he would make an appearance.

Just like that, Ambrollum City's elite circle became anxious.

Everyone wanted to impress Ambrose and get on his good side. Those who didn't receive their invitation letters even called Ethan.

They flooded his ears with sweet words and compliments.

Needless to say, Ethan was enjoying the attention. He liked it so much that he gave 50 thousand dollars to Penelope.

"Get our daughters some ballroom dresses. I want them to woo everyone tomorrow!"

Penelope took Larissa and Charmaine shopping afterward.

…

They went to Le Printemps. It was a place that hosted all the luxurious brands in Ambrollum City.

Charmaine felt at home there, as if she was born to wear everything inside.

She glanced at Larissa.

"Oh, Larissa. You grew up in the countryside, so I bet you know nothing about luxurious brands. Dior, Chanel, LV … Those are a few top luxury brands. You can find them here. We can shop and have some coffee later. This is how one must live!"