Chapter 020

20.

As they walked, Samantha couldn't help but feel a sense of curiosity. Where was her father taking her? And what did this room have to do with the book she was holding?

Finally, they reached a small library, filled with books and files. Mr. Ray gestured for Samantha to sit down, and he began to explain.

“This room is dedicated to my past business ventures and partnerships. And the book you're holding is a reminder of one of my most successful collaborations.”

Samantha's eyes widened as she realized what her father was getting at.

“The book was written by me and Aiden's father, James. We were business partners and close friends. We wrote that book together, sharing our knowledge and expertise.”

Samantha's mind was racing. She had so many questions.

“Is that why you two decided to join me and Aiden together?” Samantha asked, and Mr. Ray looked up to meet her eyes.

He smiled. “Actually, they were keen to join Aiden and Estella together because they felt she was my first daughter, but Aiden and I disagreed,” he answered.

Samantha turned to face him fully. No wonder Estella didn't like her and was always telling her that she stole things away from her. Could this be why Estella was so bitter towards her?

“Father, why? Why didn't you allow Estella to get engaged to Aiden? Why me? I'm not someone Aiden should get married to. It's not too late. There is still time for you to bring them together.” she suggested, hoping her father would see things from her own perspective, but Mr. Ray only chuckled and shook his head.

“You were the one Aiden loved.”

“It doesn't matter.” she huffed.

“Sam, you have no idea what he went through because of you, do you?” he asked and Samantha narrowed her eyes.

“Father, what do you mean?”

“I don't want to go into details because I want him to tell you by himself. This isn't the first time Aiden is seeing you, Sam. He knew you before he even suggested we go into business deals. But his parents suggested he got Estella instead since you were bent on going with Nathan,” he said and Samantha sighed. “When you eloped with Nathan, Aiden became devastated. We all gave up and asked him to give up as well, but he refused. He was asked to marry Estella, but he declined, telling us he would wait for you. He was ready to wait, Sam and now that you are back, he would do anything to get you because he loves you so much.” her father revealed.

Samantha's eyes widened in shock. She had no idea Aiden felt that way about her. She thought he was just being annoying and flirting with her on purpose. When he said he would always get what he wanted, and he showed her kindness, she thought he was just being nice for the sake of their engagement. He was for real?

“Father, I… I don't know what to say. I had no idea Aiden felt that way about me.” she rubbed her hands nervously, feeling skeptical about this whole thing.

Mr. Ray nodded. “I know, dear. That's why I want you to talk to him. He needs to tell you everything himself.”

Samantha nodded, feeling a mix of emotions. She was still trying to process everything her father had told her.

“Now let's go back to why I brought you here,” he smiled and started leading her to a place where files were stacked. “These files contain our company's past projects, how things were handled and problems were solved. Now that you are the CEO of the company, you need to know everything about our past dealings. I want you to go through these files, study them, and understand how we overcame challenges. It will help you make better decisions for the company's future.”

“But, Dad, isn't it old-school to solve present problems with past decisions?” she asked with furrowed brows.

Mr. Ray smiled. This was why he loved Samantha. She was so thoughtful and attention, and nothing got past her that easily. “Dear, I am not asking you to solve present problems with these or rather, I'm not saying you should do exactly what I did. What I'm saying is that, through this, you would be able to know how to arrive at your own conclusions and how careful you should be in making company decisions.”

Samantha nodded with a smile, and they continued going through the files.

After they finished going through the files, Mr. Ray walked Samantha out of the library, his arm around her shoulders. “Remember, Sam, your happiness is what matters most. Don't let anyone or anything dictate your choices. You have the power to create your own destiny.”

“Thanks, Dad. I'll keep that in mind,” she said, hugging him tightly.

Mr. Ray smiled back, his eyes shining with pride. “I know you will, Sam. You're a strong and capable woman. I have no doubt you'll make the right decisions for yourself and the company.”

When they were finally out of the library, Samantha turned to her father with a curious expression. “Dad, can I ask you something?”

“Of course, dear. What's on your mind?” Mr. Ray replied, his eyes sparkling with interest.

“Why did you decide to make me the CEO of the company? I mean, I know I'm your daughter and Estella is your first daughter. Even though I know how she is, there are other people out there you could entrust the company to. You could even manage it still, but you looked past what I did and gave it to me. Haven't you for once thought maybe I'm not ready for such a role? Like, perhaps I'm incapable or anything?”

Mr. Ray stopped walking and turned to face her, his expression serious. “Samantha, you are more than ready for this role. You have a natural talent for business and leadership. And more importantly, you have a good heart and a strong sense of justice. I trust you to make the right decisions for the company and our employees. What you did in the past doesn't matter. You were just a naive girl then, but I'm proud that you've grown into the woman I've wanted you to be all along.”

Samantha felt a lump form in her throat as she looked at her father, his words filling her with a sense of purpose and determination.

She hugged him, tears gathering in her eyes. “Thanks, Dad. Thank you so much.”

He smiled and patted her back.

Estella stood at the extreme end, watching them. She had heard everything they said, and she also listened to the answer her father gave Samantha.

She frowned with her fists balled and walked away, cursing under her breath.