Chapter 3. Going Back Home

The Harding family’s lavish Estate in Lucland  Europe loomed against the night sky. A sleek black sedan rolled to a stop on the plush red carpet that led to the entrance. Wilson stepped out, his demeanor businesslike as he approached the car and opened the door for his sister.

“Welcome back, princess,” he said, his voice lacking the usual warmth.

Laura emerged, her delicate features enhanced by the bright lights. She had traded her casual sneakers for elegant heels, transforming into a vision of sophistication, almost regal.

“How have you been, Wilson?” she asked, her tone casual but her eyes searching.

“Great. It’s even better now that you’re back. Did you enjoy the banners? My birthday gift attracted attention across the city. Even trended on social media!” Wilson’s handsome face lit up with pride.

“Yes, I saw it. People were speculating whether it was a wealthy suitor trying to woo his wife. Some even called you cheesy. Congratulations on your new achievement, Wilson.” Laura offered a smile that held an edge of sarcasm.

Wilson brushed off her mockery and pulled her into an enthusiastic embrace. “Sis, you won’t be leaving us again, right?”

“No. He divorced me, so why would I?” Laura patted her brother’s back in a comforting gesture, her heart heavy. “I really embarrassed you guys. I thought if I tried hard enough, I could make him love me. Turns out, I failed spectacularly.”

She felt the bitterness clawing at her insides but promised herself she wouldn’t shed another tear for Leo once she left the Becketts’ house. He wasn’t worth it.

“That bastard Leo Carter! How dare he mistreat my sister! I’ll start digging into the Carter Group first thing tomorrow. And then—” Wilson’s expression darkened. “I’ll have Axel deal with that jerk.”

Victor, who had been listening quietly, muttered his agreement.

“Don’t go overboard, Wilson. You’re a Lawyer,” Laura chuckled dryly. “Why can’t you be more like Victor? Calm and collected?”

“Calm? You don’t know the half of what he did before he became all Zen,” Wilson said, yanking at his tie in frustration. “Anyway, I won’t let this slide. He can mess with me, but not my sister. Leo Carter will regret crossing me.”

Laura linked arms with Victor and Wilson, the three of them walking into the house she had missed so much.

Inside the study, George Harding, chairman of the Liberty Group, paced anxiously, the stern lines of his face softening at the thought of his daughter returning.

“Dad! I’m back!” Laura announced, bursting into the room with her brothers.

Instead of the gentle demeanor she often adopted around the Becketts, she threw herself onto the sofa, kicking her heels off in defiance.

Victor settled beside her and propped her legs on his lap, giving her a gentle massage.

“Where are your manners? Did you go off to save the world again? Were you in some remote village?” George tried to maintain a stern expression but failed to hide his affection.

“Do you have short-term memory loss? I’ve always been like this. Have you forgotten who I am?” Laura retorted, rolling her eyes.

Then, she noticed something hanging on the wall: posters she had created years ago, now framed. A mixture of nostalgia and embarrassment washed over her.

One poster read, “Do you think you’re a catch? Having multiple wives doesn’t make you appealing!” Another quipped, “Take care of your health, old man. You might not last long if you don’t.” The last one declared, “Please show yourself some respect. Thanks.”

These were her wedding gifts to George when he married for the third time.

Laura had left home for five years partly to escape the chaos of her family life, returning only to find the same issues lingering.

“After five years, you come back just to insult your father? What a thoughtful daughter,” George said, feigning annoyance.

“Thanks for the compliment, Dad,” Laura replied with a smirk.

“Now that you’re back, we should discuss some serious matters.” Victor slipped his sister’s shoes back on her feet, his demeanor shifting to one of gravity. “I’ve decided to step down as president of Liberty Group. I think Laura should take my place.”

Laura’s eyes widened in shock, staring at her brother’s serious expression.

“You!” George exclaimed, caught off guard.

“Dad, Laura’s back. I only agreed to be president for five years, and I need to return to the church. You know that being a pastor is my real dream.” Victor’s conviction was palpable as he spoke.

“Let Wilson take over,” George offered, his frustration mounting.

“No way. I work for the government. I can’t have connections with major corporations or I’ll be investigated!” Wilson interjected quickly, his face pale with shock.

George sighed, feeling the weight of disappointment. Despite having three capable sons, none wanted to take over the family business. His health was declining, and he had envisioned a smooth transition.

“Who says a woman can’t run a business? I’ll be president!” Laura declared, her chin raised defiantly.

“Do you really think it’s that easy? Liberty Group isn’t a game. You think you can handle it?” George’s anger and sadness were barely concealed.

“More importantly, you’ve never shown consistency. You disappear without warning, and you went to America for five years without a word. Do you have any idea how worried we all were? I thought you were lost forever.”

Laura felt her heart clench at his words. She had grievances against him, but she knew she had been wrong to vanish for so long, especially marrying Leo in silence.

“Laura is just as capable as me,” Victor said, attempting to interject reason. “Remember the financial crisis four years ago? Laura was the one who suggested crucial strategies. It was her acquisition plan that saved the Willow Group.”

George’s eyes widened in surprise.

“Dad, you don’t see Laura’s true potential. She’s the smartest one here. You’ve always prided yourself on recognizing talent. Why not support her now?” Wilson added, his voice firm.

After a moment of contemplation, George nodded slowly. “Fine. I’ll let you give it a shot. Consider it a birthday present.”

Laura straightened up, her eyes sparkling with determination.

“Rest for a few days. Then, I’ll take you to the Liberty World Hotel in TheCity to report for duty. If you can turn this struggling company around, I’ll seriously consider letting you become president.”

As they left the study, both of her brothers placed a hand on her shoulder.

“Great responsibility falls on great shoulders,” Victor said.

“Guess you’ve got a mess to clean up,” Wilson sighed.

“I know. Dad is hoping I’ll quit. But he doesn’t understand. I’m like a coiled spring. Any pressure just makes me stronger,” Laura said, her fists clenched in determination. The ambition that had been dormant for five years was beginning to surge within her.

Her brothers exchanged glances, sharing a knowing smile. “Sister, we’re counting on you to secure our future freedom.”