I. One Condition

Thinking about her deceased father, Elleza's heart ached. But she can't let it get the better of her. What she's going to do is also for her dad. He will surely be at ease wherever he is now if the corporation is doing well—she thought.

She headed to the headquarters to request for their company ownership to be reconsidered with an election. She has to take the control over the company from her aunt for the better. 

"Don't turn a blind eye to this!" Elleza furiously said. "All she does is waste the company's fund on men and parties. Although she succeeded in some business deals, that's only because she had fling with them!" her aunt is intolerable to her. It's been months and she's taking action now; she can't respect her anymore.

"Young miss, we can't do anything for you. We don't want to mess with the CEO." A member of the board of director said.

"Obviously, I am his daughter, therefore I—"

"Just leave the company to your aunt, miss Yumin. She is more capable of handling businesses than you. Moreover, you don't even have experience in this industry yet, don't you?"

"Don't underestimate me. I may not have any experience here, but I know how to manage it. You do know that my father raised me. I doubt that I don't have all the qualifications. I am as smart and strategic as my father," that's what her acquaintances said about her, she has to believe that now and use it. "I can be more capable than Aunt Jade."

The directors can't disagree with that. They all are lost of words.

The silence was cracked when they heard the sounds of stiletto coming toward their direction. It was quite unexpected for them to see CEO Jade! As for Elleza, she knew that aura well. What should she do?

Elleza clenched her fist as the sound stops. She could see her aunt from her peripheral vision, standing arrogantly by her side. She won't let herself to be powerless for the rest of her life. Now that her father is gone, she has no one to depend on. It's time for her to walk on her own path alone, courageously.

"My, my. Why is my beloved niece here? If you need something, you can discuss it with your aunt instead, Crossé." Jade touched Elleza's shoulder 'affectionately', her red lips forming a sophisticated smile.

Elleza removed Jade's hand off her shoulder and looked at her eyes intently. "I want the company, Aunt. Dad was the one who built it, I am his legitimate daughter, I have the right here."

Jade feigned a surprise look and chuckled afterward. "I didn't know you are quite strong-willed, sweetie. Well, don't be so fierce. I have something for you. Secretary Kae, hand it to me."

The woman who was standing not afar, walked closer and gave an envelope to Jade. She then bowed her head and kept a distance from them again.

Jade took out what's inside, looked at it and smirked. "You said you want the company?" She leaned in and whispered to her niece's ear. "Then, it's yours, but you got to sacrifice something in return." 

That surprised Elleza and confused her at the same time. "What is it?"

"Make the young master of Lewis sign this. Apparently, you have to sign too."

Her eyes widened when her aunt handed her the marriage certificate. What is she thinking?!

"Aunt, what do you mean by this?"

"It is what it is, Crossè. Marry Hash Lewis—rather, get him to marry you."

"Hash Lewis, the CEO of L Financial Group Corp? Are you serious, CEO Yumin?"

"Of course, director Zhan."

"Isn't he…"

Meanwhile, Elleza seems to hear nothing. She is looking at his picture, her heart beating fast. He looks aloof yet handsome. Can I really marry him? No, what am I thinking? I mean… should I marry him? He doesn't look friendly at all.

"What do you say, Crossè? It's like killing two birds with one stone. You'll have a husband and the company will be your property."

Jade's voice brought her back down to earth. "Why exactly do you want me to marry him, Aunt? What good will it bring to you?"

"Oh, sorry, I won't entertain any of your questions, Crossé. Well, it's up to you if you'll take it or just forget about you having the company." Jade smiled playfully.

"Let my driver give you a ride. You can think it through at home."

Elleza just agreed to be send home by her Aunt's driver. She knows him since she is a child, so she doesn't mind. She took a taxi to get there, but she is not really fond of strangers.

"Wait, Uncle. Can we stop by at that café? I want to buy something to drink."

"Sure, Ma'am."

"Would you like something, too, Uncle? I'll pay for you." She said, smiling.

"You're so kind, Ma'am. I'm fine with anything, thank you."

Elleza gets out of the car, but she didn't expect to bump into someone's back. "O-Oh…" the man immediately turned to look at her.

"I'm sorry—"

"Are you okay, Lady?"

"Yes, I am fine. Sorry for the inconvenience, I wasn't looking at what's ahead me. Did I hurt you?" She apologized again. She's embarrassed!

The young man chuckled. "It's fine, you didn't mean it anyway."

"Sir," a lady wearing an office outfit came and hesitated for a moment before she whispered to the man's ear.

Elleza had the chance to look at the over-all appearance of the man. He's dressed like a businessman and the lady who stepped seems to be his secretary.

The man turned his serious expression to a friendly one, "I have to go now, beautiful lady. Excuse me."

She just smiled at him until they disappeared from her sight.

"He is really handsome, but why do I feel like he resembles someone?" Elleza thought.

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