Chapter 30 Dream on!
In the elegant café, the air was filled with intoxicating aroma, and the melodious piano music intertwined with the scent of coffee, hovering in this cozy space, making the sunny afternoon all the
more delightful.
Sitting by the window, a middle–aged man kept glancing towards the entrance.
Every time the wind chime hanging on the door rang, he would subconsciously look over, giving the impression that he was awaiting a lover’s arrival.
But in reality, he was only waiting for his daughter, Lydia.
Yes, this man was none other than Lydia’s father, Harlan.
He had been waiting here for over an hour, his face displaying impatience and restrained anger, though
he managed to suppress it when he looked at the documents on the table.
Half an hour later, the wind chime at the café’s entrance rang again, and Harlan looked up to see a
familiar yet distant figure–his daughter, Lydia.
Today, Lydia was dressed in professional attire, her long hair elegantly tied up, exuding a savvy and capable demeanor completely different from the gentle and timid girl Harlan remembered.
Harlan collected himself and put on his warmest smile.
“Lydia, you’re here. What would you like to drink? Cappuccino?”
Unfortunately, Lydia remained unmoved by Harlan’s warmth.
She hadn’t wanted to come today, but Harlan was still her father, and at least until she knew the truth about her mother’s death, their relationship remained somewhat tolerable.
Whether his intentions were genuine or not, at least he didn’t abuse her.
So when Harlan called her yesterday wanting to have a serious talk, she decided to give him another chance. Most importantly, she wanted to know what Harlan still had to say to her.
Lydia pulled out a chair and sat across from Harlan. “I didn’t come here for small talk. What do you want
to say?”
She glanced around and noticed a document on the coffee table, furrowing her brows with a vague sense
of foreboding.
“1
“Lydia, we’re family, why make it so tense? Can’t a father and daughter just enjoy a cup of coffee together?
‘Harlan’s disappointment was evident in his lowered gaze. 1
Honestly, seeing the familiar face turn so despondent made Lydia feel uneasy. Her mother passed away
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early, leaving Harlan as her only family.
Before everything went downhill, she used to respect this father of hers from the bottom of her heart. Before her grandmother and mother passed away, Lydia indeed had a very happy childhood.
Harlan used to take her and her mother out for outings after work, almost epitomizing the image of a
good father.
Lydia vaguely remembered how her classmates used to envy her for having such a good father.
But everything changed after her mother’s death. A mistress entered their lives, bringing along a younger
daughter. Harlan’s attention never fell on her again.
Looking back now, perhaps all that warmth before was just a means for Harlan to gain control over ZQ Group, her mother’s company.
Maggie being just a few months younger than Lydia made this clear. It was all a trap set by Harlan, and
her mother, Natalie, was the unfortunate victim. 1
She was killed by this man in the end! It was so unfair!
Shaking off her reverie, Lydia’s gaze turned cold again. What did this heartless man want now?
Lydia impatiently toyed with the spoon in her coffee cup. “If you have something to say, say it.
Otherwise, I’m leaving.”
Harlan, feeling anxious at Lydia’s words, abandoned his pretense of sadness and disappointment.
He reached out and grabbed Lydia’s sleeve. “Lydia, wait. Dad really has something important to discuss
with you.”
Lydia glanced coldly at Harlan, her lips parting. “Let go!”
Harlan knew Lydia was no longer the little girl who would cry at the slightest trouble. He felt a twinge of annoyance and discomfort but quickly covered it up with a smile.
“Lydia, I called you here today because of company matters.”
The company? The hidden ambition was finally revealed.
Lydia knew there wouldn’t be anything good if he sought her out, but even though she anticipated it, it still made her feel uneasy.
Suppressing her disappointment, Lydia sarcastically smirked, “Company? What does that have to do with you anymore? I believe my lawyer has made it clear to you.”
Harlan’s expression changed slightly.
Thinking of the cold reception he received from that sharp–tongued lawyer not long ago, he wanted to
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curse. But now wasn’t the time to lose his temper.
“Lydia, you might not be aware of the situation after being away for so long. The company is going through a delicate phase right now. Many projects are handled by Ron and me. With such a sudden change, the company’s stocks might fluctuate…”
In other words, he didn’t intend to return the company.
Seeing through his intentions with just one glance, Lydia coldly interrupted him, “Is that so? Well, I just
checked the company’s stock yesterday. It’s doing quite well, actually, rose a few percentage points.”
Harlan was speechless. Trying to deceive Lydia about the company’s situation was useless.
His face turned serious, and he continued, “Lydia, I know you’re now a renowned international designer.
Honestly, Dad is proud of you and delighted to see your achievements. I heard you even have your own studio and plan to penetrate the domestic market. I suppose you’ve been quite busy lately.”
“Yes, I’ve been busy. So, spare me the small talk. I may not have time to listen.”
“Lydia, since you’re so busy, the company might not have the resources to manage. It’s not easy to navigate the business world, and I’m sure you wouldn’t want the company to go bankrupt, right?”
Lydia couldn’t help but laugh inwardly at Harlan’s shamelessness. Did he think she was foolish? But
considering the circumstances, she couldn’t help but feel a bit uncomfortable.
Suppressing her inner turmoil, Lydia sarcastically curled her lips, “Bankrupt? It’s fine. I can hire professional managers for that!”
Lydia’s words left Harlan fuming. Even his twisted smile couldn’t hide his frustration.
He paused, trying to calm himself before speaking again with seriousness, “Lydia, we’re family, right? And you might not be very familiar with this aspect. Business is like a battlefield. I’m sure you don’t want the company to go bankrupt, right?”
Lydia couldn’t help but feel amused at Harlan’s words. How hadn’t she noticed her father was such a person before?
But then again, considering everything, it made sense. If Harlan had even an ounce of conscience, her mother wouldn’t have died, and her grandfather’s company wouldn’t have been renamed G Group.
Seeing Lydia remain silent, Harlan speculated inwardly, had he convinced her?
He smiled sincerely, thinking Lydia, lacking social experience, was easy to manipulate.
He pushed the contract toward Lydia. “Lydia, this is an authorization letter. Once you sign it, you won’t have to worry about anything. Your studio will be taken care of, and the company will be managed properly. Isn’t this a win–win situation?”
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Lydia raised an eyebrow as she opened the authorization letter.
After reading its contents, she couldn’t help but find it ironic. Did Harlan think she was a fool?
Entrusting everything to him, stating that she wouldn’t be responsible for anything that happened in the
company.
It was ridiculous!
Not taking responsibility also meant giving up her inheritance rights to the company, right? Her loving
father was indeed so considerate!
Lydia sneered and tore the authorization letter to pieces, throwing it onto his face. “Dream on! How could I sign such a thing? Do you think I’m stupid? Don’t be ridiculous! I’m the sole heir to ZQ Group!”
As the scraps of paper fluttered around, Harlan’s face transformed from a fake smile to one of disgust
and malice.
“Fine! Very well, Lydia! I raised you, and now you don’t even listen to me? I’ll make sure you regret this!”
Harlan glared at Lydia with anger. All because of this cursed daughter, the company he almost had in his hands was slipping away.
Even the properties left behind by Natalie, that woman, no longer belonged to him! It was infuriating!
Taking a step forward, he raised his hand to strike, and Lydia instinctively closed her eyes, feeling miserable.
But the expected slap never landed on Lydia’s face because before Harlan’s hand reached her, it was firmly grasped by someone else.
Opening her eyes, Lydia saw a tall figure standing before her like a guardian angel.
His usually indifferent face was now frosty, and he held Harlan’s wrist tightly, emitting an aura of danger.
Lydia’s eyes welled up with tears. It always felt good to be protected…
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.