Chapter 54: The Stubborn Kieran

"Your mom's way too stubborn."

Harrison sighed, "I've tried to help her more than once, but she keeps saying that if Blackwood Heritage Group steps in, people will think she needed a corporation because she couldn't cut it academically. Isn't that just her pride talking?"

"Yeah, academics can be pretty arrogant. To them, money's just paper, but knowledge is the real deal. They see themselves as building the steps of history with their names on the bricks. What an honor, right?" He continued.

Elara stayed quiet.

Harrison was just an observer, or maybe he saw people and events through the lens of a businessman with his own agenda.

But no one's identity could compare to the raw pain of a daughter losing her mother.

After a long pause, Elara pulled herself together and asked, "What do you want me to do? I'm already working at Blackwood Heritage Group."

Harrison was a businessman, and businessmen always have their motives.

Bringing up her painful past and risking offense surely had a corresponding purpose and benefit.

For Elara, and for Harrison.

"In a few days, there's a statewide artifact appraisal conference. The people who accused your mom of academic fraud will be on the judging panel. There are three of them: Charles Brown, Michael Johnson, and Owen."

"Blackwood Heritage Group will definitely participate, but these three have been blocking the certification of several artifacts, essentially demanding money that exceeds the value of the artifacts themselves. This is bad for both the industry and our group."

Harrison said gravely.

"I can offer you a platform to defeat them fair and square, and provide some information about the alleged fraud to help clear your mom's name, Lisa Voss, and restore her honor at East City University."

"And what's the catch?" Elara asked bluntly.

Harrison replied, "Join Blackwood Heritage Group officially."

Elara didn't hesitate, "I refuse."

Harrison said, "Don't rush. Hear me out. I know about your Story Revival Atelier and your ideals. This time, joining us won't mean shutting down your atelier. Instead, Story Revival Atelier will replace Blackwood Heritage Group's artifact appraisal department. You'll have full authority over personnel appointments and receive 50% of the department's profits. Plus, in two years, you can become independent, and Blackwood Heritage Group will not only support you but also give you 1% equity."

"The more generous the offer, the higher the cost. I'm worried I can't handle it." Elara said calmly.

Percival, standing nearby, widened his eyes.

In all of Vossshire, no one dared speak to Harrison like this.

How could Elara be so bold?

"Two conditions."

Harrison looked at her with admiration.

"First, you must win at the appraisal conference, and Charles Brown, Michael Johnson, and Owen must be discredited in Vossshire's academic circles, posing no further threat to Blackwood Heritage Group."

"Second, within two years, you must train a team for Blackwood Heritage Group's core business department. I want experts, not freeloaders."

A seasoned veteran indeed. The first task was to eliminate threats, and the second was to empower Blackwood Heritage Group's core business department, ensuring its growth.

Compared to this, the department's two-year 50% profit share and the 1% equity after two years were a fortune for ordinary people, but a drop in the bucket for Blackwood Heritage Group, which was on the verge of monopolizing the industry.

Elara thought for a moment and nodded, "Alright, I agree."

Then she added, "I hope you will keep your word in two years."

Harrison nodded, "The last person to speak to me like this, guess who it was?"

Elara smiled slightly, not answering.

Like mother, like daughter.

After settling the matter, Harrison chatted briefly before his driver took him away.

With Harrison gone, Percival's goal for the day was achieved.

Elara posed no threat to her, so she got up to leave.

Kieran stood up to see her off, fulfilling Harrison's favor and agreeing to ease relations with Percival.

Percival was in a good mood, chatting enthusiastically, while Kieran responded coolly as usual.

With the adults mostly gone, Seraphina looked at Elara with wide eyes, saying nothing.

Elara asked, "What mischief are you up to now?"

Seraphina feigned innocence, "Am I that kind of person?"

Elara sighed, "Should we ask the others?"

"Alright, I'm just kidding. Everyone likes me, I know."

Seraphina mimicked Harrison's gesture, adding, "I was wondering why Kieran values you so much."

"What do you mean? Are you saying Mr. Harrison Blackwood..."

Elara suddenly realized that Harrison's visit to Kieran's house this morning wasn't just Percival's doing.

Kieran had also persuaded her to join Blackwood Heritage Group.

"Didn't you notice? Kieran is like that, saying one thing and meaning another, like a child."

Seraphina pouted, crossing her arms.

"What do you mean?"

Elara asked, intrigued.

"See, I knew it. You're interested in Kieran. As soon as you hear about him, you're all ears. You never care this much about my stuff!"

Seraphina seemed to have caught Elara's weakness, pointing at her and huffing, unsure if it was jealousy or something else.

Elara turned to leave, "Alright, I won't listen then."

Seraphina couldn't keep secrets.

Not saying what she wanted was worse than torture.

She quickly stopped Elara.

"No, wait. I'll tell you. Have you ever heard Kieran say he likes sweets?"

Elara thought for a moment, "No."

Seraphina grinned, "He never says he likes sweets, sometimes even says he doesn't, but he eats more than anyone."

Elara sighed, "But overeating isn't good. You should supervise him and make sure he eats less."

Seraphina shook her head, "You can't say that."

"Why?"

Seraphina frowned, making a strange face.

"Sometimes I think he's the princess of this house. Don't you think? He says he doesn't want it, but his actions speak louder than his words. If no one mentions it, he's fine. But if someone tells him to eat less, he'll definitely eat an extra piece of cake. So stubborn!"

A ruthless, cold-hearted Lucifer, and a stubborn, sweet-tooth princess.

These two seemingly unrelated descriptions together felt odd.

But there was a strange sense of irony that made Elara find it increasingly amusing.

At that moment, Kieran walked in after seeing off Percival.

He sat at the dining table, picked up a plate, and started eating cake.

It was clear he was in a good mood because Elara had agreed to join Blackwood Heritage Group.

But he kept his smile in check, even chewing slowly to control his facial muscles.

"Kieran, eat more. Elara made it herself. Didn't you say you love sweets?"

Seraphina teased, grinning.

Kieran put down the cake and stood up, "I'm full."

Kieran was a bit stubborn!