Chapter 19
Richard's POV
I stood by the private airport's VIP passage, frequently checking my watch and adjusting my tie. The Wilson family's private jet would land in ten minutes, and I needed to seize this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
"Fuck, still can't find her photo," I cursed quietly, scrolling through the information on my phone again. The Wilson heiress, one of Starport's true power players, was as mysterious as a ghost. My inside source only told me she was a woman who had recently been recognized as the family heir.
My phone rang—Laura. This was her fifth call today. I hung up immediately. No time to deal with her emotional issues now; the Harrison Group's IPO was the priority, and the Wilson family's support would guarantee its success.
"What if she's an old woman?" I muttered to myself, but quickly composed my expression. No matter what she looked like, I could handle it. After all, I was skilled at making women like me.
The sound of engines filled the sky as a white Gulfstream G650 landed on the runway, the Wilson family crest emblazoned on its fuselage. My heart raced—this was my ticket into Starport's elite inner circle.
As the plane taxied to a stop, four security personnel in black suits emerged from the stairs, forming a human barrier. Several people exited next, with two young women surrounded in the center, but from this distance, I couldn't make out their faces.
They boarded a Rolls-Royce. Damn, I couldn't let her leave like this! I rushed toward them, starting my engine. This was a gamble, but if successful, it would be a turning point for the Harrison family.
I pressed the accelerator, cutting in front of the Wilson convoy, forcing the lead car to brake sharply. I immediately realized how reckless this move was—four security guards instantly exited their vehicles, hands positioned near their waists, expressions as serious as if they were about to shoot.
"Step back! Do you have any idea whose vehicle you're blocking?" the lead security officer barked.
I raised my hands, displaying my most persuasive smile. "I deeply apologize," I said, my voice steady and confident. "I'm Richard Harrison, CEO of Harrison Group." I presented my gold-embossed business card. "I just wanted one minute of Ms. Wilson's precious time regarding a mutually beneficial business proposal—"
The security guard knocked the card from my hand. Fuck, not a good start. But I couldn't give up.
"Please tell Ms. Wilson that the Harrison family comes with the highest intentions!" I raised my voice, hoping it would reach the mysterious lady inside the car.
Unexpectedly, the black window of the back seat slowly lowered about one-third of the way, but I still couldn't see who was inside.
"Take his card," a familiar voice came from inside.
The security guard wiped the card clean and handed it in, then the car started again and drove away.
Only that achingly familiar voice echoed in my mind.
Grace's POV
I sat in the car staring at the business card in my hand.
"Grace, do you need my help?" Sophia asked.
I nodded, a cold smile tugging at my lips. He had no idea that the "wife" he'd deceived and controlled for two years was the very person he was now so desperately trying to secure business cooperation with.
"Notify Legal and all subsidiaries," she told her assistant. "Put Harrison Group on our Tier One risk blacklist, citing 'questionable business ethics' as the reason."
The assistant quickly made notes, her eyebrows rising slightly, though her professionalism kept her from asking questions.
"There's a shareholders meeting today, and it's time you got involved in company affairs," Sophia said, looking at me.
I had thought about taking over company matters, just not so soon.
"Can I handle it?" I said, my voice steady.
"Be confident, I'll help you," she smiled.
The car then started driving toward Wilson Group.
---
The evening meeting room was thick with tension. I sat at one end of the long table, facing my stepmother Elizabeth and her adoptive son Andrew across from me. Uncle Charles sat beside me, offering an encouraging smile.
This was my first high-level meeting and my debut as the heiress. A thick market analysis report—which I had carefully studied during the day—sat before me.
"I believe we should increase our investment proportion in the Aetheria market," Andrew stated, his voice brimming with confidence as if the decision was already finalized. "Especially in cosmetics. Initial projections show a potential 35% profit margin."
Elizabeth nodded in agreement. "Andrew's expansion plan has excellent prospects." She deliberately ignored my presence, as if I were merely a spectator.
"With all due respect," I interjected, my voice calm but firm, "this expansion plan has serious risk assessment deficiencies."
The conference room suddenly fell silent, all eyes turning to me.
"Oh?" Elizabeth's eyebrows arched high. "Please enlighten us, Grace. After all, you've just joined us and may not fully understand the market yet."
"According to the latest market research," I opened my own report, "the Aetheria perfume market is undergoing structural adjustments. Consumer preferences are shifting from traditional heavy fragrances to lighter, more natural styles. If we invest according to the current plan, we face at least a 28% risk of unsold inventory."
I pushed my prepared data charts to the center of the table. "Furthermore, I contacted three top perfumers in the industry this afternoon, all of whom confirmed this trend."
Andrew's expression darkened. "You had no right to contact our partners independently."
"As a shareholder of Wilson Holdings, I have a responsibility to ensure every investment decision undergoes thorough risk assessment," I met his gaze unflinchingly. "I propose we reduce the investment scale by 50% and adjust our product line to accommodate new market trends."
As Elizabeth prepared to object, Uncle Charles spoke up. "Grace's analysis makes sense. I support her recommendation."
After an hour of heated discussion, the meeting ultimately adopted my suggestion. As we adjourned, Uncle Charles gave me an approving glance, while Elizabeth and Andrew's faces were etched with resentment.
Leaving the conference room, my phone vibrated. A notification from a Harrison Group department appeared: "Laura Parker Officially Joins Harrison Group as Research Director."
I let out a cold laugh. So Laura had finally grown impatient to replace me.