There was silence the moment the mother and daughter pair walked in the dining hall. As if on cue, all eyes darted towards their direction, some with a look of caution, others with interests and the rest are simply unfathomable.Laurice however, dismissed the apparent oppresive glare from a certain someone and ignored the rest of them as she stare blankly in s.p.a.ce trying not to recognize a single face. She did not come for this. She did not specifically plan on making any friends or even enemies with these bunch of people nor leave any memorable impression on their heads.
It was a pity though that she was not paying too much attention around her since a few pairs of eyes were already locked at her in awe as if they were mesmerized. She was doning a turtleneck soft sweater in ivory matched with a pair of faded denim jeans, clad in her old white sneakers. Her hair was clamped in a tight bun exposing her clear and blemish-free skin. She was not wearing any makeup at all visually making her look rather fresh and younger than her age. She pretty much look too country for someone who had gone to live in the states for a very long time. James in particular, was staring unblinkingly and blatantly at her.
...
Almost everyone occupying the custom maca.s.sar ebony dining table were looking rather posh in their wardrobe but Laurice did not feel out of place in any sorts and was neither intimidated. She carried herself with pride and much humility as she simply disregard the whole idea of dressing up for this banquet, thinking she need not need to impress anyone in particular. Yes, not even her grandmother. If only her mother knew of her intentions though, she would probably be disappointed.
Ignoring all their curious gazes, Laurice switched gears the instant the old madam placed down her cup. She stood there alongside her mother and did not wait for her instructions as she took her chance to greet everybody in a gesture that earned a few different responses.
Laurice bowed a few degrees and said in placid tone, "Good evening." Omitting any other introductions, she then tilted her head to the side and glanced at her mother instead. Camilla took it as cue for her to her intoduce her daughter herself.
"Mother, father, everyone, this is my daughter, Laurice. She recently came back from the states and i plan on her putting her into office at the headquarters in a week." Camilla indignantly and unceremoniously spoke without pause.
Laurice was dumbfounded but concealed her surprise with all her might. She pursed her lips as her eyes squinted slightly at her mother"s choice of words wondering what is she rushing for. Her mother may appear poised and levelheaded but she was actually blunt, quick-witted and reckless. It so seems her audacious behavior was inherited and deeply influenced by her own mother herself, Adeline Ledesma.
The hostess, Adelina, the old madam herself, did not took pleasure with her declaration. Her gaze simply dimmed and the rest of the clan noticed the growing tension around them already. They dare not retort back nor acknowledge the matter currently at hand.
Clearing her throat in dismissal, the old madam contained her emotions and said uncaringly instead, "Sit down."
Her commanding voice and presence awakened Laurice to a fault. At the back of her head however, she was already shrugging off the unpleasant feeling of having someone trying to order her around.
Both Laurice and her mother obeyed silently as they took their seats besides each other joining them in the grand table.
Laurice inwardly sighed in relief. She thanked the heavens for the casual table setting set-up in front of her. Although her knowledge isn"t limited to basic dining etiquette, she did not want to share a meal in a stiff manner. She have already expected that the conversations later will be stiff and absurd enough for her to handle.
...
Eduard, who was silently sitting right across Laurice could easily tell what was going on her head. His eyes glinted in a comforting gaze that no one else could recognize. He was a master of suppressing his expressions but he just could not help but respond a little. The woman right in front of him was exuding an air of simplicity and she was unpretentious and coolheaded as he was. For someone faced with such turmoil, he was quite impressed by her demeanor.
...
Laurice"s gaze were still fixed on the dinnerware when her mother suddenly spoke.
"Mother, as i"ve said ... " Camilla proded impatiently as the dishes are being served simultaneously by the housekeepers. For her alone, there was clearly no time to wait. It"s completely unnecessary and pointless. Camilla thought she have waited long enough that it"s about time she give Laurice"s rightful position in the family.
"What qualifications does she have?" The old madam interrupted her daughter in a menacing tone.
Her disposition was cold and distant unlike any other grandmothers from Laurice"s understanding and imagination. Laurice right now was having a difficult time trying to convince herself not to not hate her own grandmother and just accept the fact that she was still probably a n.o.body in the old madam"s eyes. Well, for now, she guesses. It is not gonna be long before she could prove herself. But Laurice also knew that her abilities maybe lacking at some degree. She would need the guidance of the right people and she have to feel needed. It is the most important. If that wasn"t the case, then there was clearly no need for her to stay here any longer.
"The Group needs someone of her caliber. She"s proficient in both fields, be it technical or administrative. I have no complaints." Camilla stated briefly.
Laurice was feeling complicated by her mother"s perception. She flinched by the conviction in her voice. Laurice never knew. It seems her mother was quite ... proud of her. Did she misheard her say something excellent about herself as her daughter? After all these years, was she watching over her?
"Hmp. You are that confident? With that measly achievement? You"re over-estimating her." Adelina countered mercilessly with her hands tightly clasped above her chin.
At this point, Laurice could not agree more she almost nodded her head in approval. Right, her grandmother was correct in all respects. She wasn"t that capable. She did not want to give any false hope and absolutely do not not dare show off in front of these many accomplished figures so she remained pa.s.sive and silent in her seat.
"I could not refute that mother, but she would be an indispensable a.s.set to the company." She paused for awhile and then uttered while stressing the words, "I need her." Camilla declaringly said matching her mother"s tone. She will not cower in doubt nor in fear this time leaving no room for her mother to criticize her again. She"s going to deal with this the hard way if that"s how her mother wants it.
Adelina Ledesma was stumped by her daughter"s argument. Did she not made herself clear awhile ago? Why is she being too forceful now? Her daughter was getting impudent. She was not playing by the rules.
"Wanting to make her your future successor?" Adelina sneered in her heart while mulling over the situation. Camilla may now be the C.E.O. of the entire group, but she still holds the higher position as the Chairman. Trying to recruit someone in the group through the backdoor? She do not permit it. The child should earn that privilege herself if she ever prove herself worthy. But she will not be blamed if her daughter will eat her own words some day and most significantly, she would never allow the company to suffer in anyway possible. Not in someone else"s hands.
Amidst the old madam"s self-deliberation, Laurice was in a confused state as she ponder over her mother"s declaration. Did she or did she not mention just now that she needs her? Laurice was taken aback by the irony of her mother"s words.