chapter 3

The Achveil family found it very hard to accept that Bryan was now back to his normal self. The doctor had even said there was nothing they could do and that it would be a miracle if he recovered. They had never believed in miracles.

“Someone said he would donate $1 billion dollars, and you want us to believe he's mentally okay?” Dylan scoffed.

Bryan chuckled and stepped forward. “Dylan, you don't believe I can do that?”

Dylan was shocked. Ever since Bryan had lost his mind, he hadn’t recognized him, but now he just said his name. The whole family was left speechless.

Tracy tried hard to control her tears, but they streamed down her face. She hugged Bryan, weeping, “I never thought you would come back, babe… I can't believe this is happening!”

“Yeah, babe… I'm here, in my right mind,” he said, wiping her tears as he looked at her sweetly.

Tracy smiled, then faced the family. “I guess there's no need for the divorce talks, then?”

Mr. Collins was boiling with anger but kept it cool, as they had guests with them. Bryan bowed and greeted him, “Happy birthday, Father.”

Dylan growled, “Yeah, he got his mind back but still remains as poor as ever. Better to be senseless than be a sensible poor man.”

Dylan was directly attacking him, and the family didn’t even know much about Bryan; they thought he was just an orphan.

“Just stand there, both of you,” Mr. Collins said, “For not bringing a gift.”

Tracy didn’t care as she held Bryan tightly. Then, Mr. Collins continued, “Not to spoil the atmosphere, I want to make a proposal.” At this, the room went silent.

He announced, “Just now, I heard that Crestview has arrived in New York!” As he made the announcement, everyone murmured, because they knew the owner was known as the God of War.

“Yes, it’s huge news that’s caused unrest. Every consortium is trying to work with them and make investments. As we all know, the profit from this investment is high—almost a 70% return. The challenge is securing the investment deal.” Everyone was quiet.

“I want someone who is confident in themselves, someone who can negotiate and secure the deal.”

No one spoke, knowing how high Crestview’s standards were. No one wanted to risk failure.

“No one? No one brave enough?” he asked, frustrated.

“I really need this investment, and whoever secures it will be given 10% of my company’s profits every month and will be made CEO to supervise it on my behalf,” he announced.

Gasp.

Gulp.

That was a huge reward. They knew Mr. Collins rarely gave anyone such an opportunity, but now he was willing to! The reward was tempting, but at the same time, dangerous, knowing how Mr. Collins would react if met with disappointment.

“Sir, I’ll secure the deal,” Fiona, one of Tracy’s cousins, said. Fiona was intelligent, insightful, and confident, highly respected in the family. Everyone was jealous of her, especially because of her boyfriend, the heir to the Quill fortune.

“As you know, my boyfriend is powerful and influential. This is just the tip of the iceberg for him.”

Mr. Collins laughed, impressed. “I knew Fiona would never let me down. She’s the best grandchild I have. Let me add this: if you successfully close the deal, you will be the one to inherit the family.”

What?

Heartbreaking.

Everyone murmured as rumours spread. Did that mean Fiona would become the overall president of the Achveil family?

Fiona bowed. “I won’t disappoint you.”

Mr. Collins was impressed and clapped, and everyone joined him. After the applause died down, a voice said, “I think Tracy is eligible for this as well.” Everyone turned to Bryan.

“Tracy can also lead the Achveil family if she successfully closes the deal?”

Fiona was the first to burst into laughter. “Are you sure this man is mentally stable?”

The crowd joined in erupted into laughter, the sound echoing through the room. People exchanged glances, amused at Bryan's boldness.

“Is he serious right now, I don't think he is stable?” someone whispered, barely containing their chuckles.

“Bryan, you must be joking!” Tracy’s mom said, “You’ve got no connections, no influence, no wealth—and the same goes for Tracy!, You turned her into someone just like you, worthless! ”

Then, Dylan added, “How can someone like her even dream of leading the Achveil family when she’s involved with nobody? She can’t even be called one of us anymore. She already ruined herself by being with you”

Tracy clenched her fists, holding back the sting of their words. The insults, the ridicule—every word felt like a knife cutting deeper.

Bryan, however, stood tall, “I think, this should be fair and square. Regardless, she is also one of the family”.

“You’re a fool if you think you can even get close to Crestview,” Fiona chimed in, her voice smug. “You have no idea how big this company works, Bryan. People like you and Tracy won't even get the opportunity”.

“I think that should be left for us,” he said, facing Mr. Collins. “Sir, you said ‘whoever,’ so she should get the opportunity as well.”

“Well, I would go with that, and additionally, I would give you back your dividend share of the family that I collected,” he said.

The dividend was denied after Bryan left her. That would be a huge accomplishment for her, but Tracy was shivering because she knew and believed Bryan was just bluffing to impress her.

“But… before that,” Mr. Collins stated, “I can’t entrust you with such a proposal, as it could even spoil the family’s reputation. To know your worth, I want you to collect the debt owed by the casino bully first.”

Tracy immediately chuckled. She knew Mr. Collins didn’t want to give them an opportunity to begin with. The casino bully was a well-known g**g in the city. They killed mercilessly and got away with it. They had borrowed money from the Achveil family and refused to pay it back. No one could stop them. If you dared to challenge them, you died.

Tracy held Bryan’s arm. “It’s okay, you shouldn’t…”

“Yes, she would,” he said, and everyone couldn’t help but gasp.

Mr. Collins raised an eyebrow. He was waiting for them to refuse. He asked, “Tracy, are you sure?”

Tracy hesitated. She knew this was a death mission. But Bryan turned to her. “Tracy, accept this challenge. It’s nothing—absolutely nothing. I will help you accomplish it. It’s high time to show them what you’re made of!”

Tracy breathed heavily, nodding her head.

“Tracy, you’ve suffered enough, and I’m here to correct that. I’m here to take you higher and do exactly what they did to you!” Bryan said, his eyes filled with determination.

Tracy could see hope and power in his eyes, which immediately boosted her morale. She looked up and said, “Yes, I accept!”

Everyone gasped.