Chapter 21: QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

"If you're at this crossroad and you find it difficult to choose, let me help you understand what each choice can lead to," Mr. Blaydes, like any other concerned parent brought up the topic regarding Audrey"s choice of career at the dining table for discussion. "In fact, you should use your degree in the family business," he added while pointing his fork at her.
"Joining the family business can be a one-way road, Dad, where there is no going back. I've to be really firm minded about this, as I know nothing about it," Audrey expressed her apprehensions.
"You have your dad to mentor you and teach you how to run the company"s business, dear," her mother, Lucy Blaydes joined the discussion.
"However, before committing to Dad"s business, I want to explore the world and do something for the upliftment of society," Audrey explained.
"You can do that while you learn the ropes at my company. Who is stopping you from doing that ? You can make reservations every couple of months anywhere around the world. And of course donate to your philanthropy causes from the business funds which are all yours and will help save corporate taxes also," her business inclined father suggested.
"Dad, I need some time. That is all I'm asking for. I want to make my own identity first," Audrey countered.
"Take your time but not too much, Audrey. I don"t think you would want to be seen as someone who gave up on the family business and employees who have been with us for generations," Mr Blaydes targeted at Audrey"s soft corner.
"You're the only heir to our diamond empire and you are well aware of that fact. Don"t let us down, child," her mother added in between but Audrey stood her ground inspite her parents" pressure to join their business soon.
"Dad, I know my obligations towards our employees and family business," Audrey replied. "But I want to pursue a career which compliments my personality and only after making my mark in it, I want to take care of your business. However, I need to get a taste of reality myself before setting foot in your business. I assure you that once I have made a name for myself, I will take the reins from you."
"Many of the art graduates from your field have gone on to work as curators, art therapists, researchers, writers, photographers, and many more. Are you planning a career in one of these ?" her mom questioned inquisitively, trying to understand what Audrey had in mind.
"No, none of them," nixed Audrey.
"Then, what exactly is in your mind for a career option ?" Mr. Blaydes grunted.
"Or rather, what career best fits your personality type according to you ?" Lucy Blaydes asked, close to a jab to what Audrey had said earlier.
"I want to try my career in modeling and make inroads in that industry on my own. I do believe that it matches my personality type and it will help me raise money for the underprivileged" Audrey confidently revealed.
"Ooh ! We can see that you have already made up your mind and felt no need to consult or tell your parents before making a decision," Mrs. Lucy Blaydes sneered in annoyance.
"That is not tru- ... "
"What have you done in that direction till now to achieve your aim ?" Tyler Blaydes asked, effectively cutting off his daughter.
Audrey could sense her parent"s resistance to her decision but she knew that if she made the right pitch, she would get her way.
"Dad, I've been approached by a few modeling agencies in the past few months and I have almost completed my portfolio," Audrey answered. "But I had to put everything on halt because I was focused on my studies," she added.
When she saw the surprised but impressed looks on her parents" face, she knew she had managed to convince them within minutes. Audrey was a Blaydes after all. She knew how to play her hand.
However, even though her parents had relented, they did not make it easier for Audrey either. The grilling session continued.
"That is interesting ! You want to say that you are ready to go through all the pain of establishing yourself in a completely new industry but are not willing to join your family business where all your needs and aspirations can be taken care of ?" questioned Mr. Blaydes.
"Dad, I think that there is some miscommunication between us. I don't mean to never join it," Audrey cleared his doubts.
Her father gave her mother a look and Lucy Blaydes took over the interrogation.
"If you'll 'ever' join the diamond business, then give us a timeline and lay out your plans for us to know," Lucy Blaydes firmly said.
"How do you intend to balance your globe trotting modeling assignments and business ? Do you even think it is feasible ?" Mr. Blaydes asked with a frown on his face.
"Mom. Dad. All your concerns are valid but first of all, I want to go for a job to learn discipline, time management, and employer-employee relationship. So that when I come back to the family business I can become a better boss who knows how to handle the employees and their issues," Audrey explained.
"Pshaw ! You can learn all this better after being part of the business while heading a small unit first," an irritated Mr Blaydes countered.
"Dad," Audrey patiently replied. "I intend to say that I can learn the art of convincing, the art of tolerance, the art of self control and the art of acceptance better by doing a job outside the comforts of your cocooned shelter and then come back as a better manager of our company," she answered to convince both her parents.
"A well-planned career is instrumental in a happy and satisfied life. You should think twice before taking a leap in uncharted territory," Mrs. Lucy Blaydes sternly pointed out.
"Mom and Dad, I know I have the best parents to lean on and fall back if ever I am in trouble," Audrey resorted to flattering.
"Ok fine !" They agreed. Finally !!
"Whatever attracts you and you have an interest in, go for that but with a timeline or else we'll have to find a suitable matrimonial match from our competitors to run and empower our business," Mr. Blaydes was not above threatening his own daughter.
"Dad ! No !! Please don't threaten me with a pre-arranged matrimonial alliance. I'm not ready for marriage yet. Let me build my career first," a frightened Audrey pleaded. She couldn"t bear to part away from Dmitri.
"We are not interfering in your career decision making. As parents we don't have any legal right to choose whom you marry but the truth remains that we have a responsibility to make sure that you choose the right spouse," Mr. Tyler Blaydes replied and signaled Audrey for silence with a raise of his hand before continuing. "Anything which motivates you and helps you in leading a fulfilled life in terms of family, finance and social support, you can tread that path. However, all we want for you is happiness and that is why wish to protect and guide you. I hope you will not disappoint us," he added softly.
Her mother smiled at her and nodded in agreement too. Audrey could not hide her joy !
"Really ?! Oh thank you, thank you, thank you, Mom and Dad !! I love you for your support. Be assured, I will not disappoint you," a delighted Audrey promised in excitement.