CHAPTER 48

"All right, I'll go over it with the board and get back to you."

The lawyers excused themselves and passed a business card for further inquiries.

"You're all grown up now, son."

"Thank you for not disappointing me, Dad. Violet believed in you more than I did."

"Did she?"

"She told me that you love me and that you did everything for my sake, but I was skeptical. Now that I know the truth, I am relieved. I will study hard and make all of you proud, as you requested."

"I appreciate your forgiveness."

"After all, you are my father. I'm leaving now," he said as he walked out of the office.

He ran into his older brother as he exited the elevator.

"What exactly are you doing here?"

"I had some issues with Dad, which we worked out. I have classes to go to, Dean, and I don't have the energy to fight you right now."

“You....”

He didn't wait for him to finish, and then he was gone. He was not going to let Dean ruin his day. The final contract he gave to his father was more of a collaboration between Dark Enterprises and Heritage Investment, which was a win-win situation for both but a loss for the Darks if they did not sign. He hopped in his car and drove himself to school; he had a lot of work to do.

When she arrived at the international airport, she was greeted by that woman, who she later learned was Mrs. Hillary.

She was taken away to one of the capital's finest five-star hotels. Mrs. Hillary had reserved the penthouse for her because it was the most convenient location for the two of them. The inauguration was the next day, so she had plenty of time to rest.

She had already set up the entire platform for Dylan; all he had to do was go with the flow.

After stealing the Darks' bid, she had her lawyers draft three contracts. Everything is simple if you had the right connections and money. She kept wondering how Dylan would react when he confronted his father. There was one thing she was certain of.

Dylan's father loved him, and she had heard some stories about him from Dylan's mother and her own investigations. Unfortunately, the man didn't know how to express himself, which was why she was going to scare the hell out of him until he came to his senses.

When she went to bed, she went into the man's dream and did crazy things that caused him to wake up from a nightmare. With this, the old man will undoubtedly do the right thing and mend all his broken relationships.

The following day, she attended the inauguration of Queensland's new prime minister. There were so many faces she recognized, as well as new faces. She was introduced to almost everyone in high places as her royal highness because she was a distinguished guest.

These people liked to be flashy, and now she knew why she was here. Mrs. Hillary was a cunning woman, but she went with the flow because she stood to benefit the most from it.

She was so exhausted from talking with the chatty Ministers' wives that she decided to leave the hall and go outside for some fresh air. She was standing on the balcony, looking out over the crowds who had gathered to witness this momentous occasion, when another new face approached her. She'd seen this young man before, but she wasn't sure where.

"Your Majesty!"

“Call me Violet that will suffice. And you are?”

"Please forgive me. My name is Tyrel Linken, and I am the president’s son."

"It's no surprise you look familiar. You're a fine young man."

“Thank you.”

"Are you here to see me, or are you just passing through?"

"I just followed you because I saw you coming this way."

"Is that correct?"

"I hope you're not offended."

"Nothing offends me that much these days, so don't be concerned."

She talked with Tyrel for about thirty minutes before leaving because she was hungry after talking for so long.

"We will meet one day, Tyrel, and it was a pleasure chatting with you," she said.

"It was nice meeting you too."

She went back inside after leaving the balcony. Anne must have sensed her predicament because she brought a plate of snacks.

"You've got to be looking for this."

"You're familiar with me, Anne. Thank you," she said, taking the plate from her.

Anne led her to an empty couch, where she sat and began to eat her snacks. But it wasn't over because another one came over to where she was sitting. When she looked up, she noticed it was the first lady.

"Violet, I've been looking for you."

“Me?”

“Yes. Would you mind if I sat down with you?"

"No, please continue."

The first lady sat next to her and looked her in the eyes.

"Do you think there's something on my face?"

"Not really, but I'm always amazed when I look at you. I'm hoping you don't mind if I ask you a few questions."

"As long as they're not obnoxious."

"I hope they aren't. Can you tell me if that hair is real?"

"It is, indeed. Would you like to feel it, and see?"

"Am I allowed to do that?"
"All right, go ahead."

"It's real and long," she sighed as she ran her fingers through her hair, “would you mind telling me your secret?"

“Of it being white or long?”

"Both," the woman said jokingly, smiling at her.

"There is no secret; I simply use products that I buy in stores but specifically labeled lotus."

"Are you referring to the lotus skincare products? I'd heard of them, but I had no idea they could do this."

"They're good, but they won't make your hair white. Mine just happened to turn this way, and you look fine the way you are."

“Thank you, for the compliment.”