Chapter 2: Chaos

Chaos.

That was not enough to describe the events following the announcement. Yelling instantly ensued. Questions, conjectures and insults were thrown

How could Lyca manage the company? She hadn't even started her college education! She had neither the experience nor the brains to do it.

"Father! How could you say this?" Huang Ying, the eldest of Huang Yi Cong's four children asked. Her beautiful face contorted into an ugly scowl, "Are you joking?"

"Father… isn't this a bit too sudden? Naming an heir who is only twenty one with no experience whatsoever is a bit illogical."

"I agree! She is too young and inexperienced. She does not have a job, and she is clueless about business! How could she run a multi million dollar empire?"

"She hasn't even finished her college education yet!"

"She is too lazy. How could she manage a company?"

"Her father spoiled her a lot too. She grew up being treated like a princess! There is no way that…"

Lyca listened as everyone started shouting at the same time. She opened her mouth to say something but in the end, she decided against it. It would be nothing but a waste of her energy.

Lyca propped her chin into her palms, her eyes crinkled as she smiled at everyone who looked at her. Arguing against someone who had already made up their mind was just too… tiring. Popping a grape into her mouth, Lyca returned her grandfather's calm gaze.

Her grandfather's white hair, that was almost identical to hers, caught her eyes. A suspicion instantly ran rampant in her mind. However, she was too lazy to confirm it. Not when everyone was shouting and pointing their fingers at her and her father.

"Enough!" the booming sound of the Patriarch's voice instantly silenced everyone. It echoed against the walls of the mansion, reminding them that they were still in the presence of the man who had firmly held the reins of the company for decades. "Sit down," the old man added, his voice stern as he looked at his eldest daughter and second son.

"Father— "

"I said ENOUGH!" Silence followed the old man's words. A thick ominous atmosphere started spreading inside the room. "I am not done talking." The old man stated, his voice calm yet loud enough for everyone to hear. Seeing everyone turn silent, the old man continued.

"My decision is already final." He eyed Lyca, "You will take over the company once you are ready. Training will be provided and you will familiarize yourself with the industry." He then shifted his gaze to his four children. "Now… you can ask your questions." It wasn't permission but an order. This was something that the old man always did every time he was at his company.

"Father, as I said Lyca did not study business management. She is not familiar with the company. Why would you make her your heir?" Huang Ying asked, ignoring her father's scowl. "My brothers and I have worked in the company for years. How could you give the position to one of your grandchildren instead of us?"

"Elder sister, you are already married to the Zhang Family," Huang Li Dong, the second son of the patriarch sneered. "Did you expect father to leave the company to you and the Zhang Family?""You— "

"Father…" Huang Li Dong interrupted his sister's words. "I think Lyca is a smart woman however, making her the CEO of the company will not only cause chaos, this will also make the shareholders question our family. How could you entrust the company to someone who hasn't even finished her education or has any work experience? Your other grandchildren are obviously more qualified than her. Please reconsider."

"I agree," Huang Ying reluctantly nodded at her brother's words. "Lyca is young. What do you think will happen to our stock once the media gets ahold of this news?"

Lyca continued to listen as her aunt and uncle gave their reasons for the old man to reconsider his decision. She rolled her eyes inwardly as she ate. She then eyed her father sitting a few seats away from her. Unlike his elder brother and sister, Lyca's father was not very outspoken.

As expected, the man was only listening to her brother and sister's arguments, occasionally nodding his head as if this had nothing to do with him or his daughter.

"What do you think about this matter, Sheng Hong?" The old man's questions brought Lyca back from her stupor. She stared at her father who was about to answer the old man's question. Then her gaze drifted to her mother who was sitting next to her father.

"I believe this has nothing to do with me," Lyca's father, Huang Sheng Hong answered. "My daughter had already turned twenty-one a few days back. She can now decide for herself."

"See? This is what I'm talking about. Sheng Hong spoils his daughter too much. He practically lets her do everything she wants! This— " Huang Ying shook her head. "This is very embarrassing, father. Please reconsider. We cannot let a woman who was spoiled rotten by her parents handle our company." Huang Ying's tone was harsh as disgust swirled in her orbs.

"Fool," the old man cackled. "You.. All of you are fools." He snorted as he sent a meaningful gaze towards his granddaughter. "I can only hear dogs barking up the wrong tree." He then shifted his gaze towards his eldest daughter and second son. "The argument that Lyca is too young and inexperienced is already debunked by her net-worth. The argument that she is uneducated is already debunked by her records. If you want to give me a good reason not to make her my heir then feel free to do your own research and come back to me once you are ready!"

"Father!" Huang Ying furrowed her brows, confusion lacing her gaze. She looked at her brother, "Sheng Hong, what is father talking about?"

Both Huang Ying and Huang Li Dong turned their attention towards Huang Sheng Hong then towards the slack-faced Lyca. The old man's words reverberated inside them, filling their minds with nothing but confusion and irritation.