Chapter 6 The Declaration

• This lobster looks amazing; I should deshell one for Whitney.
• As soon as this thought crossed Charles's mind, his phone buzzed in his pocket.
• Reluctantly, he rose from his seat and exited the banquet hall, making his way to the deck of the cruise ship, where the refreshing sea breeze greeted him as he answered the call.
• "Mr. Draco, I have several updates to share," a gravelly voice informed him.
• "Wyvern, make it snappy. I need to return to my wife for dinner," Charles replied, a hint of impatience in his tone.
• "Understood, Mr. Draco." The voice on the other end was deferential. "We recently acquired multiple companies in Winsrum, including Dracorise Group, part of your Lyndale portfolio. You might want to keep an eye on that. Additionally, a country you assisted five years ago has discovered oil reserves and decided to share a portion of the profits with you. I've already transferred ten million to your bank account."
• "Wyvern, didn't we agree to avoid putting money in my account?" Charles frowned, feeling annoyed.
• "Mr. Draco, you can rest assured. I've backed this money with my own name; there won't be any issues," Wyvern assured him.
• With that reassurance, Charles could only respond with a resigned, "Alright, I understand.
• "By the way, I've come across a medicinal herb known as the Crimson Flame. It has properties that can treat extreme cold conditions. Please keep an eye out for it," Charles instructed.
• Upon his return home, he had noticed Whitney's unique condition—she tended to feel cold easily. He wanted to use the special channels from Draco Palace to help her find treatment.
• "As you wish, Mr. Draco."
• Charles ended the call and returned to the banquet table, carefully peeling a large lobster for Whitney.
• "All you ever do is eat. Are you planning to pack some to take home? Just look at the other sons-in-law; they're so competent, while you just know how to cook and can't handle any real responsibilities," Henry scoffed as soon as he saw Charles deshelling a lobster the moment he sat down, his words tinged with barely concealed anger.
• Charles ignored him, finished peeling the lobster, and placed it on Whitney's plate, but she didn't reach for her utensils right away.
• "Honey, what's bothering you? Why does Dad seem upset? Did someone give you a hard time while I was away?" Charles asked, genuinely curious.
• Whitney sighed. "No, it's just that Grandma mentioned whoever can strike a deal between the Chadwicks and Dracorise Group will inherit the family leadership."
• Dracorise Group was one of the largest corporations in Lyndale, boasting numerous subsidiaries and annual profits in the billions—an undeniable industry titan.
• If the Chadwicks could forge a connection with Dracorise Group, their future would be secured for years.
• However, clinching a deal with such a significant corporation was no small feat; no one in the Chadwicks dared to take on that challenge. It had become a heavy burden on Samantha, and anyone who could negotiate with Dracorise Group would be celebrated as a hero.
• Dracorise Group?
• Charles felt a sense of recognition, recalling that Wyvern had just mentioned it during their call.
• "Sigh, isn't Melissa's husband linked to Dracorise Group? She might not say it outright, but if she becomes head of the family, we might never get to move back into the Chadwick household," Whitney replied, her expression sulking.
• "Is that so?" Charles nodded and encouraged, "Honey, why don't you give it a shot?"
• "I—"
• Whitney was about to express her doubts when a mocking voice interrupted her.
• "What? You both think you can negotiate with Dracorise Group? Did I hear that right? Is there even any money left in your company's accounts?"
• The speaker was Melissa, who had conveniently strolled by and deliberately raised her voice to draw everyone's attention.
• "Whitney, this isn't a joke. You're representing the Chadwicks. If you mess this up and offend Dracorise Group, it'll be a disaster for us.
• "It's not that we have anything against you. Your father is mediocre, your husband is useless, and you're not much better. Grandma, I really don't think Whitney should recklessly approach Dracorise Group. If she leaves a bad impression, it could ruin any chance for me to forge a collaboration."
• Many members of the Chadwicks shook their heads in disapproval of Whitney.
• Listening to the barrage of criticism, Whitney felt insulted not only for herself but also for her husband and father. She stood up abruptly and addressed Samantha, "Grandma, I'll handle the negotiation with Dracorise Group ... "
• Samantha narrowed her eyes, skepticism etched on her face. She hadn't anticipated Whitney would be so bold; given their family's situation, it was audacious of her to involve herself in such an important matter.
• However, since Whitney had already made her declaration, it was only fair to give her a chance to try.