C157 One Family

The lively discussion at breakfast eventually came to an end. Everyone settled the bill before walking back outside. The cool Scottish morning breeze welcomed us as we climbed back into the Mooney family's luxury SUV. I thought we were finally heading home.

Instead... The driver drove in the opposite direction.

Alicia looked through the window before turning toward her father. "Dad..." "Where are we going?" Mark simply smiled. "You'll see." About twenty minutes later... A familiar building appeared before us.The bold silver letters across the entrance read "Lucia Goods Headquarters." Alicia blinked twice. "Dad..." "It's Saturday." "Why are we coming to the company today?" Mark chuckled. "Simple." "My daughter and son-in-law should at least know the company they'll soon be leading."

The vehicle slowly entered the underground parking garage before coming to a smooth stop. Everyone stepped out. The weekend silence made the entire building feel enormous. Without the usual rush of employees, the headquarters looked even more majestic. Mark clasped his hands behind his back. "Come." "I'll personally give you two your first tour."

The elevators opened on the ground floor. "This is our reception area." Mark pointed toward the spacious lobby. "Every client who enters Lucia Goods passes through here." The marble floors reflected the sunlight pouring through the enormous glass walls. Elegant flower arrangements decorated each corner. The company logo stood proudly behind the reception desk.

Peter smiled proudly. "This company has grown far beyond what I imagined when I first started it." Everyone followed quietly as Mark continued leading us from one department to another. "This floor handles customer relations." "The third floor is finance." "The fourth belongs to marketing." "The fifth manages production planning." "The sixth and seventh coordinate logistics and international operations."

Every department had its own atmosphere. Even though most employees were off duty because it was Saturday, a few managers still greeted Mark respectfully whenever they crossed paths. "Good morning, Chairman." "Morning, Director Mark." They all became curious when they saw Alicia and me walking beside him. Some immediately guessed our identities. Others smiled knowingly. Word had already spread after last night's engagement. The future leaders had arrived.

Nearly thirty minutes later... The elevator finally stopped on the tenth floor. The doors slowly opened. The corridor here was quieter than every other floor. Luxurious carpets stretched from one end to the other. Beautiful paintings decorated the walls. Only two offices occupied the entire floor. Mark stopped walking. He smiled. "We're here." Alicia looked ahead.

The first office carried a polished golden nameplate. "Director A. Smith" She froze. Her beautiful eyes remained fixed on those two words. A. Smith. Not... A. Mooney. She stared silently for several seconds before turning toward her father. "Dad..." "We only got engaged yesterday." "We haven't even registered our marriage yet." "So..." "Why does my surname already say Smith?"

The moment those words left her mouth... Everyone burst into laughter. Mark laughed the loudest. "I knew you'd notice." He walked over and gently tapped the nameplate. "Because changing it later would be unnecessary." He winked. "Today's schedule still isn't over." Alicia blinked. "...Today's schedule?" Mark grinned. "You'll understand soon." Her cheeks slowly turned pink.

She finally realized what he meant. "You planned everything already..." Peter laughed proudly. "My granddaughter finally met someone who can keep up with her." Just opposite the Director's office stood another office. I instinctively looked toward its nameplate. Then I froze. Written in the very same elegant golden letters were the words, "Vice Director M. Smith"

I rubbed my eyes. Surely... I wasn't seeing things. I turned toward Peter. "Grandpa..." "I thought we agreed that I'd begin from the bottom." "I even asked to work as an ordinary assistant." "What changed?" Before Peter could answer... Mark stepped forward first. "My son-in-law..." "...will never be someone's secretary." The elders immediately nodded in agreement.

Quinton laughed proudly. "My son has worked hard enough." Mary smiled brightly. "He deserves this." I scratched my head helplessly. "You people never even discussed it with me." Peter smiled. "We did." "You just weren't invited." Everyone laughed again. Alicia quietly held my hand. She leaned closer before whispering, "Looks like we both lost." I smiled. "I think so." Mark unlocked both offices before inviting us inside.

The Director's office was breathtaking. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked almost the entire city. Elegant wooden bookshelves lined one side of the room. A large conference table occupied another. The main desk sat directly before the windows. Everything looked modern. Simple. Yet powerful.

Alicia slowly walked around the office. She gently ran her fingers across the polished desk. "So..." "This will really be my office." There was excitement in her voice. But also pressure. I quietly squeezed her hand. "You'll do well." She smiled. "I'll have to." She then followed everyone into my office.

Compared to hers... Mine was slightly smaller. But it carried the same elegant design. Bookshelves. Computer stations. Meeting space. Comfortable seating. Everything had already been prepared. I looked around in disbelief. "I haven't even started working..." "And you've already prepared everything."

Mark folded his arms proudly. "I told you yesterday." "My daughter will lead." "And you'll support her." "I've watched you two for long enough." "I know exactly what you're capable of." His words made both Alicia and me fall silent. For the first time... The responsibility truly felt real. This was no longer just a future plan. It had already begun.

After spending nearly another hour touring the remaining executive offices... The elders finally became tired. Peter stretched his back. "I think this old body has reached its limit." Georgia laughed. "I was waiting for you to admit it." Everyone smiled. Soon... We returned downstairs before climbing back into the vehicle.

The ride home was much quieter. Peter and Georgia were dropped off first at the Mooney residence. Mark also remained behind after reminding us once again, "Don't forget." "Every weekend." "You two must visit." "We promise." Both Alicia and I answered together. The driver then continued toward the Smith residence. Mary and Quinton also got off.

Before leaving, my mother hugged Alicia tightly. "My daughter..." "Take good care of yourself." "And don't forget to visit me often." Alicia hugged her back warmly. "I promise, Mom." Mary's smile instantly widened after hearing that single word. Once everyone had gone home... Only Alicia and I remained inside the vehicle. I thought we were finally heading back to rest.

Instead... The driver turned toward the city centre once again. I looked at Alicia. She looked at me. Neither of us understood. About ten minutes later... The vehicle stopped outside the Scottish Civil Registration Office. I blinked. Then slowly turned toward Alicia. She was already staring at the building. Our eyes met.

Neither of us needed to say a single word. We both finally understood... The day wasn't over yet. Our engagement had ended. Now...