C169 New Alliances

Laughter echoed throughout the dining room, instantly easing the heavy atmosphere that had weighed on everyone only moments before. Even the older generation couldn't help smiling. Mary, in particular, looked at Alicia with eyes full of admiration. My daughter-in-law really knows how to speak, she thought proudly. She always knows exactly what to say to bring everyone together.

Sarah smiled warmly before speaking again. "Well, Sister-in-law, now that you've mentioned it..." she began, glancing around the room. "Your husband is already the Vice Director of Lucia Goods. Since we're becoming one big family, I think it's only fair that I also make a decision." Everyone turned their attention toward her. "As the Director of Wood's IT Company," Sarah continued confidently, "I officially intend to appoint Chris Chambers as our Second Vice Director... replacing Ben." The room instantly fell silent.

Chris nearly choked on the tea he had just taken. "W-What?" His eyes widened as he stared at Sarah in disbelief. "Honey... are you serious?" Sarah nodded naturally. "Of course." Chris quickly shook his head. "Wait... wait a minute." He looked toward Kelvin and Tracy before turning back to Sarah. "Ben will eventually be released. If I take his position, won't that make me his biggest enemy? I already have enough problems just being Mike's friend." Everyone laughed softly at his nervous expression.

Kelvin was the first to speak. "My child, I think Sarah made an excellent decision." He looked proudly at his daughter. "The father of my future grandchild cannot remain a Team Manager forever while his wife carries the entire company on her shoulders." He chuckled. "If one day the employees discover that the Director's husband is still answering to junior managers, they'll wonder what kind of company we're running." The room burst into laughter again.

Kelvin looked directly at Chris. "So from my side, you have my full approval." Chris scratched the back of his head awkwardly. "But... Mr. Wood..." Kelvin interrupted him with a smile. "No more 'Mr. Wood.' We're family now." Tracy, however, remained thoughtful. After several seconds she finally spoke. "I understand Chris' concern." Everyone looked toward her. "Ben is still our son. Even after everything he has done, replacing him immediately could make him resent Chris even more."

She sighed softly. "I don't want another unnecessary conflict." Sarah nodded respectfully. "I've thought about that too, Mom." "So why are you still making this decision?" Tracy asked. Sarah smiled. "Because Ben lost that position through his own actions." Her voice remained calm but firm. "This isn't revenge." "It's responsibility." She continued, "The company cannot remain without proper leadership simply because we're worried about hurting someone's feelings."

She then looked lovingly at Chris. "And honestly... I trust him." Chris blinked. "You... trust me?" Sarah nodded. "I've watched how you work." "You respect everyone." "You don't abuse authority." "You treat employees equally." "Most importantly..." She smiled gently. "You never think only about yourself." "I believe those qualities are exactly what a Vice Director should have." Chris was completely speechless. Perhaps it was the first time in his life, someone had praised him so sincerely.

Valeria couldn't help nudging David. "Our son has finally grown up." David smiled proudly. "I told you he would." Valeria whispered teasingly, "I still think he got lucky." David laughed quietly. Chris finally cleared his throat. "I..." He looked at Sarah. "If I accept..." "I'll probably have to work twice as hard." Sarah smiled. "I'll work three times harder." "So we can build the company together." Their eyes met for several seconds. Even I found myself smiling.

A partnership like this... Maybe this is what marriage is supposed to look like. Alicia suddenly clapped her hands. "Then it's settled!" She stood up with an excited smile. "Congratulations, Vice Director Chambers." Everyone applauded. Chris rubbed his forehead helplessly. "I don't even remember accepting." I laughed loudly. "You accepted the moment you stopped refusing." More laughter filled the room.

Finally Chris sighed dramatically. "Fine." "I accept." "But if Ben comes looking for me after he's released..." He pointed toward me. "I'm hiding behind you." I immediately raised both hands. "Don't drag me into this." "I will be gone already." "You've already got a Director protecting you." Everyone laughed once more. The atmosphere had completely transformed. The bitterness that once existed between the two families seemed to disappear little by little.

After spending another hour talking, laughing and enjoying dessert, lunch finally came to an end. One by one everyone began preparing to leave. Sarah, however, remained seated. Kelvin noticed immediately. "Aren't you coming, Sarah?" Sarah smiled innocently. "I think... I'll stay for a little while." Tracy looked at her curiously. "For what?" Sarah quickly answered, "I still want to spend some time getting to know Sister-in-law." She looked toward Alicia. "We've only just become family." "I'd like to chat with her a little more." Then she added naturally, "Besides, she promised she'll take me home later."

Alicia instantly understood what Sarah was doing. She was clearly using her as an excuse to spend more time with Chris. Suppressing a smile, Alicia nodded. "That's right." "We still have lots of things to talk about." Kelvin and Tracy exchanged knowing glances. Neither of them exposed Sarah's little plan. Instead Kelvin smiled. "Very well." "But don't stay too late." Sarah nodded obediently. "I won't."

Deep down, however, both Tracy and Kelvin had hoped Samantha would make the same decision. Perhaps staying behind would help her interact with everyone again. Perhaps it would ease the loneliness they could clearly see in her eyes. Unfortunately... Samantha quietly picked up Monica from the sofa. Without saying much, she simply smiled politely at everyone. "We'll be leaving first."

Her smile looked calm. But only she knew how difficult it had been to maintain it throughout lunch. Seeing Mike and Alicia together... Watching everyone celebrate their future... Listening to discussions about children and marriage... Each word had pierced her heart. Still... She had no right to complain. Everything had been caused by choices beyond anyone's control. Monica reached out toward Tracy. "Mama..." Tracy gently took Monica into her arms before handing her back to Samantha. "My child..."

Without a word, she walked toward the door. Kelvin and Tracy followed closely behind. As they stepped outside the Chambers residence, the afternoon breeze greeted them. None of them noticed Samantha secretly wiping away the tears that had begun forming in the corners of her eyes. Behind them, laughter could still be heard from inside the house. A sound that made Samantha both happy... ...and unbearably heartbroken.