C95 Big Decisions

The Wood family residence had never looked as lively as it did this evening. The entire household had finally gathered under one roof again. The grand hall was decorated elegantly, and even several business partners had been invited for what was announced as a “special family gathering.”

Kelvin stood at the center with his usual calm authority, while Sarah stood slightly beside him, still visibly overwhelmed by the attention. Ben, Samantha, Tracy, Mary, Quinton, the household staff, and even several senior company managers including Josh, Joe, and Jamie were present.

Everyone waited quietly, sensing that something important was about to be revealed. Kelvin cleared his throat. “As you all know, the Wood Group has always valued structure, trust, and long-term stability.” He paused briefly, scanning the room. “Today is not just a welcome home ceremony for my daughter…”

Sarah blinked in confusion. Kelvin continued. “…but also an official restructuring announcement.” Murmurs immediately spread through the room. Kelvin raised his hand slightly to calm them. “I hereby announce that Sarah Wood is now officially the second-largest shareholder of Wood’s IT Company.” The room fell into stunned silence.

For a moment, no one reacted. Even Josh, Joe, and Jamie looked at each other in disbelief. Sarah’s eyes widened. “Dad… what? Why would you announce it like this?” Kelvin remained calm. “Because you deserve it. And because this company must know who it will rely on in the future.”

A second later, applause broke out across the hall. At first it was hesitant, then louder, until the entire room was clapping. Sarah’s face turned red with embarrassment. “I didn’t expect this at all…” she muttered. From the side, Tracy smiled proudly. “She has always been capable.” But not everyone shared the same joy. Ben stood quietly in the background, his expression darkening slightly.

He said nothing, but his clenched jaw revealed his discomfort. Sarah has overtaken him in shares… and such a powerful position being announced publicly. It changed the internal balance of the company instantly. However, he forced himself to remain composed.

Samantha, standing near Tracy while gently holding Monica, looked at Sarah with admiration rather than envy. Monica clapped her tiny hands, unaware of the corporate weight in the air. Kelvin coughed lightly. The room immediately quieted again. “There is one more announcement.”

This time, even Sarah stiffened. Kelvin’s expression remained firm. “As everyone knows, the company has operated with two vice directors for years.” He paused. "As You all know my son is getting married in 2 weeks, soon Samantha will officially be my daughter in law." He paused for a moment. “From today onward, I officially appoint Samantha Wood as the second Vice Director of Wood’s IT Company.”

The entire room erupted again but this time in shock. Samantha froze. “Me?” She looked around as if expecting someone to correct the announcement. Kelvin nodded. “Yes. You.” Tracy gently smiled beside her. “Congratulations.” Samantha shook her head slightly. “This… this is too sudden…”

Kelvin continued calmly. “You will not be alone in this position. Ben will continue as Vice Director alongside you. You will work together as co-leaders of this company.” All eyes shifted to Ben. His expression darkened instantly.

For a brief moment, anger flashed in his eyes. But then he exhaled slowly. He understood what this meant. It was trust. And responsibility. And more importantly… Samantha was his future wife. In two weeks, they would be married. So whether he liked the sudden announcement or not, her position would naturally become intertwined with his life and influence.

He forced a calm expression and nodded slightly. “I understand.” Kelvin observed him carefully but said nothing further. The atmosphere slowly eased as congratulations filled the room again. Samantha was still overwhelmed, but Tracy gently held her hand. “You’ll do well.” Sarah, still recovering from her own announcement, looked at Samantha and smiled. “Congratulations.”

Samantha returned a small, nervous smile. “Thank you…” "Congratulations to you too." But beneath the smiles, every person in the room understood something important had shifted tonight. Power had been redistributed. And responsibilities had deepened.

That same evening, at the Mooney family residence, dinner was unusually serious. Alicia sat quietly, sensing the tension in the room. Mark finally placed his cutlery down. “Alicia, we need to discuss something important with you.” Alicia blinked. “Dad… Grandpa… why do you all look so serious?” Peter nodded slowly, his expression calm but firm. “We did not want to disturb you yesterday because you were exhausted.”

Georgia added softly. “But tonight, you must hear this.” Alicia straightened slightly. “What is it?” Mark took a deep breath. “As you know, I have been serving as Minister of Police for quite some time.” He paused. “I have also gathered significant financial resources over the years, combined with your grandfather and grandmother’s savings.” Peter and Georgia both nodded. “We made a decision together.”

Alicia frowned slightly. “What decision?” Mark continued. “We acquired majority shares of Lucia Goods, LG.” Alicia’s eyes widened slightly. “That company… the logistics and electronics supplier?” Mark nodded. “Yes. It is a global logistics and electronics supply corporation. They handle everything from mobile phones, smart TVs, computers, tablets, and even production chain development.”

He leaned forward slightly. “It is divided into multiple branches, design, testing, manufacturing, and distribution.” Alicia listened carefully, still processing. Mark continued. “We now own 80% of the company shares, purchased at a total of 1.2 billion dollars.” Alicia’s spoon nearly slipped from her hand. “1.2… billion?”

Peter nodded calmly. “With this, we have the authority to appoint directors, restructure management, and even rename the company if necessary.” Mark slid a document folder across the table. “I will send you the full documentation later.” Alicia remained silent for a moment. The weight of the information was enormous.

She slowly spoke. “But… why are you telling me this?” Peter smiled faintly. “Because we want you to take responsibility for it.” Alicia froze. “What?” Georgia gently placed her hand over Alicia’s. “You have shown us how capable you are. Your work ethic, your analysis skills, your understanding of systems… we have seen it all.”

Mark nodded. “You are not just my daughter. You are the future of this family’s business direction.” Alicia looked down, overwhelmed. “So you want me to… become director?” Peter nodded. “There is an interim director for now, but once you are ready, the position will be yours.” Silence filled the room.

Alicia’s heart raced. She had never expected this. Not in her wildest thoughts. Finally, she spoke softly. “Can… can I think about it?” Mark smiled gently. “That is all we ask.” Peter added warmly. “We are not forcing you. We are giving you a path.” he paused for a moment. "You can either take it now or take it later, it is your choice to make."

Alicia lowered her eyes. A billion-dollar company. A director position. A future she never expected. And yet… also a responsibility she could not ignore. For the first time, Alicia realized that the world she was stepping into was far bigger than she had imagined. And decisions she made now… would shape everything that came next.