Chapter 85

Chapter 85: A New Master of the Family

Since Lolan Hill’s visit, the Helis family had been quiet for several days. Lady Melu ordered that the entire headquarters of the chamber of commerce be sealed off, with no one allowed to enter or leave at will.

A few days later, the main gate of the Helis Chamber of Commerce headquarters opened. To outsiders, it seemed as usual, but the staff inside noticed some faces were gone, reportedly reassigned to far-off branches.

Soon after, the main managers of the various branches of the Helis Chamber of Commerce, especially Melu’s uncles, received invitations from the main family. The invitations stated that due to Lord Haus enjoying excessive pleasures recently, the temple priests diagnosed him as having little time left, thus inviting everyone to discuss the matter of the successor to the chamber of commerce.

If it were any other meeting, these relatives of the Helis family would not care much, but when it came to discussing the transfer of the chamber of commerce and property distribution, they flocked like flies to rotting meat, fearing they might miss out on their share.

In just a week, these distant relatives gathered together.

Helis Family, Main Conference Hall.

Lord Haus sat at the upper end of the hall, his face pale, his bloated body flabby like a soft white loaf of bread. Occasionally, maidservants brought him health tonics. Next to him sat his eldest daughter Melu, and beside her was her younger brother Bell.

Among the many managers below, various eyes looked at the master in the middle—eyes filled with envy, jealousy, fear, greed, and desire. They scrutinized the members of the main family, whispering among themselves before the meeting began, trying to understand each other’s intentions.

Melu looked at this group of people. Their faces were so familiar yet so strange. When did they start drifting apart? The warmth of the past was gone, replaced only by avarice for wealth. Perhaps this was the norm: hearts change easily, but interests endure, captivating and ensnaring one’s heart. She sighed silently, then felt a slight tug on her arm.

“Is it you, Bell? Yes, don’t be afraid, sit there quietly, your sister will protect you.”

Melu held her brother’s hand, calming his unease. Then the meeting officially began.

The host clapped his hands to gradually quiet the crowd, briefly explaining the reason for the gathering: Lord Haus was unwell and decided to step down.

“I apologize for calling you all here at this time,” Haus said, his voice weak and slow.

“There’s no need to worry, Your health is most important,” someone responded.

“Yes, don’t be overly concerned, we’re here for you,” another added.

Some managers responded, though their excited eyes did not seem genuine. Haus was the son of the previous master, even if he lacked strength, his seniority was still intimidating. But once he stepped down, who could replace him?

Bell was only 14 years old and no one paid attention to him. Melu, though capable, was a daughter and would eventually marry, making her merely an outsider with no right to manage the family. They would still have to entrust the affairs of the chamber of commerce to them, ha ha.

“So, I plan to fully entrust the management of the chamber of commerce to my daughter, Melu.”

When Haus said this, the room erupted in disbelief. Friendly faces turned sour, and questions arose.

“Lord Haus, consider carefully. Melu is just a young girl; it’s too much to entrust her with power.”

“Why give the chamber of commerce to a daughter?”

“The chamber of commerce should be led by experienced individuals.”

“It seems Lord Vito is right.”

Chaos ensued. Many started arguing, expressing their opinions about the ideal leader, some even self-recommending. Haus sweated profusely, but no one listened. They were too busy venting their dissatisfaction and debating who had the right to lead the chamber of commerce.

Melu stood up, patted her father’s back, and whispered something in his ear. His anxious expression slowly eased. Then, a few guards escorted him and Bell through a nearby side door. Amidst the noise in the conference hall, the sound of armor outside went unnoticed.

Some noticed Haus’s departure and prepared to question it, but the attendants blocked them. They stood sparsely in front of the stage but fiercely defended against those who tried to approach.

Dong—

Dong—

The great clock in the conference hall rang, its metallic resonance echoing clearly throughout the hall. Only then did the scene gradually quiet down. When everyone saw only Melu left on the podium, they realized something was amiss.

“Miss Melu, where is Lord Haus?”

Several managers asked, while others watched Melu, waiting for her response.

“My father is unwell and has returned home to rest. I will handle the rest.”

“Melu, come down from the podium. How can a young lady bear such responsibility?”

An uncle shouted loudly, and others echoed him. More people watched coldly, with no one standing up to speak for Melu.

Melu slowly stood up from her seat. She wore a deep green gown, with a bright yellow camellia pinned on her shoulder, standing out prominently. In the dim light of the conference hall, her face was indistinct, but her chestnut gold hair was visible.

“Do you also think I’m unsuitable, Uncle Vito?” Her voice was chilly.

“Yes.”

“But I still want to do this. What should I do?”

“Don’t act like this, we’re doing this for your own good.”

“But I insist.”

Looking at this familiar uncle, Melu’s voice grew colder and more resolute.

“You—”

Before the uncle could finish speaking, Melu picked up a teacup and threw it at him.

“You are just a member of a branch of the Helis family. What right do you have to shout at me?”

“Calling you ‘uncle’ in daily life made you forget your place!”

Everyone stared at Melu in shock. No one expected gentle Melu to dare say such things.

“From today, the Helis family will reunite. Everyone and every branch must obey the orders of our main family!”

“And I will become the new master of the Helis Chamber of Commerce. If you have any complaints, you can express them here.”

Her words were firm and decisive. Melu stared at her relatives and elders, her dark pupils slowly scanning the room. As she spoke, a full platoon of armed guards entered through the side door, their silence broken only by the sound of metal clashing. Three hundred steel-armored guards completely sealed off the hall, leaving no one able to escape the silent hall.

Thank you to the moonlight for the contribution. Really grateful!

End of Chapter