Chapter 11
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Chapter 11
On the other side of the ocean, the Narthwich skyline was painted in dazzling gold and crimson by the morning sun.
In a penthouse, Cora stood barefoot by the floor-to-ceiling window in a velvet nightgown, gazing out at Green Haven.
George silently laid out breakfast – truffle scrambled eggs, hand-ground Misha coffee, and melons flown in from Halivaara overnight.
Hubert would usually appear at this precise moment with a carefully chosen gift. Today, he presented a velvet box.
“I saw this at an auction yesterday and thought it would suit you.”
It held a limited-edition pen from a top luxury brand’s series. Its body was engraved with cathedral arches with diamonds scattered like stars against exquisite architectural lines.
Unlike the past-ignored jewelry, Cora picked it up with genuine interest. After a moment, faint smile spread across her lips. “Thank you, Dad. It’s quite unique.”
It was the first time in days she’d actively expressed any warmth.
Hubert was stunned, and slowly, his eyes welled up with tears. He picked up a cup of coffee and took a sip. Then, as if casually testing the waters, he said, “You look much better than when you first arrived, Cora. Aaron says you’re recovering well.”
Cora unhurriedly savored her scrambled eggs and replied with a quiet hum.
In the last few days, Hubert had come up with endless gestures to please her, and Aaron had also been her frequent companion for quiet walks or architectural sketches. To her slight surprise, his artistic skill was on par with her own.
She found herself not thinking of Axel and Nolan as much, and her medical reports showed steady improvement.
After a moment’s thought, she reckoned it was probably time for the next step.
“I’m getting old, and I’m hoping someone could share the burden with Schmidt Group’s affairs.”
After a pause, Hubert continued in a gentle voice, his voice carrying a thread of hope, “There are some promising young men. Some are from good families, and some are exceptionally capable.”
Carefully watching her expression, he added, “If you feel bored, I could arrange a casual meal
Chapter 11
someday, just for you to make some friends.”
Cora gracefully dabbed her lips and replied, “Perhaps another time.”
The embers of hope in Hubert’s eyes dimmed instantly, but he quickly suppressed his disappointment and adjusted his mood. “No rush. I’ll support whatever life you choose.”
At that moment, Cora suddenly said, “Dad, I want to learn something.”
Hubert froze.
Her gaze returned to the window, and through the glass, the flow of people and cars in Narthwich interweaved.
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“I’m your and Mom’s only child, so I want to take over Schmidt Group,” she firmly announced.
Hubert stared in disbelief and took a moment to process her words before he started trembling slightly in excitement.
“Excellent! George, tell my secretary to get all the Schmidt Group’s financial reports and materials from recent years! Have all senior executives ready to answer any questions Cora might have!”
He’d thought that Cora, devoted to architecture, would resist inheriting his company as she had a decade ago. He’d even donated a library for a Kaelfall University admission spot, waiting to surprise her.
But now, her choosing this path meant she was willing to accept his vast business empire, shoulder the responsibility, and truly return to his side.
