Loving DAD 1055

Chapter 1055 

Sharon’s voice pulled Richard back from his thoughts. 

DAre all of Kalen Group’s current ventures in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, new energy, and photovoltaic technology the same ones Mother invested in back then?” 

Richard nodded. “Yes. Your mother had remarkable foresight. According to the company’s veterans, she personally spent over six months researching those firms before deciding to invest. She believed those industries held enormous potential. But at the time, traditional sectors were at their peak, and the board strongly opposed her decision. They argued the company should focus on more profitable, established industries. 

“But your mother disagreed. She said those sectors were already saturated–joining them would mean fighting countless competitors for the same slice of pie. Even if you won, it wasn’t worth the time. Kalen Group was mired in endless debate back then. In the end, it was your mother who stood her ground and insisted on investing.” 

Several of Shayla’s bold ventures not only saved Kalen Group from collapse but also earned her a loyal following within the company. No matter what decisions she made after that, that group of supporters stood firmly by her. 

Of course, there were others who refused to acknowledge her talent. They dismissed her success as sheer luck- a woman’s fluke. 

“What does a housewife know about business?” they’d sneer. “So she made a few lucky investments. That doesn’t mean she’s capable.” After all, every person in their positions had tasted success before. 

But the reality was cruelly clear–every cent that stabilized Kalen Group came almost single–handedly from Shayla. Even the initial capital for those investments hadn’t come from company funds. The shareholders and board had rejected her proposal outright, calling it reckless. 

With no other choice, Shayla mortgaged the Kalen family estate. She sold nearly everything of value–antiques, jewelry, even the family heirlooms. 

Though she managed to raise a significant sum, it was still far less than what could’ve been achieved if Kalen Group had backed her. Had they approved the investment, the returns would’ve been ten or twenty times 

greater. 

When the projects eventually soared, those same shareholders were eaten up by regret. But by then, it was too 

late. 

Every profit Shayla made, she funneled back into Kalen Group. Since it was her own money, she had full authority–complete control. Ironically, the rejection that once humiliated her had freed her. She no longer needed anyone’s approval. 

Her repeated successes and calm leadership gradually won over some of the company’s veterans. While some continued to belittle her, others began to recognize her as a woman of rare vision and brilliance. 

That was why, even after so many years away, Shayla’s influence within Kalen Group hadn’t faded. No matter what Richard tried—no matter how much power he wielded–he could never erase the loyalty she had inspired. 

Now, the very tech companies she had once invested in were at the forefront of global innovation, making fortunes for the shareholders who had trusted and followed her. Those who had mocked her–who had only wanted to share the profits but not the risks–could do nothing but watch as her faction prospered. 

The more jealous they grew, the more they resented her legacy. In their bitterness, they aligned themselves with Richard, joining forces to suppress those who had once stood by her. 2 

Today, Kalen Group’s foundation was unshakable–its dominance absolute. 

Yet Richard found no pride in it. 

Instead, that stability was a silent reminder of his inadequacy. A wound he couldn’t heal. 

Some even whispered behind his back that he’d lived off a woman’s brilliance. 

Richard’s feelings for Shayla were a torment–love and hate intertwined. 

He loved her dazzling genius, her unmatched strength. But he also hated that same strength–her unyielding pride, her refusal to bow or compromise. 

She was nothing like Victoria’s mother, who was gentle, soothing, and obedient. 3