Loving DAD 1069

Many smaller companies were once side projects–ventures the Kalen Group had casually invested in while expanding its own empire. 

Over the years, the Kalen family had reaped the benefits of venture capital, scattering investments far and wide. Some had paid off, certainly–but compared to the legendary returns of Shayla’s past ventures, these were barely worth mentioning. 

The shareholders had long been spoiled by Shayla’s success. After experiencing profits multiplied dozens of times over, anything less felt trivial. 

When these projects failed to show progress within their set timelines, few bothered to follow up. Everyone had limited energy and preferred not to waste time on ventures that showed little promise. 

Most people in the room were seasoned players in the business world; a few glances were enough to see that Victoria’s assessment was sound. 

Compliments began to ripple through the room. 

“As expected of Richard’s daughter–sharp insight runs in the blood. She went straight to the heart of the problem.” 

“Indeed. Her presentation and analysis are flawless.” 

“Remarkable! When I was her age, I botched a proposal so badly the manager chewed me out for weeks.” 

“Richard, your daughter is every bit as talented as your sons, perhaps even more so. I’m beginning to envy you. What an extraordinary family.” 

The chorus of praise grew louder, one voice after another rising in admiration. 

Victoria, however, didn’t bask in it. She maintained a calm and elegant smile. Her composure earned her even more approving looks. 

Among the elders who had once stood by Shayla, subtle unease flickered in their eyes. Victoria’s proposal was too perfect. They’d wanted to find a flaw, to question or challenge her, but there was none to be found. 

And they were not the kind to pick a fight without reason. 

With Victoria’s polished presentation setting such a high bar, Sharon, who had no formal business background, was bound to be crushed in comparison. 

Pleased by the praise heaped upon Victoria, Richard wore a look of quiet pride. 

“You flatter us,” he said modestly, though the smile tugging at his lips betrayed his satisfaction. 

When the conversation lulled, Richard turned toward Sharon. “Sharon, your turn.” 

Sharon nodded and connected her laptop, projecting her own proposal onto the conference room’s massive 

screen. 

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But this time, instead of polite anticipation, an uneasy silence swept through the room. 

It was Silas who broke it first, unable to hold his tongue. His face darkened. 

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“Sharon, you did this on purpose, didn’t you? You deliberately chose the exact same company as Victoria!” 

As a thought struck him, he pointed a finger accusingly. “You must’ve been eavesdropping outside our room last night–listening in on our discussion, weren’t you?” 

Sharon didn’t get angry. Instead, she smiled. “If I remember correctly, the hallways have surveillance cameras. Silas, would you like to check the footage and see if I was crouched outside your door?” 

Silas’s face reddened. He opened his mouth to retort, but Rick’s cold voice cut through the tension. 

“Enough. Let Sharon finish her presentation first.” 

There had been roughly thirty companies to choose from, and only five or six were considered strong candidates. It wasn’t impossible for two people to pick the same one. 

Grudgingly, Silas fell silent, though the glare he fixed on Sharon was icy and hostile. 

Ignoring him completely, Sharon began her presentation. 

Years of performing on competitive stages had made her comfortable under pressure. Even surrounded by high- ranking executives and investors, she showed no trace of nervousness. 

Her proposal was more concise than Victoria’s, but it was immediately apparent to anyone with an eye for strategy that it was also more striking. 

Compared to Sharon’s plan, Victoria’s suddenly seemed too conventional. Methodical, yes, 

A murmur rippled through the audience. 

but lacking spark. 

“Wait,” someone whispered. “Wasn’t Sharon raised outside the family? I heard she studied the arts, not business. I’m assuming she didn’t receive any elite training at all.” 

Chapter 1070