Chapter 3: Chapter 3 by HusnaS

The Olsen Family Mansion buzzed with activity the next day. As Heidi stepped into the house, she felt like she had just walked into a new world.

Despite three years passing, everything seemed oddly unchanged. Whispers of recognition followed her every step.

“The Young Miss is back.”

“Really? I thought I was imagining things. Our Young Miss’s complexion is brighter, and her hair is shinier. This lady is just skin and bones.”

“Are you sure it is our Young Miss? She might resemble her,” questioned the skeptical whispers.

The servants’ gasps of astonishment spread across the compound as they spoke in hushed tones, all casting strange looks in Heidi’s direction. She heard their conversations and a bitter smile formed on her face.

For three long years, she had deliberately kept her distance from the mansion. It wasn’t enough time to erase her identity, but it had certainly worked its magic on her appearance. The reason the servants couldn’t recognize her was that her appearance had indeed changed significantly.

Her parents were the most shocked of all. “So Zach wasn’t messing with us. You finally came back to your senses and got a divorce, Heidi,” her mother’s tone dripped with scorn.

“I always knew this would happen someday. Where is the undying love you wouldn’t shut your mouth about?” added her father.

Heidi chuckled softly and embraced them both. “Mum, Dad, I hope you’re in good health.”

“Well, you didn’t manage to give us a heart attack. Congratulations,” her mother’s response was a mixture of reluctant acknowledgment and sarcasm.

“We’ve been healthy, thanks to the daily dose of bitter words we endure,” her father added.

Due to their daughter’s marriage to a man the family disapproved of, the couple had become objects of ridicule. Not a day went by without her brother pointing out how worthless their daughter had become. If it hadn’t been for Heidi’s grandfather, that marriage would never have happened.

“I’m back now, Dad. No one will dare say anything again,” she assured her parents, who responded with disapproving looks before turning away.

“Hurry up, the meeting is about to start. And oh, what a shock you’re going to give everyone, Heidi,” her mother called out.

While gaining her parents’ forgiveness would require many pleas and apologies, Heidi remained unfazed. In truth, her parents were being lenient by not casting her out, considering the discord her marriage had caused within the family.

As the family gathering approached, every member of the Olsen Household assembled, ready for the occasion. Contrary to her mother’s prediction, her uncle and his family didn’t appear shocked. Zach, being the chatterbox he was, had probably spread the news of her divorce throughout half the city by now.

A hush fell over the living room as numerous eyes fixed upon Heidi. Her grandfather occupied his king-sized chair, her uncle and his wife sat on a separate couch, while her cousin-sisters and brother shared a long couch. The awkward silence prompted Heidi to approach her parents, but they shooed her away.

“Haha! Isn’t this my favorite cousin?” Zach burst down the stairs, breaking the silence. “Finally, you are here. We have all been waiting for you.”

He hugged her tightly, treating her as if they were meeting for the first time. Heidi pushed him away and settled on the floor beside her grandfather’s chair. “Grandpa, I’m back.”

“I have failed you, Heidi,” Grandpa Jeffrey sighed heavily. “I shouldn’t have let you wander into the monsters’ den.”

“Grandpa, it was all my fault. Don’t blame yourself.”

“Are we here to discuss business or just listen to some meaningless sorry tales?” Her uncle stood up. “AG Group is falling for crying out loud.”

“Dad, relax,” Zach laughed. “You are making a mountain out of a molehill. Besides, Heidi has returned. Everyone knows she graduated from business college with flying colors. How about we make her the CEO?”

“You-” his father pointed a trembling finger at him. “If you hadn’t been so lazy and stupid, AG Group wouldn’t have faltered. All you know is lavishing money on women and cars. And what do you mean by making her the CEO?”

“The literal meaning, Dad,” Zach shrugged and sat beside Heidi. “Heidi’s back for good. We can’t just let her talents go to waste.”

“No way! Heidi’s not up to the task!” Zach’s sister, Natalie, stood up.

“She has been living as a dumb housewife for three years. Does she even know how to write her name on a paper?” His second sister, Lilian, added.

“Come on, Bro,” his brother, Aiden, rolled his eyes. “We might as well leave the position vacant. If anyone should be the CEO, it should be me. Heidi won’t be the CEO. In this family, a woman has never become the company’s CEO before.”

Zach’s mother wondered if her son was drunk. Maybe that was why he suggested that. Why would they give Heidi the CEO’s position? If someone would revive AG Group, it should be one of her children.

While Heidi’s uncle’s family criticized her, her parents remained silent. Heidi stood up, digesting their words. With a gentle smile on her face, she faced her uncle.

“Why do you all doubt my abilities? Just because I have been away for three years doesn’t mean that I’ve become a retard.”

“Grandpa,” she turned to her grandfather. “As the chairman of AG Group, you have a say in this. If others look down on me, you know what I am capable of.”

“You are thinking too far, Heidi. Father doesn’t have a say in this. The whole board of directors will decide whether you will be the CEO or not,” her uncle countered.

“Then let’s hold a CEO appointment meeting,” Heidi responded

“Haha!” Her uncle laughed. “You are just a silly girl with nonsensical wishes. Since you are so confident, why don’t you prove yourself first? You made the stupid decision of marrying the wrong man. Is it a huge company that you can take care of?”

“How should I prove myself?” Heidi lifted her chin. “Don’t look down on me, Uncle.”

“Well, StriveStyle Co. is on the brink of bankruptcy. If you can revive it within three months, you will be qualified for the position.”

StriveStyle Co. was a fashion marketing brand under the AG Group. Due to Zach’s poor leadership, the brand’s fame had declined rapidly. Every day, people pulled out their investments, and there were many lawsuits against the company.

“Challenge accepted,” Heidi declared, folding her hands. “I will revive StriveStyle Co. within a month, Uncle.”