Chapter 4 Resolute Mind

"Grandpa!"

Loraine cried, throwing herself into Aldo's arms.

Aldo patted her back gently and said, "I'm still counting on you to succeed me, Lorrie. You can't lose yourself because of some man."

The business empire of the Torres family had been built by Aldo for several decades. The family was now one of the most powerful families in the country. He was pleased with his achievements, but there was one thing that made him worry a lot.

Aldo had three sons. The eldest died in his prime while the other two were alive, but extremely stubborn. One was in the army, and the other concerned himself with art. None of them had an interest in taking over the company. Loraine was his only option now. Everyone in this family doted on her since she was a baby.

However, she went out of their protective wings and suffered a lot because of a man.

Loraine, who had been depressed for three long years, felt warm in her heart now that she was home.

She wiped her tears and said, "Grandpa, Uncle Rowan, I have thought everything through and learned my lesson. I'm back for good. Now, I'm ready to take over the family's business."

Rowan patted her head and said happily, "Thank goodness you have come back to your senses. Finally, I can rest assured and return to the army."

Aldo rubbed his palms and said, "Today is a good day! Now that it's decided, I'll call Cayson to prepare for you to take the CEO position. You remember Cayson Benton, don't you? That boy has been of great help these past three years. He managed Universe Group in my stead. He never stopped asking about you. I'm sure he will be happy to learn that you are back for good!"

With a smile, Loraine shook her head and said, "Grandpa, I don't want to take the CEO position now."

"But why? Universe Group is yours. You have every right to take the CEO position!" Aldo disagreed.

Loraine took a deep breath and tried to make him see reasons with her. "Grandpa, I understand, but I'm not quite ready yet. You said that Cayson has done a great job running the company. If I just show up and take the CEO position, the employees and shareholders won't think I'm capable of running the company. I want to show them what I'm capable of first."

Aldo frowned and said, "You need not worry about the opposition that may arise. Cayson is a good man. He likes you, so I'm sure he won't take offense or make things difficult for you!"

Loraine sighed again. "It's not Cayson I'm worried about. The other employees and shareholders have no idea what I can do. I want to show them my ability first. Besides, I should know more about the company first. If I don't understand the workings of Universe Group, I'll fail woefully."

Aldo knew that he couldn't win an argument against his granddaughter, so he sighed and asked, "What do you have in mind?"

"I want to apply for an architect position at the company," Loraine answered without stopping to think. Her earnest attitude showed that her mind was already made up.

Rowan smiled with satisfaction and piped up, "Lorrie, I'm proud of you. You'll walk your way to the top. I am rooting for you!"

Aldo shot his son a searing glare, displeased at his approval. But he knew that he couldn't change Loraine's mind, so he nodded helplessly.

"Lorrie, I don't want you to suffer anymore. But since your mind is already made up, I can't force you to do otherwise."

"Thank you, Grandpa!" Loraine shrieked happily, hugging Aldo tightly.

"Have a good rest. Wesley is on his way back. He should be here within the next 48 hours."

The two elders kissed Loraine on the forehead and watched her get back to bed before leaving together. Loraine's heart was about to explode with joy. She hadn't felt this happy and comfortable in ages. She soon dozed off.

Hours passed before she was awoken by her ringtone.

She yawned and checked the phone screen. It was a phone number she had already memorized.

Her heart skipped a beat. She stared at the screen for a while before mustering the courage to answer the call.

"Where are you?" Marco's slightly annoyed voice came from the other end.

Instead of answering his question, Loraine asked, "Have you considered my request? When will you start the divorce proceedings?"

Marco sighed deeply. He then said in a much softer tone, "I know you are mad at me, Loraine. But don't you think you are taking this too far? Why did you request for a divorce because of that trifle? I can give you anything else. Just name it."

He thought she was taking things too far? He called it a trifle?

Loraine chuckled and said indifferently, "For your information, I didn't ask for a divorce just because I want to get on your nerves. I'm dead serious about it!"

A deafening silence came from the other end of the line. Marco was rendered speechless by her words.

Losing her patience, Loraine uttered, "Don't you want a divorce? You have never treated me as your wife, Marco. I'm giving you the chance to be with Keely. I want a divorce before she will ask for another organ or plot something to harm me!"

To clear the air, Marco said softly, "I already arranged for another kidney donor, not you. You are my wife, Loraine. I'll never let any harm come to you."

"Oh, please! What would you do if your so-called donor backs out at the last minute?"

After a long time, Marco finally answered, "She doesn't need a kidney. The question is meaningless."

Loraine chuckled with self-mockery.

It didn't matter that Keely only put on an act. Keely tried to take away her kidney, yet Marco didn't punish her for it. He was partial.

"Marco, I'm fed up with you and Keely. Give me a divorce!"

"This isn't something we should be discussing on phone. Let's talk face-to-face. Come back home," Marco said and then hung up the phone.

"Fine!" Loraine sneered at the disconnected phone. She then got out of bed, intending to begin the paperwork for the divorce.

Her mind was set on ending the so-called marriage.