"I'm sure you already know why I'm here. Marcellus must have told you—I intend to take over as the new leader of the 'Expansion Project,'" Livia declared firmly.
Seated behind a grand ebony desk, Edgar clasped his hands together, his sharp gaze fixed on Livia. Though he had heard her words, his expression remained utterly calm, as if everything was within his expectations. Yet, his fingers tapped lightly against the desk, slow and steady, a quiet rhythm that betrayed his contemplation.
Beside him, Allen leaned casually against the window, arms crossed, the corners of his lips curling into an almost imperceptible smirk. His eyes flickered between Edgar and Livia, as though he were watching an unexpected drama unfold before him.
In contrast, Livia stood unwavering, her chin slightly lifted, her gaze firm and piercing. Confronted by two powerful men, she did not falter. Instead, she exuded an aura of confidence, a sharp-edged presence that demanded attention.
Finally, Edgar spoke, his tone indifferent. "Marcellus did mention it. I thought he was joking, because after all, you—"
He stopped abruptly, as if weighing whether to continue.
Livia's eyes turned razor-sharp. She stepped forward, locking eyes with Edgar, her voice unyielding. "Because what? Because I'm a woman?"
The air in the room tensed.
Allen raised an eyebrow, seemingly surprised by her swift retort.
But Edgar's expression remained unchanged. A faint smile tugged at his lips. "Of course not. I have always respected women, especially your mother—she was far more exceptional than I could ever be."
A flicker of emotion passed through his eyes as he mentioned "your mother," a trace of something distant, perhaps even reverent.
Allen shrugged beside him, his smirk deepening. For once, his usual carefree demeanor faded as he spoke with uncharacteristic sincerity. "I have to agree. Celesta was leagues ahead of you."
He directed his remark at Edgar, not in jest, but with genuine respect.
His words shifted the atmosphere, the tension giving way to something more nuanced.
Edgar's fingers stilled against the desk. He lifted his gaze, studying Livia once more, as if reassessing the daughter standing before him.
Livia remained resolute, her expression unshaken. She knew this was only the beginning of the real battle.
Edgar finally withdrew his gaze, his voice steady. "I don't believe you can command the team. You lack the necessary experience. How do you expect them to follow your orders?"
Livia hesitated for a fraction of a second.
This was her greatest concern. She knew all too well that someone parachuted into leadership through nepotism was the hardest to earn respect, especially in a project riddled with political maneuvering and factional disputes. The team would resist her, some openly, others covertly undermining her authority.
But she could not back down.
"Marcellus has done well, hasn't he?" Her voice was composed, measured. She quickly adjusted her approach. "I won't be seizing full control. Instead, I will act as his proxy, carrying out the work on his behalf. Every directive will be transparent, with Marcellus having final say. The team will understand that every decision comes from him—I'm merely the executor."
She met Edgar's gaze, leaving no room for rejection. "I will serve as a representative, a symbolic figure."
Edgar observed her, unmoving, seemingly gauging the credibility of her words. He tapped the desk lightly before responding, "Oh? And do you believe they'll accept that so easily?"
Just then, a clear voice came from the doorway—
"Father, I will help my sister."
All eyes turned.
Adrian walked in unimpeded, his expression calm, his lips curved in an effortless smile. His posture was upright, his movements composed, as if he had been prepared for this moment all along.
Livia's lips curled slightly. She had arranged this piece in advance.
Adrian stepped to her side, his demeanor sincere as he addressed Edgar. "I am already one of the many secondary leaders in this project. I can help my sister integrate into the team, assist her in establishing credibility across all levels. If the team is willing to accept her as a proxy, her leadership position will face little resistance."
His voice was steady, carrying an undeniable confidence. "I will make sure they believe in her."
Livia glanced at Adrian and gave a small nod.
Last night, she had made a single call. Adrian had not hesitated in his response—he had chosen to stand by her.
At that moment, the energy in the study subtly shifted.
Edgar did not respond immediately. Instead, he studied Adrian intently, as if carefully weighing something in his mind.
Allen, meanwhile, let out a quiet chuckle, his gaze drifting between them, as if witnessing an intriguing shift in power.
Livia stood tall, unwavering, as she awaited her father's final decision.