Unexpected Offer

A week later.

Superia Tower, Office Of The Chairwoman.

Seated on her throne like a queen, Melinda Sheldon exuded an air of regal elegance, with silver streaks subtly peeking through her carefully styled chignon.

At sixty-two, the traces of the beauty that had once captivated many could still be seen in her soft, aristocratic features.

Dressed in an impeccable office suit that concealed her aged body, She appeared healthy and dignified to the outside world. However, behind this facade was a woman who had been courageously battling against death for the past five years.

Nonetheless, she knew that she couldn't fight forever. Sooner or later, she would succumb to her illness.

But she couldn't die until she ensured that Phoebe was in the right hands and Superia's future was secure. If she had to defy death one more time, she would muster all the remaining strength within her for the sake of her granddaughter's future.

The sound of the ringing phone shattered the tense silence in the room.

She had been anxiously awaiting this call. With a deep breath, she picked up the receiver. "Good Day, Mr. Dalton… I want to hear your offer."

However, her frown deepened as she listened. Unable to contain her disappointment, she interrupted, "My apologies, but that's not what we agreed to! The price is almost half of what I considered the current worth of Superia."

"That is the most I can offer at this time. While it may not meet your expectations, I must remind you that it is still considerably higher than any previous offer you have received."

"I regret to inform you that I cannot agree to your terms. Despite Superia facing challenges, with proper financial backing, it has the potential to exceed its past accomplishments."

"I will await your decision, Mrs. Sheldon. Wishing you a pleasant day."

The call ended, leaving her to realize that her last glimmer of hope was fading away.

The crafty old man was attempting to take advantage by demanding a significant reduction in the price of Superia. Her fists tightened. She would not let the company she had established through hard work slip into his possession.

The door to her secretary's office creaked open, and Melinda asked, "Any promising offers, Claire?"

"Unfortunately, none, Mrs. Chairwoman," Claire responded wearily.

"Let me know immediately if you come across any viable offers, but for now, I prefer to be alone."

"You have a visitor, Madam. Would you like me to turn him away?"

The chairwoman's elegant eyebrows lifted slightly. "And who is this visitor?"

"He goes by the name of Mr. Jack."

Melinda had numerous business contacts, yet she couldn't recall ever encountering a man named Jack.

"Please, have him come in." Despite not having any scheduled meeting with this enigmatic man, Melinda felt it was important to show appreciation for his effort in coming.

"Of course, Madam." Claire nodded and left the room.

Shortly after, the door opened, revealing a handsome young man with striking aquamarine eyes and dark brown hair, exuding an aura of confidence and sophistication as he entered her office.

"Mr. Lorenzo!" She couldn't hide her surprise as she stood up from her chair.

What was the illustrious King of the business world doing in her modest office?

—

"I won't beat around the bush. I'm here to ask for your granddaughter's hand." Jack Lorenzo spoke.

His words took Melinda by surprise. She blinked in astonishment, wondering if she had misheard.

"You heard correctly, Ma'am."

"I'll be honest with you, Mr. Lorenzo. I would prefer to hear that you are interested in buying Superia rather than asking for my granddaughter's hand," Melinda stated bluntly.

She couldn't deny that she understood why he wanted Sophie. No man had ever been able to resist her granddaughter's charm. Sophie possessed all the qualities a man could ask for in a wife - she's classy, beautiful, and confident.

"Don't be discouraged, Mrs. Chairwoman," Lorenzo reassured her with a thoughtful look. "Marrying your granddaughter off to me would also benefit the company."

"In what way?" Melinda asked, intrigued by his proposal.

Could he perhaps be the savior that the company desperately needs?

"Firstly, Superia will stay under your ownership. Once I marry your granddaughter, I will offer substantial financial support to ensure the company's survival until it stabilizes," Lorenzo explained.

Melinda looked puzzled. "And what is it that you seek in return, Sir? Are you aiming to take control of Superia?"

"I have no desire for the company at all," he replied candidly. "To be honest, my only interest lies with your granddaughter."

"How much interest will you take from loaning us the money then?"

"As for that, there's no need to pay. Consider the funds as an advance wedding gift from me."

"I don't know what to say, Mr. Lorenzo," whispered Melinda, finding the offer almost too good to be true.

"Just agree to the marriage, Madam. That's all you have to do."

"As much as I'm tempted to accept your offer, it's not in my power to decide. My granddaughter has the final say on whether to agree or not."

"That's why I'm asking you to please talk to her. If I go straight to her and offer marriage, she would likely turn me down."

Of course, her granddaughter would turn him down, Melinda thought, suppressing a smile. In fact, any sensible woman would do the same when faced with a man of his questionable reputation.

"In that case, I will give her a call and inform her right away…" She let out a heavy sigh and rose from her swivel chair to reach for her personal phone, "But I can't guarantee how Sophie will react to this…"

He cleared his throat. "I wasn't asking for Ms. Madison's hand."

Melinda was struck speechless. Her eyes widened, and she stared at him, meeting his contemplative gaze. It took her a moment before she could speak, "You can't be serious, Mr. Lorenzo… There must be some sort of mix-up. You must mean Sophie Madison," she insisted.

"I haven't made a mistake," he stated firmly. "It's Phoebe I want to marry."