The next day in class, Ivy was struggling to pay attention as Andrew and Sandra looked at each other wondering the same if Ivy was thinking about Jason again.

“Are you missing Jason?” Sandra teased Ivy as Ivy couldn't help but to blush.

“Are you both finally seriously dating?” Andrew teased further.

“No… We are not. In fact, I don’t think we ever will…” Ivy said as she stopped smiling and said in all seriousness.

“Why?” Sandra asked curiously.

“Cause…” Ivy sighed, being reminded of the pact she made with Nancy.

“I made a sacrifice which if I knew earlier, I might not want to commit so fast to it…” Ivy mumbled.

“What do you mean?” Andrew asked.

“Keep this away from Jason or anyone else alright…” Ivy decided it was time to tell someone about it otherwise she might drive herself up the wall alone.

Sandra and Andrew quickly sat closer to her and listened as she explained.

“I made a promise to Nancy… in order for her to keep her distance and control herself for now, I would need to end this so-called relationship with Jason when we shift to Landsfield for further studies.” Ivy explained feeling absolutely down.

Sandra quickly pulled her in for a hug as their lecturer stepped in and both girls quickly pulled away.

“We will talk about this later alright?” Sandra whispered as Ivy nodded while Andrew gave her a sad smile.

“Cheer up.. Keep smiling…” Andrew cheered in a lowered down voice as lessons commenced.

Just when Ivy was about to keep her positivity up, her lecturer, Ms. Zhu called Ivy up to answer her history questions.

“Oh my… why me? Why?” Ivy nagged in her mind as she reluctantly stood up but she suddenly remembered her conversation with Jason which she had disguised as one of the topics and cursed herself for putting it as a curse upon herself.

“Ms. Ophal, as I have mentioned, everyone should be well versed with the great history of Landsfield and Mane’s city economic history. Please explain to us in a summary.” Ms. Zhu instructed as Ivy flipped open her mind map she had prepared.

On the contrary to what she lamented with Jason, she was always prepared when it came to her studies and never once did she flinch from the responsibilities as she confidently took over the lecture session briefly.

At the end of her explanation, everyone was mostly paying attention as her presentation of the history was explained in such a way that it was telling a short story by itself.

“Hence, with the great ruling under King Ashad, the Manes city remains as the production and manufacturing city while in Landsfield where the city skylines oversees the entire city is where trading and shippings occurs till today’s generations. Thank you.” Ivy sat back down after a rather comprehensive explanation based on her mind map which had impressed Ms. Zhu and the whole class who gave her a huge round of applause.

“Well done, Ms. Ophal! With that fantastic summary, shall we continue with the next chapter?” Ms. Zhu said as she showed the class slides for the next topic which Ivy had already prepared a mind map beforehand.

“You sure are well prepared in every class you are passionate about arent you?” Sandra teased as Ivy smiled sadly as she was reminded of Jason again and couldn’t help but wonder what he was up to since he didn’t call her last night but instead only sent her a text message to inform he had safely arrived at Landsfield.

Due to wasting too much time contemplating on things about Ivy, Jason spent the entire night reading up the documents about Mr. Ophal’s real estate business. The meeting was easy to follow as it was all acquaintances he had met before without any outsider.

“Mr. Rahi, it’s an honour to have you visit our office officially finally.” Peter greeted him as they started off the meeting.

“Thank you Mr. Ophal for the opportunity. Glad to be able to finally sit down with all the shareholders to discuss further on our collaboration.” Jason said formally in return while taking a look at each of Ivy’s brothers from Jin, the youngest to Ryu the middle child and Ray the eldest.

Realising Ivy would be the eldest, he guessed they could be very young and should be attending school as he quickly made an apology.

“Apology for having to disrupt your time table in school gentlemen.” Jason said as the three of them acknowledged his apology adamantly with a slight head nod.

“It’s alright Jason. It’s only right for them to be here today anyway. Besides, they were excited about the news of their sister as well.” Peter finally decided the meeting should be held informally considering everyone was familiar with each other.

The fact that they were eager to know about their sister’s whereabouts and skipped school was enough to make Jason want to walk out of the meeting room but if it wasn’t because of the business dealings he had, he wouldn't have the strength to endure.

“Mr. Ophal…” Jason said before Peter lifted his hand to stop him.

“Peter please. Let’s keep this informal as we all know each other very well. You have also held a party for my boys. Now, to save time, before we get down to mundane business processes and share percentage, the boys are keen to know if there is any news about their sister yet.” All four pairs of eyes looked at him eagerly at Peter’s question.

Jason decided he had to tell them eventually. “Yes…” He said and saw four faces lit with glee as he added on. “And no…” Jason said flatly.

“Which means?” Peter quickly asked.

“Your daughter’s whereabouts is definitely in Mane’s city and I have people working to check out her grandmother’s place. I will get to know soon if she still stays there. Hopefully, by the end of this week…” Jason said solemnly in a way giving himself time to let Ivy go.

“That’s great news, Jason! Thank you… Thank you… I cannot wait to hear the news. We really hope it will turn out to be great news!” Peter said while chuckling in relief as Jason nodded and smiled.

“Back to business alright... Let’s start with the company’s business structure. In the future, Jin, my youngest, is to be taking over the management when he graduates. In the meantime, it will be myself till Ray, the eldest, graduates from foundation in two years time and gradually to Ryu, my second son.” Peter explained as Jason couldn’t help but to wonder why would the youngest be the one to manage over-whole and Peter judging from Jason’s look knew what was on his mind.

This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

“I bet you are asking the reason why it is Jin and not Ray, aren't you?” Peter asked as Jason nodded.

Peter chuckled a little before explaining. “Ray prefers more of the outdoors and he doesn't like to sit in the office. Hence, with this merger, I intend to also make him work with you next year when he pursues his foundation in Mane’s. Thereafter, on logistics and events arrangements, he would be the manager.” Jason finally understood Peter knew the strengths and weaknesses of his sons very well.

“As for Ryu, he also prefers the outdoors and is athletic…” Peter said briefly with a pause as he hoped Ryu would stick around instead of pursuing his dreams of the national basketball team.

“Yes, he is also with the basketball nationals…” Jason added on.

“Oh, he is that famous isn't he?” Peter teased Ryu who cleared his throat a little while the brothers couldn’t help but to grin.

“Yes, Ryu doesn’t have the heart either to run the business but he has good social skills which we would count on him to bring in new customers and retain the old ones. Hence, the sales and marketing part, I look forward to his takeover.” Jason nodded at Peter’s explanation.

“Now, you see why Jin would be the one to take over?” Peter asked as Jason couldn’t help but wonder if it was because Ivy wasn’t around otherwise it would have been her.

“Is it because your daughter isn’t around that you’re putting your hopes on Jin?” Jason wouldn't hesitate to ask as Peter let out a laugh.

“You’re indeed wise Jason… Yes, indeed Jin is a replacement for my daughter but Jin is still very young and we all are still grooming him. Hence, we shall see what his potential would be. As of now, he has been participating with the business operations. In fact, both of them as well. “Peter said, pointing to Ray and Ryu.

“I see… That’s a great start…” Jason said solemnly.

“Jason… All three of them are a year apart from each other. Every year when they head over to Mane’s for their foundation course, I do expect you to train them on your side and when they return as temporary CEO, they will also receive another set of training from me personally. I’m counting on you with this merger.” Peter urged as Jason nodded at the importance.

“I will do my best in training them.” Jason gave his assurance as his mind wandered to Ivy whom he was training her as well. Jason was getting more and more impressed with her brothers.

“Alright, on the details of the division of department and tasks… Ray, would you like to take over?” Peter asked as Ray nodded and showed his slides on the projection.

“Alright, under Ophal Real Estate, we have three main divisions consisting of the management, sales and marketing and logistics. It’s rather a simple structure as the company is small but…” Ray raised a finger to emphasise.

“The company is very wealthy.” Ray finally said as everyone couldn’t help but to smile.

“That’s why I am looking for you to be my investor…” Jason played along as the room filled with laughter.

“Thank you Mr. Rahi. It’s our pleasure to be given this opportunity as... Alright, I will skip a bit without using the slides. As both companies merged, we would be sharing our resources. Practically from what we have known, Rahi consulting has a vast amount of quality customers and various events which Ophal real estate could tap on. Hence, while Rahi consulting has an event, Ophal real estate would have a booth to promote the latest real estate resources not just in Landsfield but also in Manes. Likewise, for Rahi consulting, you would be able to tap on our logistics, funds and human resources for your convenience…” Ray explained as Jason nodded and was impressed at how well Ray could cut to the point knowing that formality was no longer required.

“Alright, that’s a good plan… In terms of merging, I would suggest for Ophal to hold 60 percent of Rahi’s shares as 20 percent, I intend to let my secretary and a long time friend, Marcel to hold while I hold the balance 20 percent. Will that be alright for your end?” Jason asked, facing Ray as Ray looked at Peter who quietly watched his son taking the lead in deciding without any signal.

Instead of Ray answering, it was Jin who jumped in to save his brother.

“Mr. Rahi, wouldn’t that be liquidating your position in the company?” Jin asked while adjusting his glasses. It took Jason by surprise at first but he knew when he made the offer he was also hoping to reward Marcel and let the Ophal run his business as after all it was the least he could give back in return to Ivy for his bad intention of using her as a deal in the first place.

“Yes, it would but I would also like Marcel to have a say. In the next round of discussion I would bring him along. If your end agrees to this, I would proceed to perform the share transfer before merging with Ophal real estate?” Jason suggested as Jin pondered on the possibility of disadvantages to their company but he couldn’t possibly find any.

He still had his doubts but he trusted his father’s decision and thought it wasn’t a bad deal.

“It’s not a bad deal at all for us in Ophal real estate but it definitely isn't a fair trade for your end. Besides, we would like to save cost on compliance matters and may I suggest instead of 60 percent which makes Rahi consulting a subsidiary of ours, let’s lower it down to perhaps just 20 percent? Equity investment is always easier for compliance as anything lower than 20 percent would incur cost as well to obtain your company’s market value eventually.” Jin explained as Jason was very impressed with Jin’s capability. Without a doubt, Jason knew Peter had already known his son’s capabilities.

“Mr. Rahi, don’t get us wrong as with 20 percent invested by us, you and your business partner each have 80 percent to split which would let you have control over your own division’s decision. No doubt, these percentages are only in the books. We here at Ophal real estate are always open to discussions if any matters arise in business operations. We are also willing to help up with loans as well to fund your business thereafter which would create lesser hassle for all of us including the authorities.” Jin explained nonchalantly as though he had been in the industry for many years.

“You are indeed well versed with this Jin. I’m impressed.” Jason praised and gave his thumb up. “I will accept your proposal Jin. Let’s proceed with what you have suggested.” Jason agreed instantly as Peter chuckled.

“No wonder you said he was your trump card to manage your company, Peter.” Jason praised further.

“Our company, Jason… Ours soon to be…” Peter continued on to chuckle as Jason nodded and smiled.

“I hope we can get news as quickly as possible about my daughter so that we can kick start this proposal. Meantime, Ryu shall take you to the sites during these few days to let you familiarise with the operations as he would be familiar with the personnels on site and would easily let you make a few acquaintances. We look forward to paying you a visit as well and wish to attend one event to get the feel of operations at your end?” Peter asked as Jason nodded solemnly.

“Yes, certainly. Looking forward to working with you Ryu in the next few days and everyone else as well.” Jason said as Ryu raised his hand and nodded quietly while the other two nodded slightly.

In mind, Ryu couldn't help but question the coincidence of events happening lately which involved Jason but he had insufficient clues to be suspecting a deal his father was making.

“Let me arrange with you by the end of this week when I can get a solid confirmation of my schedules for the upcoming weeks.” Jason said to Peter as he waved his hand at him.

“There’s no need to rush. We can do it in two weeks time. I intend to pay a visit to my mother in law knowing that my daughter might be staying with her considering she had been staying in Manes all along…” Peter explained with a sad face as the three boys watched with a heavy heart and expression.

Jason couldn’t help but to feel bad about it as he promised himself to reveal the truth by the end of the week.

“Alright, I will update if there is any news about your daughter and I shall include your visit to Mane’s city in two weeks time in my schedule.” Jason said as they all nodded in agreement before heading for their site visits.

Jason couldn’t help but to wonder what Ivy would feel when she discovered about her large and well to do family who all long for her return to their family someday eagerly. He certainly envied her for having talented brothers who would definitely guide and protect her as well as a father who could provide.

All her worries and even psychological issues would definitely be resolved easily he thought as he sadly told himself that he would be sad if she wouldn't forgive him for taking advantage of her genuine friendship but he knew he deserved it and it’s too late for him to turn back anymore.