The Heir

“You did well back there, Victoria.” Mrs. Griffith patted her cheek. “And because of that, you deserve an award. Tell me what you want.”

“Grandma, you said that whoever won the deal will get the general manager’s position. I am looking forward to—”

“Yes. But I want to award you more. How about the farmhouse?” Her grandmother smiled.

Victoria glanced at her husband. The farmhouse was lovely, but she has something in mind.

“Please accept Maximillian as part of our family. He is my husband, and I want him to be respected by everyone in this family—”

“Respect should be earned, Victoria,” her grandmother cut her off. “And as long as Maximillian does not change his way of living, nothing will change.” The firmness in her grandmother’s voice says that there was no way she would change her mind about that matter.

Victoria bit her lower lip and tried her best to suppress her tears.

“You will get the farmhouse as an additional reward.” Mrs. Griffith cleared her throat and stood up.

Maximillian pulled her up afterward.

“Max, I—”

“Hush…” He shushed her with a quick kiss on the lips. “No need to say sorry. We are the victors here, dear wife. Right, Franklin?”

“Do you really think I will kowtow to your wife?” Franklin scoffed. “Come on, I am the eldest grandson of this family.”

“WELL, this is kinda disappointing, Franklin.” Maximillian’s lip twitched. “You know… I thought you are a man of your word. It turns out it was nothing but a bluff. Aren’t you the one who started this bet?”

his words,” Iris teased. “And besides, everyone knows about the bet, you know.

grim look on Franklin’s face was enough evidence that he was

I will not do

you make a bet in the first place?” He arched

“You—”

go to your grandmother and tell her about our bet?” He caressed his chin. “I wonder if what she would do next if she knew what

“Shut up!” Franklin snapped.

wife. Fulfill your

family member who was with them at that

I didn’t raise you like this. You are the one who started this bet. Kowtow to Victoria. Now!” his father said through gritted

“But Father—”

and grabbed his shoulder. “Let this be a lesson to

like a kid. He was kicking the chairs and throwing whatever his hands could reach. It was clear, he could not accept his

Franklin kowtowed to his

“I…”

it. Ah, you are making my legs ache.” Maximillian pulled a chair and sat

“Max, this is—”

Victoria to be

what I

sincere?”

head and scowled at

Victoria stretched out a hand to her cousin, but Franklin