Chapter 8
Lady Johnson's brows tightened as she witnessed the events unfold. "Enough!" she exclaimed, her tone stern. "Clara has volunteered for a mission that none of you had the bravery to take on, and you still have the arrogance to speak! I defy any of you to say another thing and reveal my true colors!"
Lady Johnson had always been uninterested in Clara, but at this point, she was glad that Clara had stood up to take on the challenge, as opposed to the rest of the family, who were just good at causing trouble, particularly her favorite grandson. Lady Johnson was profoundly disappointed in him.
Lady Johnson returned her gaze to Clara, her tone softening but remaining firm. "Clara will represent us." Anyone who has a problem with that can leave.”
The mocking subsided, but the smirks remained. Lady Johnson then addressed Clara directly, her expression stern. “You understand what’s at stake here, Clara?”
Clara nodded. "I do, Grandma. And I won't let you down."
Aden huffed a breath out of his nose and snarled viciously, "You try your hardest, and then what? You will shame us if you fail later!"
Andrew asked mockingly, "Aden Johnson, why are you taunting Clara like that? Do you believe the Johnson family is still not qualified to work with Blackwood Group?"
Aden had never expected Andrew, the loser, to speak out during the family meeting, let alone in such a grandiose fashion. Seeing Lady Johnson's rage simmer, he hastily clarified, "No, I don't mean it that way." I just don't think Clara can make the deal! "That's all!"
Andrew laughed and asked, "What if she succeeds?" Should we make it interesting by placing a bet?
Aden grinned slyly. "Okay, let's bet! Do you think I am afraid of your little threat? What would you like to bet? Let us hear you out."
Other family members weighed in, curious about how things would play out.
Sarah smirked. “This should be good. What do you have in mind?”
Daniel leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. “Let’s make it interesting.”
Andrew’s eyes gleamed with confidence. “If Clara wins the contract, all of you will apologize to her and bow before her in front of everyone. You will acknowledge her abilities and respect her place within the family.” What do you people think?
The room exploded with laughter. "Hahaha, you're digging your own grave, loser! Okay, we'll take the bet!" They all reacted in unison.
Andrew smiled proudly and continued, "Everyone, including Grandma, is our witness. Whoever goes back on the bet will be in an accident and die young."
He emphasized "die young" loudly and clearly, ensuring that they grasped the gravity of the bet. He understood that the prospect of death would make them too terrified to breach their promises.
The others, certain that they would win, laughed loudly and declared, "We're on the winning side! We will wait for you and your worthless wife to kneel before us!"
Clara was so taken aback by the entire situation that she continued signaling Andrew with her eyes, but he ignored her.
Lady Johnson was unconcerned about the bet and was only interested in whether the Johnson Group could secure a seat on Blackwood Corporation's collaboration list. If the bargain went through, she wouldn't care if Aden and the others had to call Andrew their daddy, let alone kneel before them.
Calmly, she said, “Okay, that’s all for today. Clara, you have three days to negotiate and strike the deal. Dismiss!”
As Clara and Andrew left the room to head home, the tension between them was palpable. Clara could hardly contain her anxiety. "Andrew, are you out of your mind? How can you make such a bet?"
Andrew smiled reassuringly. "Trust me, Clara. We can do this. I believe in you."
Clara's parents were furious with the young couple when they returned home.
Margaret Johnson, Clara's mother, paced around the living room, upset. "You're crazy, Clara!" How could you listen to that loser and accept the assignment without thinking it through?"
Philip Johnson, Clara's father, turned to Andrew and said, "Andrew, you worthless loser! You've pushed my little daughter directly into the grave this time!" His face heated as he added, "If Clara fails, the rest of the family, including you, will elbow her! In front of the entire family, you must bow to Aden and the others as a peasant! "My dignity will be destroyed!"
Andrew was honest: "Dad, Mom, everything will be alright if Clara succeeds in the negotiation and strikes the deal, am I right?"
"Negotiate my foot!" Philip grumbled angrily. "Do you know how powerful the Blackwood Group is? "They won't even look at the mediocre Johnson family!"
Andrew grinned calmly. "Perhaps someone will notice us. You're not aware of that. Honestly, I believe in Clara. I believe she will make the deal easily."
Margaret sneered contemptuously. "What do you think?" Who do you believe you are, the owner of Blackwood Group? You are nothing but a loser, a piece of garbage. "How dare you be so ignorant and confident?"
Andrew's calm demeanor seemed to aggravate them even more. "Enough!" Clara's words broke through the tension. "I believe in both Andrew and myself. "I'll make this work."
Philip shook his head with sorrow. "I cannot believe it. You're betting our entire family's reputation on this fool's nonsense."
Margaret sighed deeply. "If you fail, Clara, the consequences will be unbearable." Think about what you're doing.
Clara stood her ground. "I've made a decision. I will go to Blackwood Group and secure the contract."
Andrew nodded in approval. "We'll show them, Clara." you can do it, I believe in you, my wife.
Clara tried to sound resolute to calm her parents, but her thoughts were racing and her nervousness was evident. She prayed for the deal to go through, hoping for a miracle to save her from shame and failure.
Andrew noticed her discomfort and placed a soothing hand on her shoulder. "Clara, I understand you are worried, but you have what it takes. Remember why you are doing this. Believe in yourself just as much as I believe in you.
Clara managed a weak smile, her eyes betraying her fear. “I hope you’re right. I just don’t want to let anyone down.”
Andrew squeezed her shoulder gently. “You won’t let anyone down. You have the strength and the skill. Just focus on the task ahead and give it your all. We’ve come this far, and we can’t back down now.”
His words, though simple, offered her a glimmer of hope. Clara took a deep breath, trying to muster the confidence she needed for the presentation tomorrow.