When Kendall arrived at the doorstep, she pivoted on her heels and scampered toward Dylan before throwing herself in his embrace. While his arms were firmly wrapped around her, she held his face and kissed him on the lips. Only then was she satisfied enough to leave the house. Dylan's gaze melted with warmth as he watched her silhouette gradually disappear from his sight.
The rain had gradually eased off. Old Madam Coleman was seated on the rooftop of the main house with Alice, watching Kendall's car departing from Dylan's house before it slowly left the mansion.
"Grandma." Alice was holding an umbrella with one hand and supporting her with the other hand. "Let's head downstairs."
Old Madam Coleman remained still. "There's only one important task for the women in our family—securing the future of our family lineage. Other than that, they will need permission from the family before doing anything."
However, Alice was an exception; she was their first daughter in generations and hence, she was unfettered to such convention; she had the liberty to do whatever she fancied. Despite that, she knew the family she grew up in was shackled to conservative upbringing and teachings. Only a few to none were able to break the mold if their loving husbands were willing to do so. Kendall was the best example as she could still work even after becoming one of the Colemans.
"Grandma, think about Dylan. Even if it's Kendall's wish to be pregnant, she can't do it alone. I'm sure he's just trying to compensate her in some way due to his guilt. As evolved as the world is right now, it's time for our family rules to undergo some changes for the sake of gender equality. Are the women in the family incapable by comparison to men? If we had given a chance to the women of the Coleman Family to kick off their careers in the business world, I'm sure they would've made a name for themselves. Grandma, didn't you help and support Grandpa with his clover business to flourish when you're younger?"
Old Madam Coleman averted her gaze. "Our family had yet to solidify our position at that time, so I had no choice but to assist him. Since we've reached the top in Orapolis and the company is burgeoning under Dylan's management, the ladies don't have to work anymore. All we gotta do is to nurture our children and be a plus-one for our husbands at official events at times. That's it. What is there to complain when we've proffered them luxuries? We should've given them a heads-up before their marriages were permitted."
Right before they became Mrs. Coleman, they should have known how strict the family rules were. They shouldn't blame the lack of liberty upon holding the title. At least that was what she believed.
"Dylan rounded up every housekeeper just now and Tia had informed you of his message. Are you really going to defy him, Grandma?"
The old lady remained silent. It was true that she disliked Kendall for going to work even after marrying Dylan, but she did not want to be at odds with him either. She was the senior in the family, yet most of the matters were out of her control. Considering that Dylan was a gifted talent who had sustained the company's position until today, she fell into a dilemma.
Then, Old Madam Coleman sighed. "We'll see. I won't interfere as long as Kendall doesn't cross the line, but she might rub it off on your future sister-in-laws."
Will Kendall be the turning point for an enormous change in the Coleman Family?
As someone who supported Kendall, Alice put in some good words for her. "Kendall is just working at Parker Corporation. Nothing outrageous could possibly happen."
However, Old Madam Coleman snorted. "If she's ever foolish enough to fall for someone's trap and cause trouble to her husband, I won't stand still doing nothing. And if she dares to find another man or do anything sorry to him, she will be done for!"
Alice attempted to calm the old lady by saying, "Grandma, that doesn't sound like Kendall to me. She was totally aware of Dylan's situation even before marrying him. It seemed like she was ready to spend the rest of her life with him; she will never do anything sorry. As for schemes and plots, I'm sure she's clever enough to outsmart them. All she needs is experience."
Old Madam Coleman turned to look at her granddaughter. "Ally, do you really like her that much?"
"Very much." Alice admitted in total honesty. "She's pure."
However, Old Madam Coleman was not buying it. "The fox's just yet to show her tail. Judging by how she changed her mind to marry Dylan, it's clear that she has ulterior motives. Just you wait."
In her eyes, whoever approached Dylan was never pure. Ever.
…
The pouring rain stopped when Kendall arrived at the company. She asked the driver to let her off at the entrance. "I'll have my lunch at the company's cafeteria, so you can come at half past five when I'm off work," she said while grabbing her bag.
The driver responded politely, "Then, I shall wait for you at the entrance before that."
"Sure." She then alighted from the car and entered inside, only to bump into Kelly at the entrance. Kelly was walking abreast with Cameron from the opposite, but they halted as soon as they saw Kendall.
"Morning, Vice President Parker." Kendall took the initiative as she was a mere assistant while Kelly was the vice president of the company; the gap in position was of the land and sky.
"Morning." Kelly nodded in reply. As someone who possessed everything that was rightfully Kendall's, she could not have given Kendall a dirty look while people were watching. Nothing would come good for her reputation.
"I'll report myself for work first, then."
Kelly hummed in response.
Kendall went to the office whereas Kelly paused for a moment before entering inside with Cameron while discussing company affairs along the way.
"The Prestige Electronics requires a massive amount of circuit boards for their expanded production?" inquired Kelly as she gazed at Cameron.
Cameron nodded. "Every competitor is currently trying to get a hold of them for a negotiation."
"It'll only rake in lots of profit to work with them; everybody will definitely want to earn themselves a share of it." Despite her fear for Dylan, having a partnership with the Prestige Electronics was her wish nonetheless.
The Coleman Empire Holdings indulged in many industries. Thus, almost every businessman had the opportunity to work along with them, with the prerequisite that one had the competence to strike a fancy on them.
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