The Invincible Arthur Gardner novel Chapter 96

Sylvia Morin awoke on a sunny morning, her disheveled hair still lying on her soft bed. With a smile and a happy face, she felt like she was living a dream. She had spent the last few days feeling a bit uneasy, eagerly anticipating this special day, the day when she would be meeting Arthur Gardner with the other participants who had been selected to receive his blessings and have their dreams come true - something she had been striving for, for years. "Today is the day!" she thought to herself.

"Is this really happening?" Sylvia pondered out loud, a wide smile stretching across her face as she tucked herself under the covers. She could scarcely believe that she was on the brink of achieving her grand ambitions.

Then, she leaped from her bed and darted to the bathroom, humming joyfully as she shampooed and lathered. Her melodious singing echoed throughout the house, prompting her parents to beam with delight.

After finishing her bath, Sylvia double-checked that she had everything she needed in order for today to go off without a hitch. Standing in front of her dressing mirror, she looked at her reflection and declared with certainty, “Sylvia, it's your day! I'll make sure Mr. Gardner hears all the plans I've laid out in such detail that he won't have any more questions to ask.” She said this with an optimistic smile.

Before leaving, she went through her usual morning routine of having breakfast with her father and mother. The atmosphere around the dinner table was peaceful and comfortable, with a simple dining menu.

“Congratulations Sylvia, your dream is about to come true,” said Sylvia's father, smiling warmly at her. “I'm really proud of my very accomplished daughter, you always make the right choices, and you show that you're truly determined to realize all the visions you have.”

"I told you Dad, I'm sure I can realize all my ambitions," Sylvia replied confidently. She carefully took her food, feeling a twinge of annoyance at the memory of her parents' incessant nagging about her choice some weeks ago.

"I hope you won't try to influence me again, or else I won't ever come back here," she said, even though her father was only teasing her; such conversations were typical within their family.

"His company must be really valuable; he must be really wealthy. Is he still single?" Sylvia's father continued.

"That's right, Sylvia," her parents said in unison. "We think that your beauty can attract Mr. Gardner, and your mom will be so proud if you can marry a man as handsome, wealthy, and kind as him."

Sylvia took a deep breath upon hearing her parents' comments.

"Dad...Mom," she began, her voice trailing off. "Please, don't let anyone hear you say those words. Mr. Gardner is a man of dignity, and I believe he is a very professional man, so I don't want to bring anything personal like that into the business I'm about to do, okay?"

"Yes, Sylvia," her Dad continued, still trying to explain. "You are a very intelligent and capable young woman, and you're also quite beautiful. Therefore, the advice we give is a great opportunity for both parties, don't you think? I'm sure Mr. Gardner would be very pleased to have a partner like you. It's actually very professional. In fact, I believe your business will move much more quickly if you two were to get married."

Sylvia took a deep breath, then reached for the glass in front of her and drained it in one gulp. She placed the glass back on the table with a loud thud. "Thanks for breakfast, Mom…," she said.

Sylvia then stood up and chirped, “Bye Dad, Mom...” before swiftly leaving the room. A wave of silence briefly filled the room, but it was quickly interrupted by the sound of joyous laughter when Sylvia was out of sight.

“Ah, Sylvia,” her father said with a voice filled with love and admiration, “She's always been so proud. I'm so proud to have a daughter like her.”

“That's right,” her mother replied, her own pride evident in her voice. “I'm so proud of the fact that I was able to give birth to such a wonderful daughter. And soon she'll be married to a successful and wealthy young businessman.”

At this, her father's tears began to flow. “I'm so happy for her. She won't have to live a life of hardship like we did. She'll be a rich lady after this and she won't have to bear the burden of my debts.”

“No honey,” her mother said, her voice soft and comforting, “You did everything for her happiness. You should be proud of yourself for that.”

***

For the past few weeks, Arthur had been coming to the office of Brown Company early in the morning before the other employees, displaying great diligence and often staying late into the night. That morning, he was seated in his executive chair, going over the data he had studied the previous week.