The morning sun spilled softly through the high windows of the Wilson mansion, painting the dining room with golden light. Crystal glasses gleamed faintly on the long mahogany table, the silver cutlery lined neatly against porcelain plates. Breakfast was served in quiet elegance freshly baked bread, scrambled eggs, sausages, and fruit arranged with care by the house staff.
Mr. Wilson sat at the head of the table, you can tell he was in a good mood. Mrs. Wilson, elegant in a silk robe, cut her pancakes with graceful precision.
The only sounds in the vast dining hall were the faint clinking of forks and spoons against plates and the distant ticking of the antique wall clock.
Finally, Mr. Wilson broke the silence.
"Where is Ann?" His voice was deep, authoritative, demanding an immediate answer.
A maid standing by the door bowed quickly. "She is still in her room, sir."
"Someone should fetch her for me," Mr. Wilson said firmly. "I need to have a word with her."
"Yes, sir." The maid hurried out of the hall, her footsteps echoing faintly on the marble staircase as she went to call Ann.
A few minutes later, the faint click of heels on marble filled the room. Ann descended the grand staircase.
"Good morning, Daddy. Good morning, Mummy," she greeted softly, her voice sweet .
Mrs. Wilson's stern features softened instantly. "Good morning, my darling," she said warmly. "How was your night?"
"It was good," Ann replied .
Mr. Wilson gestured for her to sit. "I called you here because I want to inform you and your mother that today I will be going to sign the official contract between our family and the Walmart family. This marriage alliance is going to open new doors for us. It is not just about you, Ann it is about the Wilson name, our company, and our legacy. So I want you to be in your best behavior."
Ann lowered her gaze. "I understand, Father."
Mrs. Wilson placed her hand gently over her daughter's. "Yes, we understand, honey. Don't worry, Ann, everything will turn out just fine."
Ann nodded.
After finishing breakfast, Mr. Wilson rose from the table. Adjusting his tailored suit, he announced, "I'll head to Walmart Cooperation now. We'll finalize everything today."
The butler brought him his coat and briefcase, and with a final glance at his wife and daughter, Mr. Wilson strode out.
---
At the Walmart Cooperation
The headquarters of Walmart Cooperation stood tall and imposing, its glass towers gleaming under the sun. Inside, the atmosphere was equally commanding: polished floors, modern décor, and staff who moved with brisk professionalism.
In his top-floor office, Carter Walmart, strong and imposing despite his age, was reviewing some documents when his intercom buzzed.
"Sir, Mr. Wilson has arrived," his secretary's voice announced.
"Bring him in," Carter said calmly, his deep voice resonating with authority.
A moment later, the door opened, and Mr. Wilson entered, carrying an air of confidence despite his hidden unease.
"Mr. Wilson," Carter greeted, rising slightly from his chair. "Please, have a seat."
"Thank you, Mr. Carter." Wilson sat, smiling warmly though his palms itched with nerves.
"I wanted to discuss something important regarding the marriage alliance," Carter began, folding his hands together on the desk. "There has been… a little change."
Mr. Wilson's stomach tightened. "What happened, Mr. Carter?"
Carter exhaled slowly, leaning back in his chair. "My son, Ethan… does not want to marry Ann."
The words struck Mr. Wilson like a thunderbolt. He bolted upright slightly. "What! Why? Ann is beautiful, accomplished any man would be lucky to have her!"
"Calm down, Mr. Wilson," Carter said, his tone steady but firm. "It is not about Ann's worth. My son is simply… uninterested in her. Instead, he has shown interest in your other daughter. Maya."
Mr. Wilson's eyes widened. "Maya? But—but Ann is the one prepared for this! She has been trained, raised to represent this family in such an alliance. Maya is… she is not suitable for this arrangement."
Carter frowned lightly. "The contract, if you recall, does not specify which daughter would marry Ethan. It only states a union between our families. Therefore, technically, nothing is broken."
Mr. Wilson swallowed hard. His mind raced. He had invested so much into Ann's future, into presenting her as the perfect bride for the Walmart heir. To have all of that shift to Maya, the quieter, less ambitious daughter, felt like an insult, not only to Ann, but to him as a father.
"But… Ann…" His voice faltered.
"You should think carefully, Mr. Wilson," Carter interrupted smoothly. "Unless, of course, you are no longer interested in an alliance with my family."
The veiled threat was clear. Without this marriage, the Wilson family business would lose a golden opportunity to rise in power and influence.
Mr. Wilson forced a smile, though it was strained. "No, no, Mr. Carter. Of course I am still interested. If Ethan has made his choice, then so be it. It does not matter which daughter, it will still bring our families together."
"That is good," Carter said with a satisfied nod.
Mr. Wilson, however, was already planning how to handle Ann. They were both his daughter so technically his still not loosing , he thought. I'll find a way to compensate her. A car… something. Anything to keep her calm.
---
Meanwhile, Ethan
In his own office, Ethan sat by the tall window overlooking the city. But his mind was far away. The image of Maya from the night before lingered stubbornly in his thoughts.
The way she sat quietly under the soft garden light, lost in her book, her laughter gentle and unforced,it kept replaying in his head like a scene etched into his memory. He had faced countless women in his life, yet none had left such an impression.
He had barely slept through the night, his mind restless with questions he couldn't shake off.
Finally, he pulled out his phone and dialed his assistant.
"Ronan," he said curtly.
"Yes, boss."
"I want you to do some digging on Miss Maya Wilson. I want to know everything about her, her background, her education, her habits. Everything. Do you understand?"
"Yes, boss. I'll get on it immediately."
Ethan ended the call and leaned back in his chair, running a hand over his jaw. His lips curved faintly, though he didn't notice.
For the first time in years, Ethan Walmart was curious about someone.