Chapter 3 A Goldmine of Gossip
Chapter 3 A Goldmine of Gossip
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Ever since Erasmus passed away, the Roffes hadn’t gathered for such a full–scale family meeting. Clearly, Vania had something important to say..
She offered them a warm smile.
“Today, I’ve called everyone together for two reasons.
“First, now that Alisa is back, it’s about time we take a proper family portrait.
“Second, with Alisa’s return, one of my greatest wishes has been fulfilled. I’m getting older, and I can’t keep managing everything. It’s time I hand over the family business.”
At her words, everyone’s expression shifted slightly.
Vania was talking about stepping down.
For years, she had been the family’s decision–maker. Still, her children had all worked diligently for the company. It was their family’s business, so they gave it their all without question.
Not once had they considered asking Vania to give up her authority, much less dared to push her aside.
As long as she was alive, Vania would always be respected as the head, and the family would remain united.
The Roffes might have had a tarnished reputation outside, but within their walls, their relationships were remarkably harmonious. Even arguments were rare.
“Mom, you’re in good health,” Rhea said gently. “There’s no need to step down. If the workload’s too much, all three of us can take on more.”
Zach agreed, “She’s right, Mom. Why make this decision so suddenly?”
Vania sighed. “You can’t deny age forever. Besides, you’re all grown now. It’s time you gained more experience in the company. By dividing the business, each of your families can make your own plans.”
Alisa glanced at Vania, seated at the center.
So, the main storyline had begun.
In the original version, this was the moment–after Alisa’s return–when Vania decided to split the company and step aside.
Each Roffe was capable in their own right, but in the end, Rhea, Zach, and Kemp took over the exhausting, less–profitable divisions.
The easiest, most lucrative branch went to Alisa.
Because Vania pitied her–and felt guilty–she wanted Alisa to live without worry, for money to smooth out any obstacles, and for her to be free to live her life.
In the original story, Rhea, Zach, and Kemp didn’t object.
They loved and doted on Alisa just as much as Vania did.
But Alisa had no intention of playing along with the old script. She had a game plan–and she was going to be the one moving the pieces.
While she was lost in thought, Vania had already ordered four contracts to be brought in.
The division of assets had been decided.
“This one–construction materials and shipping–goes to you, Kemp.”
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Chapter 3 A Goldmine of Gossip
“This one–pharmaceuticals, machinery, and medical supplies–is for you, Rhea.”
“This one–gas supply and construction–is for you, Zach.”
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“And this last one… Forgive my favoritism, but I’m giving the foundation to Alisa.”
The Roffe Foundation generated an annual turnover in the billions. Erasmus had set it up years ago, and compared to the others, it was far more profitable and far less work.
Vania beckoned to Alisa and handed her the contract.
“This was meant for your mother. Now, it’s yours.”
Alisa looked at Rhea and the others. “Aunt Rhea. Uncle Zach…”
“Alisa,” Rhea said warmly, “this has always been yours. It’s Grandma’s wish–just accept it.”
Zach nodded. “You’re the youngest in the family. And you’ve never been trained in business. The foundation is perfect for you.”
Kemp added, “Go on, take it. Don’t feel bad.”
Alisa accepted the contract, but after a moment’s thought, she turned to Vania. “Grandma, can I trade the foundation for Aunt Rhea’s Skyrend Hotel?”
“You prefer the Skyrend Hotel?” Rhea blinked at her.
Alisa smiled at her and said, “Yes. I want that hotel. Nothing else.”
The Skyrend Hotel was a five–star property owned by a branch of the Roffe Group.
Due to its location, its business was unpredictable–thriving one month, sluggish the next–and it mostly catered to Qodon’s upper class when they went on holiday.
It was worth far less than the foundation Vania had just given her.
Since Vania had divided the assets earlier and didn’t mention this hotel earlier, it still fell under Rhea’s management. Now that Alisa was asking for it, Rhea couldn’t very well refuse.
Rhea said, “This hotel isn’t as profitable as you might think. But if you want it, it’s yours. And you don’t have to give up the foundation for it–keep it. It’s not just yours; it also includes your mother’s share.”
Vania was pleased. “That’s the spirit. Our family needs to stick together. Alisa, do you have an interest in hotel management?”
Alisa chuckled. “Not exactly. But if all the hard work goes to the others, I’ll look like I’m taking it too easy.”
“Haha!” Vania laughed. “Then give it a try. If you need help, ask your Aunt Rhea.”
“Alright.”
“Oh, Aunt Rhea–how are the Nelsons doing? I heard their daughter is back.”
Rhea smirked. “She is. But it won’t matter. The Nelsons are on the brink of bankruptcy, and that girl only came home to pay off their debts. Don’t you worry, Alisa–every bit of misery they put you through, I’ll see she pays for. I’ll make sure she never has an easy day again.”
Clearly, no one in the Roffes saw the Nelsons as a threat.
Bui Alisa knew better–Sabrina was no pushover. She was the novel’s leading lady, after all, with a heroine’s glow
Bull, Alisa had the Skyrend Hotel now. With the right strategy, it could become her most powerful weapon against Sabrina. Her family wanted to protect her, and she would protect them too.
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Chapter 3 A Goldmine of Gossip
After the division of assets, they gathered for a family portrait.
Vania sat in the center, holding Alisa’s hand.
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That afternoon, in the garden, Cordelia came by personally to bring Alisa a pot of tea.
The south courtyard of the estate had been set aside just for Alisa, filled with blooming flowers whose fragrance drifted gently in the breeze.
“You brought this yourself?” Alisa asked.
“I needed the walk, not that I have anything to do,” Cordelia said with a smile, taking a seat and brushing her fingers over a vase of pale–pink roses. “But tell me–why Skyrend Hotel? If I’d known you wanted a property, I’d have told you which ones are better. I know exactly what Mom owns.”
Dang! Her cousin was impressive!
Alisa’s smile widened. “Cordelia, even if Aunt Rhea were willing to give me something else, I wouldn’t take it. I don’t want anything–except the Skyrend Hotel.”
“Why?”
“Because… it’s a goldmine of gossip.”
Alisa spoke with complete seriousness, “Think about it–where do romantic dramas get the most tangled? Out front, it’s the nightclub; behind the scenes, it’s always the hotel.”
If she played her cards right and made full use of the hotel’s resources, it wouldn’t be long before Alisa became the one who knew more of Qodon’s high–society secrets than anyone else.
And when that day came, what would Sabrina’s heroine’s halo matter?
With half the city’s elite backing her, who knows who would come out on top?
This was the countermeasure Alisa had devised–using a bigger threat to neutralize another.
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