Transferred to another life

*Chapter Thirty: A Dinner in Turmoil**

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The grand dining hall of the Darkwood manor was bathed in the soft, golden light of the chandeliers. The long, polished mahogany table was set with exquisite china and silverware, a testament to the manor's opulence and tradition. Olivia, dressed in a sophisticated gown, took her place at the table with a sense of anticipation. Tonight's dinner was not just a family gathering but a significant moment in her efforts to assert her role within the family and the manor.

### **A Moment of Progress**

As the dinner progressed, Olivia's father, Charles Darkwood, cleared his throat to make an announcement. His authoritative presence commanded the attention of everyone at the table.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Charles began, his voice carrying a tone of gravitas. "Tonight, I want to acknowledge the remarkable progress Olivia has made in her role. Her recent efforts and strategic planning have not gone unnoticed."

Olivia's heart swelled with a mix of pride and apprehension. She had worked hard to prove her capabilities and navigate the complexities of her social world. Her father's words were a significant validation of her progress.

Charles continued, "In recognition of her accomplishments and growing influence, I am offering Olivia the responsibility of overseeing the manor's budget. This role will allow her to manage our resources and make critical decisions that will impact our future."

The room fell silent as the gravity of Charles' offer sank in. Olivia's mother and the other guests exchanged approving glances, while Olivia herself struggled to maintain her composure. The opportunity to manage the manor's budget was a considerable responsibility, but it also represented a significant step forward in her journey.

### **Matthew's Disruption**

Just as Olivia began to savor the moment of recognition, her brother Matthew, who had been unusually quiet throughout the evening, suddenly erupted.

"This is absurd!" Matthew shouted, slamming his hand on the table. "Why is Olivia being given control over the manor's budget? She's barely been involved in the affairs of this family, and now she's being handed such a critical role?"

The outburst shocked everyone at the table. Olivia's parents exchanged uneasy looks, and the guests whispered among themselves, their enjoyment of the evening disrupted by the commotion.

Olivia, taken aback by Matthew's aggressive response, attempted to remain composed. "Matthew, this decision has been made by Father. It's an opportunity for me to contribute more significantly to the manor's affairs."

Matthew's face flushed with anger. "It's not fair! You've been pursuing your own interests and neglecting your responsibilities. And now you're being rewarded with a role that should rightfully be mine."

### **A Heated Argument**

The argument escalated quickly, with Matthew's accusations growing more vehement. He pointed fingers at Olivia, accusing her of favoritism and incompetence. The dinner, which had begun as a moment of celebration, had turned into a battleground of familial discord.

Charles stood up, his face etched with frustration. "Matthew, this behavior is unacceptable. Olivia has proven herself capable and deserving of this responsibility. Your outburst is out of line."

Matthew ignored his father's reprimand and continued to berate Olivia. "You're only here because you've manipulated everyone around you! I've done everything for this family, and yet you're handed these opportunities without any consideration for my contributions."

### **Olivia's Response**

Olivia, trying to maintain her dignity amidst the chaos, spoke calmly but firmly. "Matthew, I understand that you're upset, but this is not the way to handle it. If you have concerns about my role, we can discuss them privately."

Matthew's eyes blazed with anger, but he seemed to realize that further outbursts would only worsen the situation. He threw his napkin on the table and stormed out of the dining hall, leaving a tense silence in his wake.

### **A Family Divided**

As the echoes of Matthew's departure faded, Olivia's parents and the remaining guests attempted to salvage the evening. Charles and Olivia exchanged a look of mutual understanding. The offer to oversee the manor's budget was a significant vote of confidence, but it had come at a cost.

"Olivia," Charles said quietly, his voice tinged with concern, "I apologize for the way things turned out tonight. Matthew's behavior was uncalled for, but please know that your role is not a reflection of any disregard for his contributions."

Olivia nodded, her mind racing with the implications of the evening's events. "Thank you, Father. I appreciate the opportunity and will do my best to fulfill my responsibilities."

As the dinner came to a close and the guests began to depart, Olivia took a moment to reflect on the evening's turmoil. The confrontation with Matthew had revealed the depth of his resentment and the challenges she would face in asserting her role.

### **Looking Ahead**

The responsibility of managing the manor's budget represented both a significant opportunity and a formidable challenge. Olivia was determined to prove herself capable of handling the role and to navigate the complex dynamics of her family and social world.

The evening had been a stark reminder of the familial tensions and the obstacles she would need to overcome. Yet, it had also reinforced her resolve to succeed and to use her new role to further her strategic goals.

As Olivia prepared for the days ahead, she knew that the path would be fraught with difficulties. But with her father's support and her growing influence, she felt more determined than ever to make her mark and secure her place in the manor and beyond.