Twisted Legacy (This is a working title)

Business Proposal

Beatrice's POV

"Mr. Morris, I agreed to evaluate written and video business proposals," Beatrice said sharply, her fingers tapping impatiently on her desk. "I've dedicated the entire week just for that. I don't need verbal explanations or any of their nonsensical flatteries. Their hard copies are enough to tell me if their ideas will work or not."

Dean Morris shifted uncomfortably. "I understand, Ms. Sullivan. But could you make an exception for Mr. Fairway and Ms. Bradford? They've shown immense promise, and—"

"No meetings," Beatrice interrupted, her voice steely. "But I will give their proposals a more thorough review. That's all I can offer."

The dean hesitated, then nodded. "Thank you, Ms. Sullivan. I'll inform them of your consideration."

Beatrice watched him leave, her cold demeanor intact, but her mind buzzed. Dominic Fairway and Olivia Bradford... let's see what they bring to the table.

Olivia's POV

"I think she thinks way too highly of herself," Olivia huffed, scrolling through the message from Dean Morris. "Making us wait for two weeks, and she's not even meeting anyone. Does she believe that written proposals alone speak for themselves?"

"Now, now, Vee," Maya responded, trying to soothe her friend's rising irritation. "Beatrice was born a genius, you know? She's the heir to the Golden Empire. She's probably just swamped. What we're asking for is her precious time. It's a big deal."

"But she rejected my first proposal, Maya," Olivia snapped. "She even scribbled a note saying it was unrealistic from top to bottom. Do you know how humiliating that is?"

Maya nodded sympathetically. "Well, you just have to make it better."

Suddenly, Olivia's phone buzzed.

Bzzt Bzzt Bzzt

"Message from Dean Morris," Olivia muttered. "No meetings, but Beatrice will review my proposal in more depth. He says he tried his best to get a personal meeting, but she still refused." She sighed in frustration. What's with all this mystery?

Dominic's POV

It was a long shot. Dominic leaned back in his chair, contemplating the situation. She is as elusive as they say. Part of the mysterious family behind the Golden Empire. Why would she meet with me?

Bzzt Bzzt Bzzt

A new message popped up on his screen, from an unknown number.

"I hear you wanted an audience, Mr. Fairway?"

Dominic's eyes widened, his fingers flying across the keyboard. "Yes, and I was hoping you'd indulge my request."

"Why come to me when your family can support you?"

Dominic paused, his jaw tightening. Straight to the point, huh? "It's a matter of self-pride. I don't want to rely on my family's connections. We have some... differences in our goals. You'd know that if you read my proposal seriously."

A long pause followed, the tension rising in the silence.

Finally, she responded: "We don't need to meet—just like our elders. Your business proposal is approved. My lawyers will be in touch to finalize our collaboration."

A faint smile curled at the edge of Dominic's lips. Victory.

Olivia's POV

Olivia had been staring at her phone for minutes, her heart racing. The text from Beatrice played over and over in her mind:

"Why come to me when your family can support you?"

It was a simple question, but the weight of it left her feeling paralyzed. She had answers, but none felt right. Was it pride? A need to prove myself? Olivia's thoughts swirled with self-doubt.

She was jolted from her reverie by another message.

"You seem unsure of your answer," it read. "I have not rejected your proposal, but I haven't approved it either. It remains under review. I'll be in touch, and when I do, I'll expect a clear answer to my question."

Olivia felt a mix of relief and frustration. It's not an outright rejection, but... she's toying with me.

"Vee, what's the verdict?" Maya asked, her voice breaking through Olivia's thoughts.

Olivia blinked, still trying to process what had just happened.

Bzzt Bzzt Bzzt

Another message from Beatrice.

"We approve your business proposal, with a few adjustments that will benefit both parties. The fashion industry is tough to break into, but with the right strategy, your launch will be smooth. I look forward to collaborating. Don't waste this opportunity."

Olivia stared at the screen, barely believing what she was reading.

"Am I... reading this right?" she whispered. "Was my proposal approved?"

Maya squealed with excitement, shaking Olivia's arm. "Vee! Oh my gosh, Vee! You better hire me—you lucky genius!"

Both girls jumped up and down, celebrating the breakthrough, but Olivia's mind was already spinning at full speed. Her excitement was tempered by the cold reality that Beatrice Sullivan had planted in her mind.

Was it luck? Or was I too arrogant, thinking I could waltz in and impress everyone just because I'm a Bradford?

As they celebrated, Olivia's determination hardened. She was no longer content just to succeed—she needed to prove she was more than just her family name. And Beatrice's question still hung over her, like a quiet challenge she couldn't ignore.