“Very true.” Lily nodded. “In this part of the world, women are considered a little less than men.”
“Glad that you agree with me.”
“However, I am not one of those women Liam.” Lily’s face turned serious as she crossed her arms in front of her. As someone who was bullied, underestimated, schemed against, women empowerment was a very sensitive issue for Lily. Women empowerment was something that she strongly supported in the west. However, the women in the east were really not as empowered as the ones in the west. Of course, Lily was not planning to blame anyone about this.
This was a behaviour influenced by traditions. Though the people in Hong Kong were not as traditional as the people from mainland China, gender equality was still an issue as people tend to look down on women, especially in the business industry. Lily was not going to be one of those oppressed women.
“Are you saying that you will not bow down to their demands?” Liam asked, his face unfathomable.
Lily only chuckled at his question. The Liam that Lily knew was not this smart or eloquent. Liam Arison was known to be short tempered and would easily react to everything. Talking to Lily like this was not Liam’s MO. Unless… someone had been coaching him how to behave around her. Did Sofia think she could outsmart her?
Lily knew that the only reason why Sofia wanted Liam and her to marry was because of the support that Liam could get by using Lily’s name. After all, Liam’s position as the heir in their own conglomerate was actually being questioned right now because of the presence of his step-brother.
Did Liam just tried to manipulate the board of directors to pressure Lily so that he could act like a prince in shining armor?
“I am saying that you are stupid for coming in here and thinking that this will work on me.” Lily answered. “You have reached your limit, Liam. I am done with my warnings. I will see you in the upcoming board meeting for Arison Holdings.”
Liam’s eyes immediately widened at Lily’s words. As the only living Facci, Lily owned a lot of stocks under her name, including stocks from Arison Holdings. “You… why would you be attending the board meeting?”
“Hmmm… You and your mother have been disturbing my peaceful life these past few days. I am a very impatient person. I believe it’s time for me to remind you and Sofia why even your father immediately signed the acquisition documents when I asked him to. I bet your father must have asked your mother not to disturb my peace too…” Lily then shook her head.
“Will then, tell your minions that I am firing them. As the sole owner and now the biggest stockholder in the company I have the right to fire anyone who is against the direction of the company.”
“You-“
“The next time I see you will be at the meeting. Tell your mother that I won’t hesitate to ruin you if she continues this act. The only reason why I am giving both of you a chance is because she somewhat made my late maternal grandmother happy. But trust me… I am ruthless to the people who cross me.” Lily then leaned in her seat before she gestured for Liam to go. How could this Liam still follow her around after what happened? Wasn’t he afraid that Lily would get impatient and reveal Liam’s secrets to the media?
….
Liam could only clench his teeth in anger as he walked out of the mall. His mother had told him to use the board against Lily so that she would ask for his help to deal with them. However, it seemed like they had underestimated Lily’s stubbornness. She would not simply bow down just because she was threatened or pressured.
Liam clenched his jaw as he sent a text to his mother.
[Failed. Talk later.]
He then shoved his phone back into his pocket and walked towards his car. However, before he could reach his car, an Asian woman wearing a business suit approached him with a stern expression on her face. “Mr. Arison? My name is Tang Fanghua and I am the personal assistant of CEO Xuan of Xuan Film.”
“Xuan Films?” Liam immediately furrowed his brows.
“CEO Xuan wants to invite you for some tea. He said that he has some news about Miss Lily Qin that he could give you,” Tang Fanghua said in a low voice. “He said that this is an opportunity for you to make Miss Qin yours.”
Liam immediately raised an eyebrow at Tang Fanghua’s words. Arison Holdings had no dealings with the film industry so he was not very familiar with the people in this industry. Though a little reluctant, Liam still nodded at Tang Fanghua and chose to follow her.
After his mother explained everything to him, Liam now understood marrying Lily would bring him many benefits and he was adamant on making Lily, his wife. So what if she doesn’t like him? So what if he does not like Lily? Liam had already decided to be shameless and do everything in his power to have Lily. Moreover, the most important thing was to marry her before the annual board of directors meeting in Arison Holdings. He needed to have her backing to stabilize his position as the CEO of Arison Holdings.
Even after marrying Lily, he could always maintain his relationship with his cousin. Lily would be busy with her business that she wouldn’t be home most of the time anyway. Wouldn’t this mean that he could still maintain his current lifestyle even after marriage? A marriage with Lily Facci-Qin might not really a bad thing after all.
Liam got into a Bentley and looked at the Asian man who seemed to be of similar age as him. “What do you want?” Liam asked directly.
“I want a collaboration.” Xuan Hui examined the man in front of him before he smiled.
“What collaboration?”
“I want you to help me kick Lily out of this country. She can’t stay here,” Xuan Hui said. “With her in Europe, your goal of marrying her would be easier.”
“What do you say, Mr. Arison?”
…
Editor: Swaning
