Chapter 262

At the Weller residence, Harvey sat in the head seat, a smug expression on his face. This was his first time presiding over a family meeting since becoming head of the family. All the top Weller executives were present; none dared disrespect his new position.

Next to Harvey sat Serena, her seductive smile and alluring presence unmistakable. Their eyes met occasionally, sparking undeniable chemistry. Some observant executives noticed these exchanges but dismissed their suspicions. After all, he was the new head of the family, and she was Kane’s widow. Such an age gap seemed to preclude any impropriety.

“Everyone, please begin your reports,” Harvey said, smiling. He needed a clear picture of the Weller family's current standing to plan his next moves.

The reports were grim. One executive announced Jayrodale Bank's aggressive demands for loan repayments, threatening seizure of family properties. Another detailed the shrinking family business and the urgent need for diversification. A third reported the withdrawal of major investors and the family's rapidly deteriorating financial situation.

Harvey's smile vanished, replaced by a dark scowl. “I asked for progress reports and our strengths,” he shouted angrily. “What’s with all this bad news? Damn it!”

He'd barely begun to enjoy his new position, and already, problems abounded. He hadn't become family head to face hardship; he craved respect and the power to make life-altering decisions.

“Mr. Weller,” one executive countered, “what progress could we possibly report? The family struggled even under Mr. Weller Senior's leadership. We spent a fortune on your inauguration ceremony—a fortune the family can ill afford.”

“Behind all that grandeur,” another added, “lies depleted resources and mounting debts.”

Despite Harvey's impatience, the executives continued their somber reports. Some family members wept. Harvey finally realized the gravity of the situation. Yet, he resisted accepting it. "Is our situation really that dire?" he asked.

“Mr. Weller, it’s worse than you can imagine. The entire family is counting on you to lead us out of this crisis!”

Harvey's face darkened as the reality sunk in. His father's death had left him a considerable mess. He wished he'd waited longer before orchestrating the old man's demise, allowing him more time to handle these issues.

“Alright, everyone’s dismissed,” Harvey declared, waving them away in irritation. “I’ll figure something out.”

Serena scoffed. “What a useless bunch. They can’t help you at all.”

“Serena, do you have any good ideas?” Harvey asked, his brow furrowed.

Serena rolled her eyes. “What ideas could I possibly have? When your father was alive, I lived in luxury and never had to worry about anything. Anyway, the family may be broke, but my monthly allowance better not decrease one bit.”

Harvey snapped, “Can’t you see the family’s situation? How are you still thinking about luxury? You’re foolish!”

Serena, angered by his reaction, retorted, “Harvey, now that you’re the family head and done playing with me, you’re getting impatient, aren’t you?”