On the way back to the city from the cemetery—
"Four years have passed, and it seems like so much has changed," Lydia sighed.
"Yeah, a lot has changed. You've changed too. You used to dress so formally, but now you've got a whole new style."
Belinda glanced at Lydia through the rear-view mirror. Her change was more than just a little.
When they met at the airport, Belinda almost didn't recognize her.
Simple jeans with rolled-up cuffs, ultra-casual canvas flats, a white T-shirt, and a loose jacket. She still looked youthful, but the old aura was gone.
"I haven't really changed. It's just that after having Nyla, I found dressing like this is more comfortable for taking care of her. I dress formally for work every day, so when I get home, I just want to completely relax."
Lydia didn't feel she had changed much. If anything, the hardships she had faced had made her more mature and steady.
"By the way, are you planning to leave again after this visit?"
Belinda couldn't help but feel a pang of reluctance at the thought of Lydia leaving.
"I don't know yet. The company sent me here for technical guidance for a year. After that, I'm not sure what their plans will be."
Lydia gently stroked Nyla, who was already asleep on her lap, and answered in a low voice.
This city held deep feelings for her; she wanted to stay, but wasn't sure if she could.
"Don't leave. At worst, you can quit your job and start over. After all, this is your home. You can't keep wandering around. Nyla is growing up and needs a stable environment," Belinda said, her concern evident.
The year had just begun, and Belinda was already worried that her friend might leave.
Having experienced one farewell, she couldn't bear another. The pain was too much to handle.
"We'll see. There's still Auntie and Xavia. I can't make a decision on my own," Lydia whispered.
This city held deep emotions for her, but it had also given her the greatest pain.
"Alright, we'll talk about it later. You have a year to think it over. By the way, the company doesn't know you came back early, right?"
"No, they don't. I changed my flight last minute and didn't inform them."
Lydia answered absentmindedly, gazing at the increasingly bustling streets outside the car window.
Four years ago, she had left in a hurry, with some issues still unresolved. So, coming back this time wasn't easy for her.
---
The Lawrence Family Headquarters, located in the most bustling part of Brook Town, was an iconic building. Owning this skyscraper made the Lawrence Family the undisputed economic rulers of Brook Town.
Brook Town is the nation's central city, serving as the economic, political, cultural, and technological hub. It is the window through which the world views this country. The Lawrence Family's influence, which dominates the economy of such a city, is immense. Their reach extends across Asia and even the entire globe, with numerous subsidiaries under their name.
But what kind of person could control such a vast empire?
In the grand reception hall on the first floor, a group of people walked in with an imposing presence.
Leading them was a man in a black suit, standing tall and exuding confidence. His face was stern, his eyes deep, and he carried an aura of unchallengeable authority.
This man was Merrick, the head of the Lawrence Family Group—the one who had led the family onto the global stage.
Merrick took the exclusive CEO elevator straight to his office.
As the elevator doors opened, Merrick strode to his desk and decisively pressed the intercom button.
Within seconds, the large wooden door of the CEO's office was pushed open by a group of employees in matching business attire. They entered in an orderly manner and began to report on their work.
"President Lawrence."
Dixie, the secretary, was the last to enter the room, but she had the most urgent report.
Merrick lifted his cold gaze.
"President, the team we sent to the airport this morning couldn't find the technical advisor from MapleTree Corporation."
Dixie seemed accustomed to Merrick's silent demeanor and continued calmly.
"They couldn't find him? They can't even handle such a simple task."
Merrick frowned, his voice low with anger.
"President Lawrence, the team checked and found that the technical advisor arrived three days ago but didn't contact the company."
"Sorry to interrupt, but I am the technical advisor sent by MapleTree Corporation."
As soon as Dixie's voice trailed off, another clear and gentle voice followed.
Merrick turned toward the sound and saw a tall, striking woman walking gracefully toward him.
She wore wide-leg pants and single-heeled shoes, paired with a white puff-sleeve blouse—elegant, intelligent, and subtly feminine.
She had an oval face with a delicate, powdery complexion. Her eyes were clear and sparkling, full of life, and her straight, elegant nose added to her refined appearance. A faint dimple appeared at the corner of her mouth as her smile widened.
Every glance and smile showcased the sophistication of a professional woman, while hinting at a quiet intellectual charm.
Her presence left the entire office in stunned silence.
Among the crowd, she immediately spotted the central figure. A hint of surprise flickered in her eyes.
If she wasn't mistaken, this man was the father of the little boy she had met on the plane three days ago.
She had suspected as much—the boy's behavior and impeccable attire had suggested a wealthy background. But she hadn't expected him to be the young master of the Lawrence Family.
Lydia recognized him but chose not to mention it.
"Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Lydia Austin, a software engineer from MapleTree Corporation's headquarters."
She extended her hand gracefully.
Merrick glanced down at her slender, fair hand, his aloof demeanor unchanged. He couldn't help but notice how different this woman was from the casually dressed one he had encountered on the plane.
"This is Mr. Merrick Lawrence, President of the Lawrence Family Group," the secretary quickly added, trying to ease the tension.
Lydia felt slightly awkward with her hand hanging in the air, but she withdrew it calmly, smiling.
"President Lawrence is indeed President Lawrence."
"Late on your first day at work," Merrick said coldly. "I'm starting to doubt your abilities."
Lydia was momentarily taken aback by his greeting, but a faint, nonchalant smile curved her lips.
"President Lawrence, before coming here, I already reported to the software development department. It's just that your staff's communication speed is limited. I came here first to greet you, and second to thank you for arranging the apartment for me. I also appreciate you setting up such a good kindergarten for my daughter."
Her gentle, elegant words caused Merrick's expression to change instantly.
The department heads were stunned to learn that such a beautiful woman was already married with a child. Disappointment flickered across several faces, but no one dared to show it openly.
"Thank you, President Lawrence. I should get back to work now."
Lydia turned and left gracefully.
"Dixie, get ready. I will personally host the software development meeting."
Merrick suddenly changed his schedule. He wanted to see where this woman's confidence came from.
"I'll arrange it right away."
Dixie exited quickly.
The Lawrence Family had recently acquired a mid-sized domestic mobile phone manufacturing company, firmly believing they would become a leader in the industry.
After the acquisition, the brand was officially renamed YellowBrick Corporation.
Following its establishment, the Lawrence Family collaborated with the world-renowned software company MapleTree Corporation.
Lydia, a senior software engineer from MapleTree's headquarters, was sent to provide technical guidance and was appointed as a director within the Lawrence Family.