Chapter Three: The First Battle Lost?
2897 Words
Josiah didn’t stay out late as he usually did; instead, he returned home around nine. His early return surprised his parents, who had just come back from the research institute. Even his grandparents were taken aback, noting that their grandson seemed to have matured overnight.
“Josiah, why are you home so early today?”
“Mom… how come you and Dad are back?” Josiah’s nose tingled with emotion upon seeing his mother. His parents had always been deeply engrossed in their research, practically living at the institute for months on end. Josiah was primarily raised by his grandmother and his aunt, Beatrice, whom he regarded with a motherly affection.
He used to think that his parents didn’t love him or that their experiments would always come before him. But when the accident happened years ago, they immediately dropped everything to be by his side. His father even handed over shares for him to manage. Even after he failed miserably, they didn’t blame him but instead offered comfort, care, and love. By then, however, Josiah was already mired in addiction and couldn’t think straight.
After being reborn, Josiah realized that compared to him, the experiments his parents were so passionate about could easily be set aside. His parents loved him deeply.
“Son, your grandfather told us about what happened today. How did you know about it? We came home after your grandfather called, but you were already out when we arrived. When we found out you were the one who stopped it from happening, we wondered, how did you know about it?”
Since Hiram had admitted to it and needed to appease Beatrice, no one had asked Josiah how he found out. Now that things had calmed down, the question resurfaced.
“One time, I was passing by the Time Café and saw Uncle there having coffee.” That one sentence was enough for everyone to understand. Hiram had never been a coffee drinker—not because he disliked it, but because it made him sick. Seeing him at a café was certainly unusual.
“You all know Uncle can’t handle coffee. I thought I might’ve been mistaken, so I parked nearby to watch for a while. After confirming it was him, I noticed something off between him and the café’s owner, so I had someone look into it.” Whatever Josiah said now would be taken as truth; since Hiram had already admitted it, no one would doubt him.
“Why didn’t you tell me earlier about something this serious?”
“Grandpa, I wasn’t sure at the time, and I was hoping it wasn’t true. I didn’t want you all to be upset over it, and I didn’t want Aunt to be hurt, so I secretly investigated first. Who knew it would turn out to be real?”
The Finch family patriarch, Hezekiah, sighed, “You did the right thing. If your uncle really took bribes from the M Group, the Finch family would’ve become a laughingstock.”
“Where’s Uncle now?”
“He went back to his place,” Hezekiah replied, referring to the house Hiram and Beatrice owned in the city center.
Josiah’s eyes brightened as he moved closer to his grandfather. “Grandpa, tonight, I’m going out with Paxton and Jasper. Paxton mentioned he’s bought a 20% stake in Xingyue Films, and Jasper’s always talking about business deals. But I barely understand any of it. I can’t keep going on like this, can I?”
“What are you saying? Do you want to join the Finch family business?” Hezekiah asked in disbelief.
“They’re my best friends. They talk about finance and real estate all the time, and I can’t contribute anything to the conversation. It’s embarrassing.”
“Good, our Josiah is finally growing up.” Hezekiah was pleased. They had tried countless ways to get him interested in the family business, but he had always been indifferent. Now, he was taking the initiative.
“Son, have you really decided to join the family business?” Josiah’s father, Yan Anli, had always found running the Finch family business to be grueling, so he had given it up early to pursue his own dreams. But he was worried about Josiah, who spent his days idling and frequenting nightclubs.
“Yes, Dad. I’m sorry for all the trouble I’ve caused you and Mom. I won’t be like that anymore.”
No one knew why Josiah had changed so drastically overnight, but everyone was pleased and happy with his transformation. Hezekiah suspected it might have something to do with Silas, but he didn’t think that was a bad thing. If someone could spark Josiah’s ambition, it might be for the best.
That night, Josiah called Beatrice to tell her he was joining the family business, and she was very supportive. When he asked when she planned to return, she didn’t give a clear answer.
Before bed, Josiah received a call from Matilda, who complained about one of her friends flaunting the latest Aston Martin. Her tone was full of envy and playful hints—her usual tactic to get what she wanted.
But this time, Matilda was destined to be disappointed. In the past, whenever she hinted like this, Josiah would immediately say, “Let’s buy an even better one tomorrow.” But this time, Josiah didn’t respond at all.
After hanging up, Matilda began to wonder if something was wrong. Josiah had always spoiled her, willing to spend millions on her whims. But tonight, something was off. A sports car costing a few hundred thousand shouldn’t be an issue for him.
Josiah had been tempted to curse Matilda out on the phone, but it wasn’t the right time. He wouldn’t break up with her easily—he wanted her to taste the humiliation he had once endured.
The next morning, Josiah received a call from Jasper. He had learned about Beatrice’s situation after returning home last night. Although Dexter had promised his daughter not to tell his wife, Beatrice’s sudden return home couldn’t be easily explained away. Eventually, Beatrice decided to tell her mother, Beatrice.
Despite being a noblewoman from the Pierce family, Beatrice was known for her strong-willed nature, largely because her father had doted on her and indulged her from a young age. Of course, she was still gentle and loving toward her husband, Dexter.
Upon hearing what had happened, Beatrice was furious and wanted to confront the Finch family for an explanation. But Beatrice stopped her. She wanted to handle the situation herself, whether it led to divorce or reconciliation. She didn’t want to worry her family too much, nor did she want to create a rift between the families. After all, she had always treated Josiah as her own son. Her brother and sister-in-law had always treated her like a sister, and her in-laws had been nothing but kind to her. Even if things fell apart, it would be between her and Hiram. The rest of the Finch family had done her no wrong.
By the time Jasper got home, Beatrice and her family had already left, but he still heard about the situation. He understood why Josiah hadn’t been more explicit at the bar—it wasn’t a story to be told in front of Paxton. Jasper had wanted to call Josiah last night but decided it was too late.
“You already know? Aunt went back to the Pierce family?”
“Yeah, but they were gone by the time I got home. Josiah, you’ve suddenly taken an interest in business. Are you worried your so-called big brother might take over the Finch family?”
“What if I am?”
Jasper’s low chuckle echoed through the phone. “You’re rarely so straightforward about your desires. Alright, if there’s anything I can do to help, just say the word.”
“Are you trying to help Aunt get revenge?”
“If you want to see it that way, sure. Just don’t drop the ball.”
Josiah knew Jasper’s words came from genuine concern, so he seriously replied, “Jasper, I know you and everyone at Xingyue Films think of me as a spoiled brat who only knows how to have fun. But this time, I’m serious. I’ll prove it to everyone.”
“…"
Josiah had been working at the Finch family business for a week. Hezekiah’s decision to bring him in on the first day had shocked Hiram, who had never expected his carefree nephew to actually join the company. But after a reminder from his son, Hiram quickly understood the situation.
He proposed giving Josiah a vice president position—a cushy title with no real responsibilities—but Josiah refused. Hezekiah also disagreed. Josiah was there to learn, not to be sidelined. The old man still held considerable power in the company and wasn’t about to let his second son sideline his grandson.
Hezekiah had noticed that some shareholders were very supportive of Silas, which made him uneasy. It was clear to him that his second son had been quietly paving the way for Silas. He couldn’t allow that to continue. If he had found out a few years later, would the company have become Silas’s kingdom?
No, he wouldn’t let that happen. If Hiram wanted to back his own son, then Hezekiah would throw all his support behind Josiah. He was ready for the worst-case scenario. Even if it meant splitting the company in two, he wouldn’t let Silas take over entirely.
He understood that Josiah and Silas were like fire and water—one would not tolerate the other’s rise to power. Though he preferred Josiah to come out on top, he couldn’t deny the reality.
After stepping down years ago, Hezekiah returned to the company and took back the reins, catching Hiram off guard. Many things hadn’t been settled yet, so Hiram couldn’t force Josiah out and had to keep him around.
Josiah couldn’t help but be impressed by his grandfather’s strategy. In the past, he had been blind to the world around him, oblivious to his uncle’s machinations and his cousin’s ambitions. Now that he had a second chance, he wouldn’t allow history to repeat itself.
Every day, he listened carefully to his grandfather’s advice, took notes, and applied them in the company. Within a few days, he became the subject of much gossip among the employees. Many were shocked by his sudden transformation.
But not everyone was pleased. Silas, who had always been indifferent toward Josiah, couldn’t help but view him as a potential threat now. He had spent years quietly building his influence in the company, confident that one day he would rise to power. Josiah’s sudden interest in the family business disrupted his plans.
One evening, as Josiah was leaving the office, Silas approached him.
“Josiah, I hear you’ve been working hard these days. What’s going on? Finally taking an interest in the family business?”
Josiah looked up from his phone and smiled. “Yeah, I realized I couldn’t keep coasting forever. Figured it was time to grow up.”
Silas raised an eyebrow. “Really? What brought that on?”
“Just decided it was time. You know, can’t stay a kid forever.”
Silas nodded slowly, his expression unreadable. “Well, good luck. The family business is tough, especially if you’re not used to it.”
“Thanks, Silas. I appreciate it.”
As Silas walked away, Josiah couldn’t shake the feeling that his cousin was hiding something. He made a mental note to keep an eye on him.
When Josiah returned home that evening, his grandfather called him into the study. Hezekiah sat behind his desk, looking thoughtful.
“Josiah, how are you finding the work so far?”
“It’s challenging, but I’m learning a lot. I didn’t realize how much there was to running a company.”
Hezekiah nodded. “That’s good to hear. But I have to warn you, things are going to get tougher. Hiram and Silas won’t make it easy for you.”
“I know, Grandpa. But I’m ready. I’m not going to back down.”
Hezekiah smiled, pleased with his grandson’s determination. “Good. Just remember, you have my support. If you ever need anything, don’t hesitate to ask.”
“Thank you, Grandpa. I won’t let you down.”
As Josiah left the study, he felt a renewed sense of purpose. He was determined to prove himself and protect the family business from those who would use it for their own gain. This was his second chance, and he wasn’t going to waste it.
A few days later, a heated confrontation arose in the Finch family conference room regarding who should lead the collaboration between the Finch and Pierce families. Silas had been responsible for overseeing this collaboration in its early stages, but now there were calls for Josiah to take charge. The conference room quickly became divided.
"Manager Sli has been the one handling this project from the beginning. Who could possibly know more about it than him?" one person argued, referring to Silas by his alias, unaware of his true identity.
"True understanding of this collaboration comes from the person who first prepared the materials and initiated contact with the Pierce family," someone else countered.
"Nonsense! Preparing documents is one thing, but negotiating and signing contracts is another. Not everyone has that skill," the first person shot back, casting a glance at Josiah, who remained unfazed, as if he wasn't even listening.
"Even if what you're saying is true, let’s not forget that the ultimate goal is to maximize the company's interests. Isn’t that right?" another voice chimed in, only to be interrupted before they could continue.
"Exactly. That's why Manager Sli is the most suitable candidate. At the last gathering, Manager Jasper and Manager Sli had an excellent conversation. Manager Jasper even praised Manager Sli highly. With such a relationship, Manager Sli is undoubtedly the best choice to negotiate and sign the contract with the Pierce family," Jasper added.
Josiah’s expression didn’t change, but Hiram began to feel uneasy. The Pierce family was connected to Beatrice, Josiah's mother-in-law, and if Jasper had been unaware of Silas’s identity before, his prior good rapport with her might have changed. Now that the Pierce family knew everything, could Jasper still be as amicable with Silas?
As Hiram pondered the situation, Josiah spoke up, "In that case, let Manager Sli handle it. I had no idea he and Manager Jasper had such a strong connection. Manager Sli, make sure you secure the best deal for the Finch family—after all, everyone’s watching." Josiah’s words were a pointed reminder, not just to those supporting Silas, but to everyone else in the room. His message was clear, and all eyes turned to Silas.
The room then shifted their gaze to Hezekiah and Hiram, who had remained silent. However, everyone knew where their loyalties lay—Hezekiah supported Josiah, while Hiram backed Silas.
Hiram wanted to object, but Hezekiah spoke first. "Since everyone has so much faith in Manager Sli, Josiah and I look forward to seeing how he performs."
Hezekiah’s tone carried a hint of anger, which made some of the managers who had just supported Silas nervous. They knew Hezekiah still held power in the Finch family, and now they worried about the consequences of backing an outsider. However, they reasoned that they were really supporting Hiram, not Silas directly, so there shouldn't be any fallout.
Everyone in the room assumed the dispute was between Hiram and Josiah, with Silas merely acting as Hiram’s proxy.
If Silas truly understood Josiah, he would have realized that Josiah had known Paxton and Jasper since childhood. Although work brought Silas into frequent contact with them after joining the Finch family, he believed their relationship with Josiah was superficial. After all, whenever Josiah was mentioned, Paxton and Jasper would dismiss him as uncompetitive and change the subject, leading Silas to think their relationship was strained.
What Silas didn’t know was that Paxton and Jasper viewed him merely as a staff member and saw no reason to discuss Josiah with him.
Hiram, agreeing with his son’s assessment, believed that just because people enjoyed each other’s company didn’t mean they were close. He had always found Josiah’s casual and indifferent attitude irritating, thinking it might lead to trouble sooner or later.
Beatrice’s love for Josiah was genuine, but Hiram’s affection for his nephew was superficial. He neither understood the real Josiah nor his deep bond with Paxton and Jasper.
“Dad, if you think I'm right, what are you worried about?” Silas asked.
"Even if Josiah and Jasper aren't close, remember that Beatrice is Jasper's aunt. He must know your identity by now. Do you think he'll let you negotiate this deal smoothly?"
Silas frowned. "But business is business. He wouldn't jeopardize a deal worth billions, right? Both the Finch and Pierce families would lose out."
“Let’s hope so,” Hiram replied, though he remained uneasy. Josiah’s easy acquiescence made him suspicious.
But Silas was unconcerned. He thought it was laughable to imagine the Pierce family refusing to sign such a lucrative deal. Maybe they would make things difficult for him, but he was confident that the contract would eventually be signed.
- Writer
