Transmigration: Return of the villainess

• C h a p t e r E i g h t e e n •

The following day, Amelia found herself lost in deep thought as she stared at the list of daily quests before her.

Missions of the day

Play with Ria and Lucas for at least an hour. (Time left: 60 minutes) - 10 EPs

Read 5 chapters of 'how to raise a kid' - 15 EPs

Buy a basic cooking manual from the System store. - 3 EPs

Meet with the Crown Plaza manager (Postponed, due: Today) - 25 EPs

Total points: 68

She had navigated through various quests, but none had truly unsettled her like the one currently staring back at her. The prospect of confronting someone with a resignation letter wasn't something she was looking forward to.

Amelia let out another sigh, her thoughts swirling in a sea of uncertainty. She straightened Lucas's collar absentmindedly, her gaze momentarily drifting to the young boy in her arms. A smile tugged at her lips as she admired the ensemble he wore—a cream-colored inner shirt complemented by a buttoned-up brown shirt and rugged blue trousers.

His ebony hair framed his face, and his luminous doe eyes sparkled with innocence. Amelia couldn't help but smile affectionately; he was truly adorable. Clad in the outfit she had meticulously chosen, he exuded a charming air of sophistication beyond his years. He looked like a little gentleman, she cooed, her heart swelling with pride. Her decision to purchase the outfit had undoubtedly been the right one.

"Wahhh maaa!" Ria's exuberant voice filled the air, a lively proclamation that she, too, was present and eager for attention. Nestled amidst a fortress of plump pillows, Ria resembled a sleeping beauty, albeit a petite and chubby one. Coincidentally, she was adorned in a bell-sleeved A-line dress that boasted a gradient transition from crystal blue to warm brown hues. The upper portion of the dress shimmered in crystal blue, seamlessly fading into a rich brown hue at the waist, and maintaining its course down to the hem.

Amelia chuckled softly at her daughter's exuberance. "Alright, Lucas, you can go have some fun now. Your sister needs her turn," she playfully instructed, gently lowering Lucas to the ground. A pout formed on his lips, his desire to stay evident.

"I will come play with you later, okay?" Lucas happily squealed. With a quick kiss and a warm smile, Amelia watched with a fond smile as Lucas darted off, his eyes alight with excitement, toward his treasure trove of colorful blocks.

"Ah, now, Miss Ria Martin," Amelia playfully addressed her daughter, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. "Amelia Martin, at your service. Pray, what does my lady desire?" With a playful flourish, she swiftly lifted Ria from the sofa, eliciting gleeful giggles that filled the air.

~.~

"Hello, Ms. Martin. Right this way, please. Mr. Louis is eagerly anticipating your arrival," the employee greeted her warmly, his professionalism underscored by genuine courtesy. Amelia offered a gracious nod in response, cradling Ria in her arms while holding Lucas's hand. Together, they proceeded toward the designated meeting room.

The room itself exuded an air of timeless sophistication. Sunlight streamed through expansive floor-length windows, casting a soft glow that complemented the elegant fusion of white and black adorning the walls. At the heart of the room, a circular table crafted from ebony wood commanded attention, its understated luxury an embodiment of the surroundings. And there, poised at the table's opposite end, sat the man of the hour, Mr. Harvey Louis.

Amelia's arrival didn't go unnoticed, as Mr. Harvey Louis rose from his seat, his features breaking into a warm smile. "Ah, Ms. Martin, a pleasure to finally meet you," he greeted, his voice exuding a blend of professionalism and genuine amiability.

Amelia returned the smile, her demeanor poised yet approachable. "Likewise, Mr. Louis. Thank you for taking the time to see me," she replied, her voice carrying a mixture of gratitude and confidence.

As they exchanged pleasantries, Amelia felt a sense of reassurance. The initial nerves that had accompanied the prospect of dealing with a resignation letter began to dissipate. It was a promising start to a crucial conversation.

Mr. Louis appeared unperturbed by the presence of the two additional individuals in the room, a gesture that elicited a wave of gratitude within Amelia. The fact that he didn't seem to mind Lucas and Ria's company spoke volumes about his understanding and flexibility. Amelia knew she couldn't leave her children with just anyone, even if she could monitor them remotely through the system. The reassurance of having them close by eased her mind, allowing her to focus on the important matters at hand.

"So, Mr. Louis—" Amelia began, only to be interrupted by his warm interjection.

"Please, call me Harvey," he insisted, his tone carrying a sense of approachability that immediately put Amelia at ease. His words were spoken with the ease of a gentle, middle-aged man who seemed to possess a natural affinity for interacting with children.

Indeed, it seemed that some individuals possessed a natural inclination and softheartedness when it came to children.

"Alright, Mr. Harvey," Amelia began, her tone composed and determined. "I'll get straight to the point. Your resignation would put me in a difficult situation." As her words hung in the air, she observed a flicker of surprise in Mr. Harvey's expression, his brow arching slightly.

Amelia, however, had no intention of exploiting his kind demeanor. She opted for a candid conversation, bypassing any unnecessary formalities. This approach not only displayed her respect for his time but also earned her a measure of respect in return, as indicated by the flicker of appreciation in his eyes.

"I must admit, I did entertain the idea for a brief moment," Mr. Harvey admitted, his tone tinged with honesty. As his words settled in the air, Amelia found herself instinctively biting her inner cheek, a sign of her nerves and anticipation.

His demeanor gave her the impression that he was affording her the chance to advocate for her cause. Amelia leaned forward slightly, her gaze meeting Mr. Harvey's with a determined yet sincere expression. "However," she continued, her voice steady, "I believe there are compelling reasons for you to reconsider." She paused, allowing her words to linger before elaborating. "Your experience and dedication have been invaluable to the team. Your leadership has not only contributed to our success but has also created a positive work environment. Your insights and guidance are highly respected, and your absence would create a noticeable void."

Amelia's words were carefully chosen, underlining the unique value Mr. Harvey brought to the company. It was a reminder that his presence extended beyond just fulfilling a role; it had a tangible impact on the entire organization.

"Moreover," she added, her voice taking on a more purposeful tone, "I believe your continued involvement could play a crucial role in shaping the direction of our projects moving forward."

Her statement conveyed the idea that Mr. Harvey's influence could extend beyond his current responsibilities. Amelia was offering him the power and authority to shape the future of their endeavors, a proposition that tapped into his expertise and allowed him to have a significant say in the company's trajectory. It was an invitation to not just stay, but to wield his influence in meaningful ways that aligned with his skills and aspirations.

The proposition had undeniably sparked Mr. Harvey's interest and had significantly surprised him. Having spent considerable time working under the direction of others, the prospect of having his own business had undoubtedly crossed Mr. Harvey's mind. Amelia's offer appeared to present a shortcut to fulfilling that aspiration.

However, he hadn't anticipated her granting him such a degree of freedom in the matter. At most, he had assumed that he might negotiate for a few additional perks alongside his existing ones. The prospect of anything more substantial hadn't truly crossed his mind. Yet, Amelia Martin had managed to exceed his expectations and surprise him with her proposal.

Mr. Harvey's thoughtful gaze remained fixed on Amelia, his expression a mixture of contemplation and intrigue. As he weighed the potential benefits and implications, a subtle shift in his demeanor betrayed the internal deliberation taking place. His fingers tapped rhythmically on the table, a telltale sign of his thoughtful disposition. Amelia's proposition had opened a door he hadn't anticipated.

Amelia's patient silence allowed him the space to mull over the proposal, her eyes reflecting a genuine willingness to accommodate his decision. The room seemed to hold its breath as Mr. Harvey grappled with the weight of his choice.

After a measured pause, Mr. Harvey finally spoke, his voice a mix of gratitude and contemplation. "Ms. Martin, I appreciate your candidness and the opportunity you've presented." He met her gaze with a nod of acknowledgment. "I will certainly consider the path you've outlined, and I assure you, I'll let you know my decision."

Amelia's heart swelled with a combination of hope and respect for his thoughtful response. His willingness to consider her offer was a testament to their productive conversation. "Thank you, Mr. Harvey," she replied sincerely. "I genuinely believe that your continued presence would greatly benefit our team."

As they concluded their meeting on this promising note, both Amelia and Mr. Harvey knew that the next steps held the potential to shape their futures in significant ways. In the wake of their discussion, one burden had been relinquished, and another, eagerly anticipated responsibility had found its rightful place. With a sense of mutual understanding, they exchanged a final nod, acknowledging the weight of the decision that lay ahead.