Chapter 220
Miranda and Lavinia exchanged a quick glance as Sebastian retorted once more. “It’s truly a wonder the Ashcroft family business hasn’t gone under in these three years with you at the helm.”
Elian let out a dry chuckle. “And the Everhart family business hasn’t exactly soared under your watch all these years, has it?”
Lavinia was at a loss. What were these two young bucks even arguing about? Where did that leave her, a seasoned veteran in the business world?
She had been managing the Lancaster Group for two decades, only managing to elevate its assets to a new level.
Yet here were these two, one barely reaching a ten–year management of the Everharts business, and the other taking over the Ashcroft family business for only three years, both not even thirty, already becoming titans in their own right.
While the Ashcroft family’s main enterprises remained somewhat under wraps, their more mundane ventures were well–known enough. Anyone in the inner circles understood the value behind the Ashcroft family’s operations.
In just three years since Elian took charge of the Wye division, the previously underestimated Ashcroft enterprises in Zephra had rapidly ascended, becoming a substantial revenue pillar. This feat made even the lesser–known branches of the Ashcroft family business significant players in the Zephra market.
The fact that Elian had no prior business experience made his sudden rise all the more astonishing to those in the know. His ruthless approach to business only added to the apprehension he inspired among his peers. Spoiled rich kids in the circle would steer clear of Elian whenever they spotted him.
Rumor had it that Elian was the only one capable of keeping the unruly bunch in line. As they said, it took one
to know one.
Regardless, both of them were undeniably talented and ambitious. Their savvy business acumen had elevated their respective empires to new heights.
Hearing them bicker like this, Lavinia felt an overwhelming urge to give these cocky youngsters a piece of her mind.
Meanwhile, the housekeeper was preparing dinner, which was nearly ready. William, clad in an apron, was helping out with the preparations.
Elian and Sebastian acted as if William’s presence in the house – and the fact that he was doing chores – was the most normal thing in the world. They barely glanced his way before turning their attention elsewhere.
Lavinia reminisced, “When they were kids, they never really got along. I didn’t see them often back then, but whenever I did, it was usually just one of them. Mr. Elian Ashcroft was always a bit wild and flamboyant, while Sebastian was obedient but very decisive. He wanted to do everything his way. It’s been years since I last saw them, and look how they’ve turned out.”
She sighed nostalgically. “Kids who grew up in the same neighborhood, yet they’re as different as night and day.”
Miranda had heard Jasper talk about the group of high–profile families in Virell. Many of the children of influential figures and dignitaries were raised in the same community.
Back then, they all lived close together, with most of the elite offspring mingling in the same circles. As times changed, they all moved away, leaving the old neighborhood to fade into memory.
By now, dinner was served.
Miranda called out, “Dinner’s ready! Are you guys going to eat or what?”
16-18
Chapter 220
Lavinia chimed in, “Mr. Elian Ashcroft, Seb, come on! Don’t just sit there chatting, let’s eat.”
Elian uncrossed his legs and was the first to rise, swiftly striding towards the dining area ahead of Sebastian.
Sebastian, unhurried and unfazed, stood up after Elian left; he adjusted his glasses, glanced unperturbedly
towards the dining room, and followed at his own pace.
