Vanya's POV
As I spoke, I stepped into the office.
Theodore was already seated comfortably in his executive chair, looking up at me with a calm inquiry, "Why would you say that?"
On my way here, I had organized my thoughts meticulously.
Jasper, as a businessman of modest scale, could afford to spend millions.
However, it seemed quite odd to spend so much on an unremarkable piece of obsidian.
The only plausible explanation was that Theodore had a need for it.
I spoke confidently, "The obsidian rough I acquired, though seemingly ordinary, is blessed by the Moon Goddess. To humans, it's no different from any other obsidian, but for werewolves, it holds significant power. I suspect you plan to become an Alpha and intend to use this obsidian to strengthen your pack. Am I right?"
Theodore nodded slightly, then frowned, a hint of confusion in his voice, "But now the blessed obsidian is in your possession."
I understood his confusion. It was the crux of the matter.
If I had acquired the stone for $200,000, considering its special significance and potential value, it might have been a reasonable investment.
But I had secured it for $5 million, which didn't align with his original plan.
I took a deep breath and spoke gravely and earnestly, "Truth be told, the Dalton family no longer holds the splendor it once had under my father's leadership. The Thunder Pack is now nothing more than an empty shell."
"Continuing like this, I fear the Thunder Pack will fall from the ranks of the powerful packs in Los Angeles. I need to bring new strength to the Thunder Pack."
My words were a mix of truth and fabrication. The decline of the Dalton family was undeniable, and in my past life, it was this that led Cliff to gradually become indifferent and distant.
In his eyes, our marriage was nothing more than a bond based on mutual interests.
Once I lost my value, I became meaningless to Cliff.
In my past life, after the Thunder Pack fell into bankruptcy, I was discarded by Cliff like a waste.
"You plan to manage the Dalton family's business? Don't be ridiculous. You are now the Luna of the Silver Moon Pack," Derrick blurted out without thinking, but was cut off by a stern look from Theodore.
Derrick seemed to immediately realize his indiscretion and quickly adjusted his words, "Vanya, I don't mean to belittle you, but your field of expertise is not finance, and you have not received systematic business management training. Even if the Dalton Group is now just a shell, its scale and heritage are still formidable. For a young woman like you to gain the trust and followship of the seasoned members within the family is extremely difficult, almost an impossible task."
"I am well aware of that," I responded calmly.
"You are aware, yet..." Derrick tried to argue again but was stopped by another look from Theodore.
He could only say helplessly, "Running the Dalton Group is indeed unrealistic for you."
"The Dalton Group is a precious legacy left by my grandfather. I must preserve and protect it. Although I have not received systematic professional education, I have my strategies and methods," I stated firmly.
"What methods?" Derrick asked curiously.
"Furthering my education, of course," I stated my well-planned strategy.
"Further your education?" Derrick looked shocked, as if my idea had left him at a loss.
"The finance academy that Cliff invested in, I should have no problem taking the entrance exam," I declared confidently.
"Are you sure about this?" Theodore also asked with a hint of curiosity.
"I am," I answered calmly and confidently.
However, the academy that Cliff had invested in was a prestigious international finance school in the United States, gathering mostly talented and brilliant students in the field of finance.
Gaining admission was no easy feat.
Over the decades since its establishment, only Melinda was a special exception, gaining admission through her excellent exam scores and Cliff's strong recommendation.
I had no foundation in finance, making it difficult to enter such a school.
Derrick couldn't help but question, "Are you planning to take an improper shortcut to admission?"
"Even if I could enter through improper means now, could I rely on that in the future?" I glanced at him discontentedly, thinking he underestimated my abilities and determination.
My confidence stemmed from the fact that, in the past life, to win Cliff's favor, I had self-studied a vast amount of financial knowledge and humbly sought advice from many well-known figures in the financial world.
In reality, by the end, my financial knowledge and practical experience were quite rich and mature.
Unfortunately, before I could fully demonstrate this to Cliff, the Dalton family encountered a significant setback.
"Rest assured, I am confident in this area," I continued, "The reason for my visit today, besides inquiring about Jasper, is for cooperation. If Theodore has faith in me and is willing to trust me, then for my first project, I hope to collaborate with you."
Hearing this, Derrick kept shaking his head at Theodore.
Theodore, however, ignored Derrick's frantic hints.
He just raised the corners of his mouth, revealing a faint smile, and said, "I would be very pleased."
"Thank you, I shall take my leave now," I gave Theodore a polite smile, turned, and left.