Building The Strongest Family-Chapter 19: Family Meeting [ 2 ]

In the expansive living room of the Osborn Family Mansion, a heavy silence hung in the air.

Dozens of people sat around the plush sofas, their faces drawn and somber as they stared at the enormous TV mounted on the wall, broadcasting news that mirrored what Arthur was watching upstairs in his study.

The atmosphere felt almost suffocating, a mix of grief and uncertainty.

Suddenly, footsteps echoed down the staircase, breaking the tension. Everyone turned to see Arthur descending with purpose.

As he reached the bottom, a wave of respect washed over the room; all stood up, their expressions a complex blend of solemnity and anticipation.

Arthur nodded at them, his voice steady as he declared, "No need to waste time, let's go." With that, he swiftly led the way deeper into the mansion.

The group followed closely behind him, navigating past the dining hall until they arrived at an unassuming stone wall next to a bookcase. Pushing aside several books revealed a hidden red button.

Without hesitation, Arthur pressed it; instantly, the stone wall split apart to unveil a long staircase leading downward.

Without wasting another moment, he descended first while everyone else hurried after him.

As soon as they entered, the wall sealed shut behind them.

Moments later, they emerged into a vast chamber adorned with portraits lining its walls, each painting depicting a patriarch from generations past.

These were not just any figures; they represented over two centuries of Osborn legacy.

Arthur paused for a moment to reflect on their family history, their rise from humble beginnings with Ezekiel Osborn, a blacksmith who struck gold selling weapons and trading goods.

Each subsequent head had fortified their wealth and influence until it all unraveled during his grandfather's generation when mismanagement squandered their fortune.

His father had managed to restore some dignity before tragedy struck again, now it was Arthur's turn to salvage what remained.

Once one of Neo-Luminara's most prestigious families with significant clout across Aurelian Federation, now they teetered on the brink of extinction due to arrogance and neglect from previous generations.

Shaking off these heavy thoughts, Arthur surveyed the spacious room that resembled a conference area, a long table crafted from mysterious materials dominated its center surrounded by chairs on either side and an imposing seat at its head.

This was where critical strategies were forged for their family's future; decisions made here would shape everything going forward, an exclusive space reserved for only those deemed worthy.

"Everybody, please take a seat," Arthur said simply as he made his way to the main chair and settled in.

The others quickly followed suit, their expressions serious as they turned to face him.

To his right sat his first uncle, Julian; on his left was his second uncle, Nathaniel; and beside Nathaniel was his third uncle, William.

First Aunt Margaret and Emily occupied the seats next to Julian on the right, while Ashley sat beside them. Finally, there was Philip, Margaret's husband, who had married into the family.

He and Margaret had two children who were currently in their final year at university.

Due to recent events, all of them had been summoned back to the mansion.

Everyone present in the room was here for a reason: they were about to graduate and would soon step into roles within the family business, a clear indication that they were qualified for this meeting.

In fact, Arthur had many cousins; however, only those from the main branch of the family were present today.

This included himself, three uncles, two aunties, and their children: Ashley (Nathaniel's daughter), George (Nathaniel's son), William (Julian's son), Edward (Julian's son), Bella (Julian's daughter), Olivia (Richard's daughter), Charlotte (Richard's daughter), Eva (Margaret's daughter), and Oscar (Margaret's son).

In total, Arthur had eight cousins from this main branch alone; other branches weren't represented today.

The only person who haven't married yet is his second aunt Emily and Arthur also doesn't know why she haven't married.

Notably missing were Billy and Elizabeth; they hadn't yet qualified to participate in these crucial family discussions.

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Thus far, only those who had completed or were nearing completion of their university studies were present alongside their uncles and aunties, a total of fourteen individuals gathered for this important meeting.

Taking a deep breath, Arthur surveyed everyone seated around the table before declaring with authority: "Since its founding, the Osborn Family has held 20 family meetings. Today marks our 21st meeting, and I stand before you as Arthur Osborn, your current Head of Family."

A heavy silence enveloped the room as Julian and the others waited anxiously for him to continue.

With determination etched across his face, Arthur pressed on: "Throughout our family's history until my grandfather's generation, and then my father's, we have faced various challenges. Our once-thriving businesses have crumbled down to just one struggling real estate company, a humiliating disgrace that has befallen us all! Because of our failures as a family unit, we are now treated like trash, hunted down relentlessly, and forced into hiding within these very walls."

His eyes blazed with anger as he glanced at Julian and the others seated nearby. They lowered their heads in shame under his piercing gaze.

"Fifty years ago, our family was one of the most esteemed in Neo-Luminara, renowned across the nation. But look at us now, pathetic, humiliated, and treated like trash that anyone can trample on. All because of arrogance. My grandfather and his generation believed the Osborn Family could lift the sky with one hand, yet here we stand in disgrace." Arthur's voice trembled with suppressed anger as he spoke.

Julian and the others lowered their heads, humiliation flashing in their eyes.

"I want all of you to remember this moment," Arthur continued, his tone shifting to one of resolve. "This humiliation is not just a setback; it's a wake-up call for our family. Yes, we've fallen, but remember: destruction brings rebirth! From this day forward, the Osborn Family will rise again, and no one will stop us!" His determination radiated as he locked eyes with everyone present.

As if inspired by his words, they lifted their heads and met Arthur's gaze with newfound determination.

The memories of their family's past glory ignited a fighting spirit within them; fists clenched tightly as they vowed not to let anyone hinder their resurgence.

Arthur's heart swelled with pride when he saw that fire in their eyes.

He nodded in satisfaction and reached for a stack of documents nearby, distributing them to his uncles and aunties.

Julian, Nathaniel, Richard, Margaret, Emily, and Philip eagerly opened the documents before them.

After scanning through the pages, shock washed over their faces.

"What you hold is our development plan for the next ten years," Arthur said solemnly. "This blueprint will lay down the foundation for our family's revival."