Is this destiny?

When the video ended, Steve spoke again. "We will all agree that this was unpleasant to watch. Luckily, there were no media at the event, however, most of those youngsters present are members of various influential families in the area and as you know, the bad news and gossip spread at an amazing speed. Mr. Victor Miller, Miss Cassie Burke, and Miss Anabella Rain agreed to join us for this occasion. The three of them can shed more light on the situation in addition to what we have seen."

Steve looked at Samantha. "I would like to give a chance to Samantha to give us an explanation. I believe that we are all curious to find out what caused Samantha to lose her composure in public."

Samantha's eyes were wide as saucers and she was sure that she is about to hyperventilate. Why is everyone looking at her?

Travis (Samantha's father) nudged her while speaking only for her to hear: "Get up. The Patriarch is giving you a chance to tell your side of the story first. Use it!"

Samantha looked at her parents who both have her encouraging nods. She stood up and forced a smile.

Samantha is aware that everyone is staring at her, but she has no idea what to say and not to incriminate herself further.

Samantha heard Steve talk about someone tarnishing the Long family name, and the video showed Samantha disagreeing with the results of the voting, and then arguing with Merve and Corey. Maybe others believe that the ones who should be punished are Corey and Merve, however, Samantha has a feeling that Steve was talking about her.

"Uhm… you saw me objecting the results of votes. I did it because I found out that someone cheated, but the teachers didn't want to listen. And the spill on the dress was accidental, she had no right to slap me."

"Samantha…" Steve called. "Be careful what you are saying. We have proof that you were threatening your classmates to vote for you and that the spill was planned."

"Don't you want to hear the truth?" Samantha snapped.

"Yes. But if you are lying, you are only incriminating yourself. This is your family and we all want to help you. We can't help unless we know the truth."

Samantha heard the warning in Steve's voice, and she felt trapped, helpless, and extremely angry. What is the purpose of her standing if no matter what she says, it can either be bad for her or a lie?

Samantha knew that she needs to come up with something, but she was so anxious that nothing came to her mind.

Samantha could see that Corey and Merve are holding hands and that Corey is rubbing the back of Merve's palm with his thumb and it was unacceptable. How can they be lovey-dovey in this serious situation?

She felt like smashing things and screaming her lungs out, but that is definitely not appropriate in front of her elders. Samantha was grateful that most of her cousins are away in their boarding schools, so her audience is limited.

Samantha trembled while tears silently rolled down her cheeks. Why is everyone silent? Why is no one standing up for her? She is a Long, damnit!

Rachel held Samantha's hand and patted it gently. She wanted to help her daughter, but she didn't know how. During breakfast, Samantha told them that she was bullied, but the video showed that Samantha was not so innocent as she said that morning.

"Steve…" Travis called and pleaded for his daughter: "Can we talk about this in private?"

Steve exhaled. "I would normally say 'yes', but this concerns our whole family. Samantha wanted to cheat her win, and when she failed, she caused a scene by accusing others of cheating and not performing their duties properly. She ruined a custom-made dress which is worth much more than just material and labor involved, and then she argued and disrespected two young people from prominent families, while many others watched. As a patriarch of the Long family, it is my duty and honor to defend our name and to protect our family members, however… I don't know how can I stand behind a person who commits repeated offenses for petty reasons. Let us settle the punishment, and then you are free to go."

Travis inhaled sharply. "Punishment?"

Steve nodded. "You will relinquish control of your ports for the next twelve months. Give the access codes and any other information necessary to Gabriel within twenty-four hours, and we will divide control of your assets based on seniority in the family. Samantha is a child, and as a parent, you will bear the responsibility." Steve glanced at the people present. "Any objections?"

"You want to take my ports for a year?" Travis asked in disbelief.

Every member of the Long family controls a specific number of ports. Regular traffic is handled by the Long Industries, but Travis is concerned about the deals that happen under the table and routes which are not kept in public books because that is where the real money is.

Steve lifted his hand, indicating to Travis not to speak anymore. "Let's not discuss this in front of outsiders."

Steve glanced at Charlie and Jeff. "Is this enough?"

Charlie frowned. "That young girl called my Corey trash that I picked up from the street. I want to know what gives her the right to address the next head of the Smith family as trash."

Several gasps were heard. Charlie just announced that Corey will inherit his position. This is big! And Samantha offended them.

Jeff looked at Aiden and slightly lifted his chin, indicating to Aiden to take over.

"She ruined Merve's dress and called her a worthless bitch." Aiden said sternly. "Would you be satisfied if your daughter was on the receiving end of that treatment?"

Steve exhaled forcibly. If someone treated Denise like that, Steve would rip that person's head off. But he can't say that at loud. "I should take that as you don't believe that it's enough."

"You are damn right that it's not enough!" Sarah said angrily. "How dares she call my girl names? I want her to compensate until Merve is satisfied."

Charlie and Emma agreed with Sarah.

Steve thought for a second before speaking. "Travis, you have twenty-four hours to provide a list of all your assets to Gabriel." Steve looked at the people at his table and then his sight stopped on Corey and Merve. "I can't give you access to the stocks of the Long Industries or the ports because they belong to my family, but I am confident that we can find something within their assets to pacify you. How does that sound?"

"Let's see what you can offer us, and then we will talk."

Corey's confident response caused a smile of admiration on Merve's face. He is amazing!

Steve thanked Corey and then looked at Samantha who was still standing. Her face was messed up from the running makeup because she was crying. "Travis, you can take your daughter and wife home if you wish. Or you can stay and enjoy the meal with everyone."

Travis scowled internally. How can they enjoy the meal after all this? He will not be able to enjoy any food for the next twelve months until those ports are back in his hands.

Travis cursed Steve under his unreadable façade. If Steve took the ports to himself, Travis could call to others to give him justice by saying how Steve is abusing his position and that it's only a matter of time before they encounter the same fate. However, by giving control of the ports to others, based on seniority, Steve assured support from the family members with the most power.

And Steve wants additional compensation for Corey and Merve? By mentioning that the assets of the Long family will not be touched, Steve blocked Travis from getting any backers because no one will care what Travis needs to give up on, as long as the Long industry is not touched.

So far, Travis didn't realize how calculated Steve is. No wonder he is the patriarch. Travis never saw anyone being able to deliver punishments and to pacify other wolves at the same time. Even the people who always supported Travis are avoiding his gaze!

Victor, Cassie, and Anabella didn't speak. Before lunch, in the study, each of them told their story, and Steve thanked them and that was it.

Before leaving the study, Anabella asked Steve what's next, and he told them to enjoy lunch. Anabella was confused at that time, but now she knows that the three of them are present at this lunch in order to put the pressure on Samantha so that she can't lie, and to give an impression to others that there were other things happening in the background.

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