42 The Wen Story-3

Sophia embraced Ann as tight as she could. Finally, after so many years of yearning, she was able to hug her baby, now a full-grown beautiful woman like herself. She didn't want to let go of Ann, but she needed to continue her Story and finally get to the actual reason she was there, for Ann to take over the Tan Corporation, which rightfully belonged to her as the true heiress of the company.

Sophia loosened up her embrace, pulled Ann toward the sofa, and sat next to each other. "As I was saying, during your grandmothers' hospitalization and death afterward. I wanted to come, but I had an issue that I needed to resolve. And I was unable to attend your grandmother's wake." She looked at Ann's reaction then continued.

"Luckily, an opportunity arose. They arranged a fan meeting and a small concert for me during the funeral service. I requested an early flight to come to the wake and funeral, but Albert' your dad.' at the last minute told me that he was accompanying me on this tour, which prevented me from going.

"I was only able to sneak out for a little bit, during one of my autograph signings. I told Albert the wrong time and left the hotel without him knowing. Edna, my manager, was adamant about it and did her best to prevent me. But I was dead set that I will not miss your grandma's funeral at least. I wanted to meet you in person then, and I know you were grieving and probably cursing me to death. I understand I have no excuse for what I did, and I'm not making excuses now either." Tears were flowing like raindrops on the Mother and daughter's beautiful faces.

"I always dreamt of the day when I would be able to announce to the world that you are my daughter. To have an intelligent, beautiful, sweet, and innocent daughter like you is every Mother's hope and dream. I'm no different; I'm your mother who carried you in my womb for nine months. Your umbilical cord is connected to mine, every bit of you is me, why would I not be proud?" With such emotion, Sophia said it that anyone who heard her words could feel the anguish and suffering she had to endure while working towards her goal.

"After the funeral, I contacted my lawyer to find out how I could take you back with me when I returned after my tour. As my lawyer was working on the details, Mom's brother Peter Wen intervened. He took all of mom's assets, including all the money in her accounts that I had sent to take care of everything, including your college fund, sold the restaurant, leaving you destitute in return.

"After that, I lost all contact and your whereabouts until recently when your manager Lea came to sign a contract with Mega entertainment. Since then, I have been following every information about you, knowing you will be coming here soon. Now here we are face to face." Sophia finished her Story with a relief showing on her face.

Ann sat there quietly for a while, then said, "this is a lot to take in for me, and I have a lot of questions that need answers but are not the time. One of these days, when I absorb all this and finally make sense, we can sit down, and I will ask you everything I want to know.

"For now, why don't you tell me exactly why you are here? I know it's not because you want to reminisce about the good old times and ask for my forgiveness. You could have done that a long time ago. So! What important business do you have with me that you had to come in person?" Ann asked straight-faced.

Sophia hesitated for a moment and then said: "I heard from your manager that you studied at Harvard University and have a Degree in Business Management, and you also passed your bar exam in Corporate Law. "Is this correct?"

"What if I am? What about it?" Ann was now curious as to where Sophia was heading with this question.

"I don't know if you follow the stock market, but right now, Tan Corporation stocks have dropped down to the lowest point and keep on the dropping as we speak. Sophia continued while working towards her goal.

"So, you're telling me all this because?" Ann questioned her with a confused look on her face.

"The Board of Directors and other shareholders will hold an emergency meeting tomorrow to elect an acting CEO on behalf of your father while he's recuperating. They asked Claudia or me to step in. I have no understanding concerning Business matters. Claudia, on the other hand, only cares about becoming a star just like me. In short, we are not good candidates. That's where you come in." Sophia decided to go straight to the point and tell Ann her plan.

"You are the rightful heiress of Tan Corporation, someday all this will be yours and of course, Claudia, who has no interest in the business. Please step in as the acting CEO until such a time when your father is finally able to return. You are capable and knowledgeable with regards to this matter. You are the best candidate as far as I am concerned. Please consider it and think about it?"

"How are you supposed to explain my existence to the Board of Directors, say I agreed to this scheme? Are you planning on telling them that I'm his bastard daughter? Mother, I have a name and a reputation to uphold as well if you are forgetting!" Ann retorted.

"No! That's not my plan. I will announce to the Board that you are my daughter. Considering that I'm his wife by law, you are his step-daughter, not his biological one. For the time being, we will keep your identity as his biological daughter.

"We will let your father make the announcement when the time is right. For now, we will do as I have said. You are my daughter, and that's it. I'm his legal wife, no matter who your father is, you are still his step-daughter in the eye of the law and everyone."

"What about your reputation? Aren't you concerned that it will get ruined and you may lose your fame when your fans find out about me? Did you not think about that?" Ann's voice was louder than before.

"My stardom is not as relevant to me anymore; I had reached what I wanted to achieve. I have been there and done that. What's more important to me now is my family. Whatever happens, happens, I'm ready to accept the consequences of my action...