Burning Passion

CHAPTER 174: IT'S NOT TOO LATE

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Harry remains standing in front of his office table. Lately, he has been contemplating what he can do better for the Shang. 

Now that he is the Chairman of the Shang Empire, he won't allow anyone to point out what he must do. He spent his entire life struggling to reach where he stood right now and to get free from his shit family traditions. 

And to crawl his way to that seat. It was his family who he had hurt. He was a terrible father and never became a husband at all. 

Now that he was in control of their main business, he won't let his father do his way. He won't let his sons suffer as he is. 

He didn't blame the past. He simply lives at the present. The past cannot fix anything even if he goes back now. Instead of living in the past mistake, he is hoping that it's not too late for him to do the right things. 

He hurt not only his children and himself. But most of all, it was Nina who bears all the pain. 

In a firm tone, Harry stated to his father.

"Father, I give my life to the Shang Empire. I promise I will never let you down. You know that I would do everything to grow our business. My only request from you, allow me to do it my way. You witness my success in our business. It's not only in Asia but also in Europe. I would also do my best to handle our businesses in the US since my sons handle our sister branches well." 

"I will repeat it, father. The Shang is doing better without merging with other families. I already proved to you, I can make you proud until today. My sons will soon make you proud. If their hard work is not enough yet. Give them time. Give Theo a chance to prove himself." 

The old Shang heaves sighed. Harry obeyed all he commanded for him to do. He never let him down. He never raises a question or disagrees with him. He followed him like a deaf person to his voice or blind to his happiness. It was the first time Harry became a true man before his eyes. He is indeed a reliable son. He never let him down. Unlike the rest of his children and grandsons. 

Reminds him of his other sons, his head throbbing, and it stressed him to think over again. 'They are useless!'

The old Shang sat up and strode toward the door. He halted halfway to quote. "I will remain to oversee the corporation. And don't expect my sympathy if the Shang plummeted its influence after cutting ties with the Hong. I won't have a second thought to take back that seat from you. Let's go, Mely." 

His wife who quietly seated next to Nina, she whispered.

"Nina, we're going now. Will stay in Las Vegas for a month. That is your father's plan. I will entrust you with preparing the celebration." 

"Don't worry, mother. Leave it to me." 

Mely glowed and said, "I know it will be splendid as always. All the parties you organized for the Shang celebration are wonderful. I am already looking forward to this year's party. I'm sure it will be a more extravagant event." 

"I assure you that, mother. It will be even grander this year." 

"Hm, I can't wait. See you next month." Before Mely sat up, she whispered to Nina. "By the way, Nina... She is beautiful. I look forward to the party because of her." 

Nina smiled. She bowed and waited for her in-laws to disappear in the door. She stands straight and sighs. She understood who her mother-in-law was talking about. 

"I think so, too," Nina mumbles.

When she and Harry got married, she became her favorite. She works hard to please her in-laws. Her success and wealth make her untouchable by other daughters-in-law in the clan. Even Harry's aunts and cousins treat her with contempt. Most of them showing her plasticity. But she remains silent as if an issue throws at her. But she did not forget to stand her ground and showed she could be fierce too. And that makes her the Queen of Shang and a favorite granddaughter-in-law of the Empress until that crown passes down to Harry's mother. She still had great favor.

And regarding Nikki. She looks like a fine lady. Hoping that she stays strong to fight against the Clan's judgment and discrimination in near future.

Nina has an ugly relationship with the rest of the Shang. And she won't let them harm her family. She will lean on all her strength and wealth to win Harry's battle.

As she could see, Theo is in love with that girl. With his attitude, he will fight for her. She is happy that Theo doesn't follow in his father's footsteps. 

But today, it surprised her that for the first time, Harry stood against his father. He was too brave, protecting his beliefs. 

"Nina?" 

"Huh?" Nina stared at Harry with confusion. "Oh! I was in deep thoughts about the event." She made an excuse as she came back to her senses.

"I'm sorry." 

Said Harry that it made Nina star-struck for half a minute. She was blinking while gaping at his aged face. But remain handsome, even with those wrinkles that are showing in his forehead. It's the first time she heard Harry apologize to other people, particularly to her... unless his father scolded him.

"Why are you asking for forgiveness?" It made her astounded at the moment.

Harry replied to her, "I'm sorry if my words hurt you."

"Oh, did you? When is it, you..." Ah! She sounded dumb!

"I don't want you to misunderstand what I said a while back." 

Nina pursed a timid smile. "No, not really," she said. But the truth is, she doesn't understand why Harry acted this way. Does he have a fever? Is he unwell? Or is she dreaming?

"Nina, I know you have been crying since we got married. I'm a failure husband and a father." 

The next words Harry has said made her totally dumbstruck. It took her a minute before she gathered her thoughts in one place. Tears are forming in her eyes, she replied to Harry. 

"Harry, it's not too late to be the father of your sons." 

He understood what Nina quoted. He was a coward all these years. It's all because he was scared of a responsibility that suddenly fell on his hands. And a gateway he discovers is to shove his ass to work day and night. Until he reached the peak of the Shang Empire. 

"Do you think… it's not too late?" he asked Nina. 

He patiently waited for her reply as Nina remained gaping at his face. Her eyes gleam, and he is certain that she only suppresses her smile in front of him. 

"Of course..." Nina gleamed her smile.. "We are expecting our first grandchild. Is it something to celebrate a new beginning?"