Chapter 1: The Return
Ariselle City was a place where dreams were created and destroyed every day.
Tall buildings touched the sky, luxury cars moved through the busy streets, and powerful companies controlled the future of many people.
In this city, a person's name could open many doors.
Among those names was Carter.
The Carter family was respected because of one man.
Edward Carter.
The chairman of Aureon Capital Group, one of the most successful finance companies in Ariselle City.
To the world, he was a powerful businessman.
But to one person...
He was simply a loving father.
And that person was Iris.
---
After several years abroad, Iris finally returned to Ariselle City.
She stepped out of the airport with a suitcase in her hand.
Her long black hair moved softly with the wind, and her grey eyes looked at the city she had once called home.
She took a deep breath.
"I'm finally back..."
She had spent years studying and building her future.
But now, she was returning to the place where her story truly began.
Her phone suddenly rang.
Dad Calling...
A small smile appeared on her face.
She answered immediately.
"Hello, Dad."
A warm voice came from the other side.
"Welcome home, my daughter."
Iris smiled.
"I just arrived."
"I know. But I have been waiting for this day for a long time."
She laughed softly.
"Dad, you act like I was gone for decades."
"For a father, even a few years feels long."
Iris became quiet for a moment.
She missed hearing his voice.
"I'll come home soon."
"I'll be waiting."
---
The Carter family house was peaceful and beautiful.
As soon as Iris arrived, the front door opened.
Edward Carter stood there with a smile.
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
Then Iris smiled.
"Dad."
Edward opened his arms.
"My daughter."
She walked toward him and hugged him.
He held her tightly.
"You have grown so much."
Iris laughed.
"You say that every time."
"Because every time I see you, you become more amazing."
She looked at him.
"You still see me as your little girl, don't you?"
"Of course."
He smiled.
"You will always be my daughter."
---
That night, they had dinner together.
The table was filled with Iris's favorite dishes.
She looked surprised.
"You remembered everything?"
Edward smiled.
"I remember everything about you."
Iris looked down at her food, hiding her smile.
Even after becoming an adult...
Her father still treated her like the most precious person in the world.
---
After dinner, they walked through the garden.
The night air was calm.
Iris looked at the flowers around them.
"Dad."
"Hmm?"
"I want to work at Aureon Capital Group."
Edward stopped walking and looked at her.
"You are sure?"
She nodded.
"I don't want people to think I am only successful because I am your daughter."
A proud smile appeared on his face.
"That is exactly why I believe in you."
Iris looked at him.
"The business world is not easy."
"I know."
"People will underestimate you."
She smiled slightly.
"Then I will prove them wrong."
Edward looked at his daughter.
The little girl who once held his hand everywhere...
Was now becoming a strong woman.
---
The next morning, Iris visited Aureon Capital Group.
The building was tall and impressive.
Employees greeted her politely.
"Welcome back, Miss Carter."
She smiled.
"Thank you."
But after she passed...
The whispers started.
"She is too young."
"Can she really handle a company like this?"
"She only returned after graduation."
Iris heard them.
But she didn't react.
She continued walking.
Her calm expression never changed.
Because Iris knew something important.
People's opinions did not decide her future.
Her actions would.
---
From his office, Edward watched his daughter.
His secretary smiled.
"Miss Carter has changed a lot."
Edward looked proud.
"She has."
"She will become a great leader."
Edward looked at the family photo on his desk.
A picture of him and Iris.
"I hope she never loses her kind heart."
---
That evening...
Edward sat alone in his office.
The city lights reflected on the window.
He looked at the photo again.
A peaceful smile appeared on his face.
"My daughter..."
"I will protect you no matter what."
Just then...
His phone rang.
Unknown number.
He answered.
"Hello?"
There was silence.
His expression slowly became serious.
"I understand."
He stood up.
"I'll come alone."
The call ended.
Edward looked outside the window.
For the first time in a long time...
A worried expression appeared on his face.
Someone was waiting for him.
And whatever this meeting was about...
It was something he wanted to keep hidden.
To be continued…
