Wild Violet (The Vi Trilogy of The Gilded Flower Series Book 1) Read Online Free PDF

year, so he’s grooming his one and only son to take over the family business. The takeover is expected some time in the next few years.
    As soon as they finish their drinks, he says, “Have you thought about what you will do when you finish university?”
    Vi shakes her head. “I thought I would figure that out this year. I just saw my advisor today who assures me that I could get into any top graduate program I’d like.”
    “You don’t want to go to graduate school. If you don’t go to medical school, then it’s a waste of your time and my money.”
    “What about business school?”
    “Everything you need to know about business you could learn working for me.”
    “Well, as I was saying, I will figure that out. Finance is always an option, but I’m not quite interested in working long hours at a bank.”
    “Hard work is essential. It builds character. Your generation is so lazy,” he says, waving his hand. “You want everything handed to you.”
    “I never said that,” Vi replies defensively. “I plan to work, it’s just, I want to feel passionate and excited about what I do. I have classmates from high school who are doing cool things with their start-ups out in California, or working for NGO’s in developing countries. There are plenty of options these days. I don’t believe I need to pigeon-hole myself in a traditional career. I’m young. I’d like to explore my options.”
    “Listen to you, Violet. You talk like an American kid now. Exploring your options,” Her father says dismissively. “Options are a luxury most of this world doesn’t have. You should appreciate that.”
    “But I do appreciate it. I’m glad I’ve had a chance to study here in the U.S.”
    “I don’t know. You are different. Perhaps I shouldn’t have let your mother talk me into letting you come here. That woman, she’ll be the death of me.”
    “I’m far happier here than I would’ve been if I had stayed in the U.K.”
    He nods. “Perhaps. But your generation and all this happiness talk.” He scoots forward until he’s seated on the edge of his chair. Pointing his finger down at the table her father says, “Happiness is something that can come later. You are a Rai. You belong to this family.”
    “What’s that supposed to mean?” Vi asks.
    “When you graduate, you will come and work for me.”

Chapter 13
    “And what if I refuse?” Vi asks in an even tone. She can feel the blood rising to her face. How dare he make any demands of her.
    Her father sits back and adjusts his pink Hermès tie. “Then your trust will be frozen until you are thirty.”
    Vi’s eyes widen. As it stands, she cannot fully access her trust until she is twenty-two, the only condition being that she has to graduate college. The interest on it has been more than enough to ensure a comfortable lifestyle, letting her do as she wishes.
    “Upon graduating, you will move to Dubai and join my business development group. You are a bright woman. I can see you inherited my business acumen. My company rewards young talent. Perhaps I’ll consider letting you head the company with your brother Azahr.”
    Vi gulps upon hearing her future laid out for her. She can feel her body begin to tremble.
    Her father doesn’t seem to notice. He continues. “I’ve already met with a matchmaker who has found someone perfectly suitable for you as well. I’ve known the family for years. The third son, Yasir, is in Houston doing his residency in Internal Medicine. He’s been educated here in America too. You two should make a good match.”
    Tears prick Vi’s eyes. It’s as if she’s entered a foreign dimension with talk of working for her father and an arranged marriage. She digs her nails into her palms to control the outburst that’s on the tip of her tongue.
    “When do you propose this union will take place?” Vi asks, her voice shaky.
    “Two years. He has a fellowship he plans to do, then he can join you in Dubai.”
    “What makes you think