“If you want my help, fine–but give me the position I deserve. The project matters should be handled by people from the Projects Division.”
Celeste didn’t even turn around. She simply smoothed a stray lock of hair back
from her forehead, her movements unhurried.
The Projects Division at Duncan Group was already considered one of the company’s core departments.
If Celeste really took over….
Herbert couldn’t help but worry what tricks his daughter might pull.
Yet if the project continued to stall like this, Duncan Group’s cash flow would be in real danger.
He hesitated for a moment.
Celeste had already opened the office door.
“In that case, there’s no need for me to plead with Alfred on your behalf. Do as you wish, Father.”
“…Fine! I’ll agree!”
Bang-
Celeste instantly closed the door again.
The heavy thud rang out like an announcement of her victory in this round of bargaining.
Herbert’s face turned ashen. Still, he added, “But since your return to Duncan Group, you haven’t closed a single deal. It’s easy for me to transfer you to the Projects Division, but winning everyone’s respect will be another matter. We’ll have to see
about that…”
Hah.
Of course, there was a catch.
Just then, Beverly burst through the door. “I heard everything from the hallway! Celeste, you’re going too far. The Projects Division is full of the company’s best people. Dad’s only thinking of you–he doesn’t want you joining without any results. And now you’re threatening him?”
1/3
20:19
Look at that!
Now that was what Herbert called a proper daughter.
His eyes softened as he reached for Beverly’s hand.
“At least your sister understands how things work. You can join the Projects Division, but you’ll need results–otherwise, you’ll just be out of your depth.”
“Dad, you always think of everything,” Beverly said sweetly, looping her arm through his. She shot Celeste a triumphant look. “Besides, there are only so many desks in the Projects Division, and they’re hiring new people next week. If you don’t prove yourself, even if you get parachuted in, you’ll be lucky to get a seat in the hallway.”
One week, then.
Celeste’s expression didn’t change.
Back when she started out with Philip, she’d spent a whole month bouncing between business dinners and managed to land seven or eight projects in that time.
She might have played the caged bird for a few years, but that didn’t mean she’d lost her skills.
“One week. I’ll find a partner and sign a contract.”
“Hah! Don’t talk so big, Celeste. You’ve been holed up at home for years, head in the clouds, acting like the business world is a walk in the park? Words mean nothing. If you want people to believe you, put it in writing–make a bet! If you fail, you leave Duncan Group for good!”
Beverly sneered.
These days, Nova International was only getting bigger, and Philip’s name was growing more famous by the day.
But no one ever mentioned Celeste.
That only convinced Beverly further–Celeste was nothing but a freeloader. No way she could pull this off.
Celeste just said, “If it’s a bet, then I wager I’ll sign a contract in a week. Why don’t you put your deputy GM position on the line, Beverly?”
“Deal!”
Still caught up in her own sense of victory, Beverly agreed without thinking.
2/3
20:19
Chapter 27
As her words faded, Celeste tapped her phone, replaying the recording of their conversation, and turned to leave.
“The deal is set.”
Oh no!
She’d agreed without thinking!
Beverly absolutely didn’t want to risk her entire career on this, but Celeste was already out the door before she had a chance to take it back.
She gritted her teeth. There’s no way Celeste can pull this off!
Back in the PR department, Celeste noticed her coworkers suddenly treating her much more politely–probably on Herbert’s orders. He was clearly hoping she’d approach the Hopkins family about the stalled project.
Suddenly, a coworker rushed up to block her way.
“Miss Celeste! There’s a last–minute contract meeting at noon. Could you go in my place? My–my dad was just rushed to the hospital, I have to go!”
3/3
