erbert stared at the contract in front of him, utterly incredulous.
“You landed Eclipse Enterprises‘ project on your very first meeting today?”
“Of course. It’s all right here in black and white.”
Back in the day, when Eclipse Enterprises was little more than a scrappy startup with a dozen employees, she’d been the one to spot potential in their new energy venture. It was her investment that kept Eclipse Enterprises afloat and gave them a second chance.
Later, as a major shareholder with real influence at Nova International, she’d pulled that investment out to keep her own accounts clear for Nova’s public offering. She might have missed out on future shares in Eclipse, but the company owed her a debt that couldn’t be measured.
Beverly’s eyes brimmed with tears. “Dad, even if Celeste landed the Eclipse project, she barely knows anything about Duncan Group’s internal workings…”
“Doesn’t know?”
Celeste signaled to a colleague, who hurried over with two folders. Inside, she’d compiled nearly every bit of financial data Duncan Group had released in the past two years, plus some sharp, well–founded guesses about their internal restructuring and investment ratios–nothing much left to the imagination.
Beverly was floored. “You! You’ve only been at the company a few days, how did you-”
Celeste shot her a frosty glance. “Duncan Group only has a handful of major projects, the financials are public record, and everything else is right there in the filings–anyone can look it up. So, Father, do you think I’m qualified to be vice president now?”
Herbert couldn’t find a word to say.
His eldest daughter really was formidable.
Beverly, furious and desperate to win their father’s favor, was about to try another little act when Celeste cut her off.
“But if Alfred keeps blocking those two projects, the cash flow for the second half of the year will be on thin ice. Father, are you really willing to gamble the whole company just for Beverly?”
L1/3
20:20
Chapter 37
If the cash flow dried up, bankruptcy was only a matter of time.
Before Beverly could protest, Herbert made the call. “As of today, I’m appointing Celeste as vice president of the company.”
Celeste allowed herself a cold, victorious smile and turned on her heel toward her
new office.
Beverly burst out sobbing, louder than before. “Dad, did you see the way Celeste acted? She’s such a-”
“Enough. I’ll handle it.” Herbert forced down his anger and told his secretary, “Go tell Celeste that I want her and her husband over for dinner this weekend.”
“Yes, sir.”
The secretary slipped away, silent as a shadow.
Herbert’s eyes flashed with rage.
Back then, Celeste’s mother had kept him shackled, made his life hell until she finally died and left him free. And now, after all these years, Celeste–his accursed daughter–was back in his life, making trouble at every turn.
“Can’t get rid of her, can I? Why didn’t you and your mother both just die in childbirth? All I ever wanted was the family fortune, not you two weighing me
down!”
***
When Celeste got the message from the secretary, she texted Alfred right away.
“My father’s invited us for a family dinner this weekend. Do you have time?”
Dinner with the Hopkins family was always a battlefield, but the Duncan family was a full–blown trap.
If Alfred came, Herbert would definitely corner him about the projects.
Celeste hesitated, then added, “I can make up an excuse for you.”
There was no reason for Alfred to get dragged into her vendetta.
Unexpectedly, Alfred called her almost immediately.
“I’m free.”
“You really don’t have to come,” Celeste protested, pouting a little.
She’d long since mastered the art of dealing with her own family circus.
20:21
Chapter 37
“I could come and help you.”
His tone was cool, almost indifferent.
But something in her chest swelled–something she couldn’t quite name.
It felt…good, having someone in her corner for once.
After a moment’s thought, she agreed to go together.
***
On Saturday, Herbert made sure the housekeeper prepared a lavish dinner spread.
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