As Celeste made her way downstairs, she caught sight of Alfred at the hall counter, picking up his medication.
“What are you doing out of bed?” he asked, a trace of annoyance in his voice at finding her wandering around.
Celeste didn’t want to stir up trouble, so she made up a quick excuse. “I can’t stand the smell of disinfectant up there.”
Alfred seemed to accept this, noting her lowered gaze, and let it go.
“Come on, I’ll walk you back.”
Night had already closed in, its shadows pressing against the windows.
Celeste returned to Moonwater Grove, her home.
She’d barely finished washing up when her phone buzzed–it was her assistant,
Irma.
“Vice President, there’s a new company looking to partner with us. They were just established, but they’re coming in hot–said they’ll be at Duncan Group at nine tomorrow morning to discuss a project. No word on who’s leading their team. The deal’s huge, but the whole thing feels rushed and a bit risky. Should I just turn them down for now?”
When Beverly stepped aside, Irma had naturally become Celeste’s assistant. She was sharp, reliable–not like the other Duncan staffers who were all talk and no
action.
Irma always got straight to the point, and Celeste was grateful to have someone so capable on her side.
Celeste understood her concern. The truth was, aside from the ongoing partnership with Eclipse Enterprises, she didn’t have much else brewing. If she wanted to cement her footing at Duncan Group, she needed as many deals as possible.
Besides, if this company was new to the scene, they probably weren’t all that big. Even if the meeting went nowhere, as long as their requests weren’t outrageous, Duncan Group wouldn’t lose much.
“Clear the conference room for nine tomorrow. Make the arrangements,” Celeste instructed.
“Understood. I’ll handle it personally.”
1945
Irma hung up and sent over the project files.
***
At nine o’clock sharp the next morning, Irma messaged that she’d already brought the other company’s two representatives to the conference room.
“They’ve sent a man and a woman. The woman’s dressed head–to–toe in designer labels, very fashion–forward, but she’s not carrying anything–no briefcase, nothing. Doesn’t look like she’s here for business talks. I think the guy in the grey three–piece suit is the one in charge.”
“Alright. See to their needs,” Celeste replied.
She stepped out of her car, project folder in hand. She’d already reviewed the key details; the proposal was straightforward. The new company was backed by some major out–of–state investors and wanted to expand into Asterwynn, so they’d come to Duncan Group, the old family firm, looking for a partnership.
Everything checked out–except there was still no name listed for their lead representative.
Celeste quickened her pace, reached the conference room, and pushed open the door.
“I apologize for keeping you waiting,” she began, her voice catching for just a split second before she regained her composure.
No wonder there’d been no name on the file.
Of course. It was you, Philip.
She kept her expression neutral, slid into her chair, and set the folder on the table.
“So, is the CEO of SilvercrestNova International planning to carve out a share of the Asterwynn market as well?”
Her gaze was razor–sharp as it landed on Philip.
For a moment, something flickered in Philip’s eyes. He remembered the early days, when Celeste had fought by his side in boardrooms and late–night strategy sessions–a fierce little lioness, sharp and unyielding.
Back then, she’d been his spear.
Now, that same spear was pointed straight at him.
A sharp twinge seized his chest.
2/3
19:45 ROT
Chapter 32
No one spoke.
The conference room was suddenly cold as ice, the tension nearly suffocating.
Irma, sensing the thick, strange atmosphere–and realizing Celeste seemed to know both visitors all too well–excused herself and slipped out.
She’d barely reached the hallway when she spotted Beverly striding down the corridor, Herbert trailing behind.
“Dad! I swear I’m not seeing things–Philip’s here. There’s no way he’s here for business. He must be here for Celeste! We’re a respected family business; we can’t let personal matters interfere with work!” Herbert huffed, practically sputtering with indignation.
“She’s got some nerve! Bringing her ex–boyfriend into the company–let’s see how she plans to get this deal done!” he grumbled, his face red. If it weren’t for Philip, he would’ve married Celeste off to Alfred ages ago and saved Duncan Group from all this trouble.
Father and daughter reached the conference room door.
Irma quickly stepped in front of them, blocking their way. “I’m sorry, Miss Celeste is in a meeting. It’s best not to disturb her right now.”
19:45
