“Irma! You’ve really got some nerve, haven’t you? Blocking my father’s way? Do you even know who he is? He’s the man steering the entire Duncan Group. I’d watch your mouth if I were you.”
Beverly’s eyes flashed with anger, her voice sharp.
The moment she spotted Philip, Beverly already knew trouble was brewing–he and Celeste were bound to clash. Otherwise, Celeste would never have agreed to a sudden marriage, nor rushed back to Asterwynn so desperately.
She’d come here today for one reason: to watch Celeste get humiliated, to see first–hand how her ex would trample her pride.
But now, even this little assistant dared to block their path?
Irma’s expression remained unruffled. “This company isn’t ruled by any one person’s word. I’m just following protocol.”
“Protocol? What protocol! I am the protocol at Duncan Group. Move, or I’ll have you fired this instant!”
Herbert let out a cold, mocking laugh.
Unbelievable–Celeste hadn’t just turned Irma, the old hand, against him; she’d trained her into such a loyal hound, she’d even stand up to the company’s president.
Irma stood her ground, unmoved.
They were just about to continue arguing when the conference room door swung
open.
Celeste stood in the doorway, her gaze icy as she surveyed the scene.
“How old are you, Father? Honestly, bickering in the hallway like children? Our clients are inside, and you’re out here picking fights with staff. Have you no concern for the reputation of Duncan Group or the Duncan family?”
Each word landed with surgical precision, cutting straight to the bone.
Herbert bristled at being called childish, his face flushing with anger.
Beverly, too, was livid. “You have no respect for Dad at all!”
“Oh? So causing trouble for the company and dragging Dad’s name through the
mud is your idea of respect? Should I do the same as you then–sit on my hands at
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home, leech off the family, ignore our clients, and just lash out at anyone who
crosses me?”
Celeste’s retort was icy and unyielding.
Beverly’s eyes went wide, momentarily lost for words.
From inside the room, Philip watched, a flicker of pride crossing his face. He’d thought Celeste always kept her head down at home, but clearly, she could fight.
back when needed.
Viola, meanwhile, feigned worry, clinging to Philip’s arm. “We’re not here to cause trouble, Philip. Should Celeste really be arguing with her father and sister like this?” “I’ll handle it. Don’t worry,” Philip murmured, gently reassuring her before rising to
stand at Celeste’s side.
“Mr. Duncan, Miss Beverly, why don’t you both come in and listen? After all, this project will involve the Duncan Group.”
He took up his usual place behind Celeste, standing with her as if they were on the same side.
Celeste’s expression only grew colder.
She hadn’t wanted to let these jackals in, but with Philip’s invitation, the Duncan father and daughter hurried past her to find their seats.
With no other choice, Celeste motioned for Irma to come in as well. Then, turning back, she met Philip’s gentle gaze with a calm, even voice.
“We’re here to discuss business, aren’t we? Mr. Robertson, won’t you take a seat?”
“… Of course.” The warmth in Philip’s eyes faded, replaced by a shadow of disappointment. He’d come here to support her–why did she look so annoyed by his presence?
Everyone took their seats.
Beverly, brimming with anticipation, settled in to watch the drama unfold.
Yet, as Philip and Celeste began discussing the project, there was an unm…akable sense of old, effortless teamwork between them.
Philip passed her a folder. “Here are our requirements. If Duncan Group can meet seventy percent, we can consider a partnership.”
Celeste skimmed the pages and pulled out her own draft proposal.
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“Seventy percent? With Duncan Group’s capabilities, we can easily deliver eighty. As for the remaining twenty percent of profit, that’s not our concern. But when it comes to marketing and strategic planning, we can handle it all.”
“All of it? Duncan Group’s reach is broader than I thought.”
“Our clients demand it. If there’s a new frontier, we’re more than ready to blaze the
trail.”
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Chapter 54
