Chapter 56
“I’m Beverly.”
“Oh, it’s Miss Duncan. The young master will be free to see you in a moment. Please, follow me.”
The receptionist beamed and waved for someone to come escort her.
Beverly raised her chin with smug satisfaction, shooting Celeste a cold, sideways glance.
“Looks like the Hopkins family doesn’t care much for you, sister. You can’t even get past the front desk–meanwhile, I, an outsider, am already being welcomed in.”
Celeste didn’t bother to reply.
Who cares who rides the elevator first? It’s not a measure of worth.
She ignored Beverly and whatever petty business she might have with Jasper, and headed for the lounge area instead.
Beverly’s eyes narrowed with irritation.
“Suit yourself, Celeste. Keep pretending you don’t care. Let’s see how long you’ll sit down here groveling. As for me, I’ll be on my way upstairs…”
“Miss Duncan.”
A man’s voice called out from the elevator.
Beverly’s chin shot up even higher, her lips curling with contempt. “I’m Beverly. What are you waiting for? Show me the way.”
“Who are you, exactly? I’m not here for you,” Mack replied coolly, brushing right past her. He approached Celeste, and his demeanor softened, turning respectful. “I didn’t expect you to come in person, Ms. Miller. Next time, just call me directly I’ll have someone waiting downstairs for you.
It’s no trouble. Is Mr. Hopkins in?”
Hopkins is in a meeting. He asked me to bring you up. This way, please.
followed him past the security ciates and straight to the executive elevator
you turned red with rege. She glared at the receptionist: Wel? Aren’t yo ho to jet md in
Chapter 56
Inside the elevator, Mack maintained his respectful manner as he guided Celeste in, then turned back to the front desk with a cold command.
“Don’t let just anyone wander upstairs.”
With that, the elevator doors slid shut.
The receptionist jumped, quickly blocking Beverly’s path at the entrance.
“Mr. Hopkins’s assistant gave strict orders, Miss Duncan. I’m afraid there’s nothing we can do. Maybe you could try calling the young master yourself?”
Fuming, Beverly dialed Jasper’s number, but all she got was a busy tone.
“Damn it-‘
11
As expected, nothing ever went her way whenever Celeste was involved.
This was Celeste’s second time stepping into Alfred’s office.
The first was when she’d met him–just two strangers caught in an arranged marriage for business, nothing more.
This time, she’d come willingly, though not without a purpose.
“Mr. Hopkins will need a little more time. He’ll be here as soon as he’s finished. Please, make yourself comfortable,” Mack said, handing over a folder before quietly withdrawing.
The heavy door closed behind him.
The most private office in the entire Hopkins Group headquarters–its doors now open to her, without reservation.
He really does trust me, Celeste thought.
She wandered to the floor–to–ceiling window, hoping to lose herself in the cityscap while waiting. But her gaze landed on a photo frame on the desk–two heads against a red background.
It was their wedding certificate photo.
loth of them looked distant in the picture their smiles forced at the photograpi
Centire frame looking completely out of place amid the si
Chapter 56
Normally, people only display photos of loved ones in a place they spend so much
time.
But the two of them weren’t in love.
That left only one explanation.
They were keeping up appearances.
In case any Hopkins family member dropped by unannounced, it was safer to display their only photo together, to make the marriage look genuine.
Celeste was lost in thought when the door swung open behind her.
