Everything had seemed perfectly normal, not a word of warning–and suddenly, she was out of the country.
But no one could know that the assets tied to their company were still a secret from the Selwyn family.
That secrecy had to be protected at all costs.
“This time, when you get there, make sure Jade keeps her temper in check,” Murdock said, his tone heavy with concern. “She needs to humble herself a bit–don’t let the old man send her packing after just a few words. If we lose this chance to get some inside information, there goes our golden goose for good.”
On the surface, he played the role of a university professor, which was great for building connections. But the pay was nothing to brag about.
Business was where the real money was.
He’d spent ages scheming to wrest a bit of investment from the Fordham family for this company.
A shrewd glint flashed in Edna’s eyes. “Relax, Jade’s no fool–not like your clueless father, who only ever has eyes for that other granddaughter. Jade’s his
granddaughter too, and his eldest at that!”
A hint of genuine resentment slipped into her voice.
Murdock massaged his temples, already getting a headache. “Yeah, yeah, I know–Dad’s getting more muddled by the year. Once the company takes off, Jade can have whatever she wants.”
“You always know what to say. But don’t forget, we’ve only got one daughter–and you’ve got that precious firstborn son up there, too,” Edna teased, though her tone had a bite to it.
“Don’t mention that disappointment,” Murdock snapped. “He’s completely useless–now he wants to start some gaming tech company! I’d have been better off raising a block of wood.”
Just thinking about Pete made Murdock’s blood boil.
essed with
He’d once hoped Pete would take over the business, but the boy was video games and couldn’t be dragged to a family dinner if his life depended on it.
The whole Murdock family–just the three of them–arrived at the hospital together.
1/3
08:08
When they saw Celestine’s injured hand, they put on a show of concern.
“Oh, Celly, what happened to your hand? Who did this to you?” Edna asked, her brow furrowed in a picture–perfect display of worry.
Celestine lay in bed, quietly admiring her aunt’s acting skills.
Anticipating that Pete might blow their cover, she had already found an excuse to slip away, leaving just herself and her grandfather in the room.
As soon as Edna and Jade walked in, Luther’s expression hardened. “What’s with all the questions? Are you here to avenge her, or planning to get yourself hurt again?”
The old man was as sharp–tongued as ever.
Edna forced a smile, masking her irritation. “I’m just concerned about Celly’s injury, Dad. Broken bones take time to heal–she needs to rest.”
“Rest, huh? Funny, I didn’t see anyone show up empty–handed to visit a patient before. Who exactly are you putting on this performance for?” Luther retorted sharply.
Edna pinched Murdock’s arm under her breath.
“Dad, don’t misunderstand Edna! We were just so worried when we heard it was you in the hospital–we rushed right over and didn’t have time to bring anything. We’ll make up for it, I promise.” Suddenly, a thought struck him and he turned to Jade. “Jade, go downstairs and pick up some things for Celly–something to help her recover.”
Jade’s face darkened. Inwardly, she cursed Celestine’s luck.
Why couldn’t that fall have killed her?
Just a broken arm–what a waste. She’d gotten off easy.
And to top it off, the company’s bidding event had been indefinitely postponed because someone got caught cheating. If it weren’t for that, Jade would have been even happier about Celly’s misfortune.
Remembering Edna’s strict instructions, she bit back her resentment and prepared to go buy something for her annoying cousin–hoping it might “help her to death.”
Luther snapped, “Enough! Wipe that look off your face–nobody here’s mistreating you. As if our Celly could stomach anything from your family anywa,
Murdock tried to mediate. “Dad, what’s the point of this-”
2/3
“What did you come here for today?” Luther interrupted, cutting straight to the chase. “Spit it out.”
