Chapter 12
Calista realized that she didn’t even qualify to see Lucien. She figured that it was probably his doing, too. He had never allowed her into
the office before.
Fenwick Group only hired people with advanced degrees. If word got out that Lucien–one of Dorcan’s most powerful men–had married someone like her, he’d be a laughingstock.
Calista was ultimately taken back to the Juniville estate. The car slowly pulled up, and she’d been strangely quiet the entire ride.
“If anything happens to Anthony, I won’t let this slide,” she said. “Tell him that I need to talk to him tonight. I don’t care how late it is.
I’ll wait.
“Make sure he gets that message, Mr. Hawthorne.”
Galen raised an eyebrow. “Understood.”
Calista got out and slammed the car door. She walked to the front entrance and tried the electronic keypad. No matter how many times she entered the code, it denied her entry.
It seemed that they had changed the access code. She was locked out of her own home!
An hour later, Galen returned to Fenwick Group and entered Lucien’s office. Lucien had been meeting with Ophelia, but dismissed her when Galen arrived.
Ophelia wore her typical work outfit. She was donned in a white blouse, black skirt, and her long hair was styled in loose curls. She wasn’t strikingly beautiful, but she had something most women didn’t–authority.
She was sharp, confident, and commanding, though her calm demeanor made her hard to read. She nodded at Galen and left with her
documents.
Lucien pressed a switch under his desk, and the door closed shut. That day, he wore a charcoal gray shirt and signed documents with his head down, using a pen worth over five grand.
“Where is she?” His voice was cold.
Galen nodded. “Mrs. Fenwick has returned home.”
“Did she say anything?”
Galen hesitated for three seconds before answering, “Nothing, sir.”
Lucien’s hand paused briefly. An imperceptible expression crossed his face before it quickly returned to normal. “In two minutes, notify the executives that we’re having a meeting.”
“Yes, sir.”
Due to the incident at Eldoria, the financial director was fired that day. Suspected of being complicit, Lucien contacted the police
directly and had him arrested.
During the meeting, executives at every level didn’t dare speak. They all kept their heads down, afraid of getting caught in the
crossfire.
They could all tell that the CEO was in a foul mood. Ever since returning from the Eldoria business trip, the entire company had been working overtime alongside Lucien, and everyone was exhausted.
As they left the conference room, Ophelia followed behind Lucien. “Sir, quite a few employees have been complaining about all the overtime recently. It might be better not to let personal feelings affect the staff.”
Lucien slipped one hand into his pocket, pulled out his phone to check it, then put it back, his expression cold. “Company KPI has dropped 13% from last quarter. The resulting market volatility has already cost us significant losses. Do I really need to spell it out for you?
“Tell them that Fenwick Group doesn’t keep dead weight.”
Ophelia was rarely contradicted, so she simply said, “Understood.”
“What’s next on the schedule?” Lucien asked.
Galen reported, “Pamela Green’s birthday party is at 8:00 pm tonight.”
Lucien stepped into the elevator, and Ophelia pressed the button for the top floor.
The man seemed lost in
thought. After a moment, he said, “Prepare a gift.”
Ophelia replied.
“The gift is already
At social events, guests typically brought female companions. As usual, Ophelia would attend this party as Lucien’s date.
Galen looked like h
wanted
wouldn’t make a difference.
say something, but held back. He figured that since Calista was already waiting, a couple more hours
Paradise Grand was Dorcan’s largest entertainment complex and hotel.
Ophelia wore a striking red strapless gown that showed off her elegant figure. A crystal tassel earring hung from her left ear, cascading onto her bare shoulder. Her bold red lips curved in a gracious smile as she walked in, her arm linked with Lucien’s.
Their arrival immediately drew everyone’s attention. After all, Lucien rarely attended social gatherings.
Ophelia held her champagne with practiced ease, her smile perfectly poised. Every gesture showed her refined upbringing. She stayed close to Lucien, effortlessly handling introductions with various business partners who approached them.
The party had started some time ago, so Lucien wasn’t particularly early.
Pamela Green was the evening’s hostess and had some history with the Fenwick family. She appeared in an elegant emerald evening gown with a luxurious designer wrap draped over her shoulders.
Her hair was styled in a sophisticated chignon adorned with diamond accessories, and she carried herself with commanding presence and refined elegance. She was known throughout Dorcan’s elite circles as the queen of high society.
Pamela approached them, raising her wine glass to clink with Lucien’s. “It’s been too long, Lucien.”
Dressed in black, Lucien stood tall, commanding the attention of every guest. He nodded in acknowledgment. “Happy birthday.”
“Thank you.” Pamela then turned to Ophelia, who stood next to him.
“This must be your fiancee. When are you planning the wedding? Don’t forget to send me an invitation. I’ll definitely be there.” A subtle smile played at the corners of Ophelia’s lips. She looked at the man beside her, as if waiting for his answer.
