Chapter 7 - CELESTE’S AMBITION
Inside the boardroom, Celeste Bain adjusted her silver lapel pin and flashed a radiant smile at Marcus Vance.
“Everything is aligned,” Celeste whispered, her voice carrying easily across the quiet room.
“Once the board approves the Vale Harbor partnership, our stock will jump at least thirty points by closing bell.
The financial analysts won’t look twice at our Q3 liabilities.”
“And Mrs. Morgan?” Marcus asked, frowning slightly as he adjusted his spectacles.
“Did Adrian get her signature on the preliminary waiver last night?”
“Please,” Celeste scoffed softly, a hint of disdain curling her lips.
“Elise is completely manageable.
She’s mourning her father, she doesn't understand corporate governance, and Adrian knows exactly how to handle her.”
At the head of the table, Adrian leaned back in his ergonomic leather chair, swirling a cup of black coffee with supreme satisfaction.
“My wife is a good woman,” Adrian said, though his tone was entirely devoid of warmth.
“She stays out of my way, looks after the penthouse, and trusts whatever I tell her.
By tomorrow, MorganWell will be secure, and our expansion will be unstoppable.”
The heavy oak doors of the boardroom swung open with a slow, deliberate creak.
Conversation around the table died instantly.
All eyes turned toward the entrance.
Adrian looked up, expecting to see a late-arriving board member or a catering assistant.
Instead, he saw me standing in the doorway, flanked by Margaret Sloan.
For a split second, color drained completely from Adrian’s face.
He stood up half an inch from his chair, his coffee cup clattering against its saucer.
“Elise?” Adrian stammered, forcing a strained, public-relations smile onto his lips.
“What are you doing here, darling?
We’re in the middle of a private executive session.”
Celeste’s eyes narrowed as she looked from me to Margaret Sloan.
She clearly recognized Margaret’s reputation as the most formidable trust attorney in the Midwest.
“I thought I’d drop by to observe,” I said, my voice cutting through the heavy silence of the room like a razor blade.
“After all, according to you, my husband, this meeting involves assets that deeply affect our household.”
Adrian swallowed hard, stepping away from the head of the table.
“Elise, this isn't the place.
We can talk about your inheritance issues back at the penthouse tonight.”
“Oh, Adrian,” I smiled coldly, walking slowly toward the center of the room.
May you like
“We’re not going to wait until tonight.
Let’s talk about Vale Harbor right now.”
