Chapter 6 Holding Onto Trash
955 Words
In the conference room, the manager, Andrew Davis, rushed through his pitch, summarizing the company's latest bid.
A large plot of land in the southern district of Helvanor was prime real estate for an amusement park.
Although Foster Group had already bought it, they were still keeping an eye on competitors.
Andrew wasn't quite sure what happened. 'I was just trying to make a case, and then out of the blue, Mr. Foster got up and said he'd accompany me to visit Hawthorne Group.'
"I understand that Hawthorne Group is extremely powerful and has vast assets. Securing your investment would be crucial for the future of our projects," he added earnestly.
Florence gave him a smile. "Isn't Foster Group's investment enough for you?"
Andrew cast an uneasy glance at Lancelot and replied, "Foster Group doesn't usually deal in real estate. This is their first time, so they're looking for a partner with experience."
Florence stood up, flipping through the proposal as she approached the table.
From where he sat, Lancelot took in her presence. She was dressed in a tailored suit jacket that emphasized her refined, elegant figure, paired with a matching black silk blouse that exuded a hint of sophistication.
Her loose, sky-blue curls cascaded over her shoulders, adding a touch of cold elegance, while her all-black attire screamed power and business acumen. The only softening detail was the square diamond brooch adorning her chest, glittering like a frosty gem.
Casually tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, Florence exposed a matching diamond earring that caught the light, casting a faint, cold glow. Her calm, assertive voice filled the room as she began to offer her insights on Andrew's proposal.
As she spoke with ease, Lancelot was momentarily taken aback. It was as if the timid Florence who used to tend to his every need in Foster Villa was gone, replaced by someone confident, poised, and deeply capable. Her soft yet commanding tone stirred something within him, especially as he noticed Andrew's admiring gaze directed at her, which inexplicably annoyed him.
The most unsettling part? Florence hadn't looked at him even once during the entire meeting.
'How dare she!'
After the meeting, Florence maintained her cool demeanor as she and her assistant, Daisy, left the office first, with Lancelot trailing behind.
Florence had just opened her car door outside the Hawthorne Group building when she heard a familiar voice behind her.
"Lancelot... you finally came out!"
'Sophia!'
Realizing who it was, Florence let out a derisive chuckle.
'Lancelot really is dedicated, holding onto a piece of trash for this long. Really suits him, though. After all, what else could he manage besides a woman like Sophia?'
She instinctively turned back, seeing Sophia, clad in a vivid red dress, throw herself at Lancelot, clinging to his arm as she pouted.
"I've been waiting for you. Did you forget our plan to go to Centaria Square? I couldn't find you, so I came here instead."
Sensing Florence's gaze, Lancelot looked up, their eyes meeting briefly before Florence turned away, got into her car, and drove off without a second glance.
"Lancelot, what are you looking at?" Sophia asked, following his line of sight. She hadn't seen anything out of the ordinary.
"Nothing," he replied, shaking his head.
He actually saw Florence driving away in her Porsche.
Even after her car disappeared, he kept staring at the spot where the black vehicle had been.
'Something's changed, her position, her demeanor, even her gaze.'
Lancelot recalled her performance in the meeting room today and unconsciously furrowed his brow.
She had become so different, seemingly no longer harboring the affection she once had for him. He noticed that.
"Damn it!" Lancelot muttered under his breath as he got into his car.
*****
Back at Hawthorne Manor, Florence parked her car and stepped out, heading up the grand stone steps.
Today, the household staff hadn't had time to trim the garden's unruly vines.
As soon as Florence opened the door, a chorus of "Welcome home, Ms. Hawthorne!" greeted her.
The instant her foot crossed the threshold, a loud pop resounded, and streams of confetti floated down as a large group walked out from around the corner, cheering loudly. A bright red banner stretched across the room, and the entire crowd buzzed with excitement.
Florence blinked in mild disbelief.
'I've been working for three whole months, and they're still going at this?'
"Back already?" someone called out from the side. A man with sharp, chiseled features and a demeanor of authority stood nearby, dressed in a relaxed gray outfit that did nothing to hide his commanding presence.
Florence smiled faintly. "What's all this for, Jacob?"
"We're celebrating your 100th day as CEO," Jacob replied, grinning. "How's it feel to run the show?"
She glanced up at the gathering and gave a smile, raising an eyebrow. "This was all your idea, wasn't it?"
"Of course." Jacob Evans, Benjamin's adopted grandson, gave a proud nod. "Aren't you touched?"
Knowing he was trying to lift her spirits, Florence didn't bother to argue. She walked over and reached out to take her daughter, Betty, from Jacob's arms.
Betty had just woken up, her bright eyes wide open as she grinned at Florence.
Tapping his cane on the floor, Benjamin added with mock sternness, "You should get home earlier. Betty's missed you. She's been crying all day."
Florence cuddled Betty, gently patting her back. Betty's eyes sparkled as she reached for her mother's face, her hand warm and soft.
'Thank goodness this precious child came into my life safely,' Florence thought as she kissed her daughter's cheek. 'She's my little miracle. I'm fully capable of raising her alone and giving her the life she deserves.'
- Writer
