Chapter 93 Changing of the Guard
Simon shook off Celeste's hand and pointed toward Clara's room. "From today on, you'll stay locked in your room and reflect on what you've done. Without my permission, you're not to step foot outside that door! The servants will bring you three meals a day, and other than them, you're not to see anyone!"
Clara opened her mouth to say something, but seeing the uncompromising severity in Simon's eyes, she swallowed her words.
She bit her lip hard, turned, and stumbled upstairs, slamming her bedroom door shut with enough force to cut off the arguing voices below.
Simon stared at the closed door, his chest still heaving with rage.
He ignored Celeste's sobbing and walked over to the sofa, pulling out his phone to dial his nephew Marshall Johnson's number.
He'd made up his mind—Mirage Fashion would be handed over to Marshall.
The call connected quickly, and Marshall's voice came through with its characteristic servile chuckle. "Simon! What made you think of calling me?"
"Mirage Fashion is yours to manage now. Pack your things and get to Emerald City immediately. Report to the office Monday morning to familiarize yourself with operations."
Marshall's voice shot up instantly. "Really? Simon, you can count on me! I'll make Mirage Fashion absolutely thrive. I won't let you down! I'll start packing right now and book the earliest flight tonight. I'll be in Emerald City tomorrow morning. Just wait and see what I can do!"
Simon grunted in acknowledgment and hung up without another word.
He leaned back on the sofa and closed his eyes, Charles's cold stare still burning in his memory, leaving him feeling utterly drained.
Celeste watched Simon's resolute profile, knowing that arguing further would be pointless. This man only cared about the Johnson family's interests and his own reputation. Now that he'd decided Clara was useless, he wouldn't change his mind easily.
The only way to save Clara was to salvage Mirage Fashion.
That night, Celeste contacted Shirley.
Since joining the company, Shirley had become Clara's most trusted assistant. Not only was she solid at design work, but she also often accompanied Clara to the Johnson Villa to handle design-related matters. Celeste had saved her personal number long ago.
"Shirley, please help Clara! Simon has locked her up, and he wants to hand Mirage Fashion over to that Marshall. What are we going to do?"
On the other end, Shirley had to suppress a laugh.
She'd already learned from Emily exactly what kind of person Marshall was—a lazy good-for-nothing.
If he took over Mirage Fashion, the company would collapse sooner or later, and Clara would gain nothing.
But now wasn't the optimal time for Marshall to make his entrance. Clara's reputation hadn't been destroyed yet—she couldn't bow out now.
Shirley quickly strategized, "Mrs. Johnson, don't panic. I have an idea. Ms. Johnson previously found a designer online and acquired some designs for 'Lustre' jewelry. When those designs circulated internally in our department, everyone praised them. We only held back because we were concerned about the designer's identity. Now, if we produce and launch them under Ms. Johnson's name, once they become popular, Mr. Johnson will definitely see Ms. Johnson's value. Not only will he release her, but Marshall won't get a chance to interfere with Mirage Fashion!"
Celeste's eyes lit up like she'd found a lifeline. "Yes! Let's do it!"
But Shirley's voice grew hesitant, "However, that online designer requested to keep their credit."
"We can't worry about that now! Saving Clara and protecting Mirage Fashion come first. We'll find a way to compensate that designer later. Listen to me, let's act now. Contact the factory tonight for rush production, and I'll handle the marketing plan. We'll push this through overnight and not give Marshall any opportunity!"
"But what about Mirage Fashion's other senior executives? They..."
"I'll handle them!"
"Alright! Let's do as you say! We won't sleep tonight—we have to make this work!" Shirley bit her lip, though inwardly she was thrilled.
Ever since Clara had obtained the designs Emily provided, Shirley had been looking for an opportunity to make Clara claim them as her own. Clara was brainless and had been eager to try, but Mirage Fashion's senior management weren't fools; they'd kept blocking Clara's reckless impulses.
And now, she'd finally found her chance.
This wasn't her instigation; she was just a humble employee, after all. When the director's mother wanted something done, what choice did she have but to cooperate?
After hanging up, Celeste immediately sprang into action, while Shirley rushed to the jewelry processing facility in the suburbs.
As for the senior management, Celeste naturally had her methods. She changed clothes and headed to a hotel.
The moment she entered the room, a man's heated body pressed against her.
"Darling, what made you think of me? Is Simon not satisfying you anymore?"
"You're playing dumb on purpose. You know I need a favor."
"So you need me now. I wondered why you were being so proactive. If you can make this worth my while, I'll agree to anything you ask."
All night long, Celeste endured until she was mentally and physically exhausted. The man even took photos with his phone before finally letting her leave.
After resting only briefly, Celeste hastily changed into appropriate business attire and rushed to the airport with two young, attractive female assistants.
Marshall was arriving in Emerald City today.
Though Marshall lacked ability, he was extremely vain and lecherous. As long as they kept him entertained and distracted with pleasures in Emerald City, he wouldn't have time to take up his position at Mirage Fashion, buying them time to launch the "Lustre" jewelry line.
When the plane landed, Marshall emerged carrying a bulging bag, wearing an inappropriately loud floral shirt, with his characteristic swagger.
Seeing Celeste with two beautiful assistants waiting for him, his eyes immediately lit up. He hurried over with a tone that was both servile and lewd, "Celeste! You came to pick me up personally? You shouldn't have!"
As he spoke, his gaze wandered over the two female assistants, making no effort to hide his greed.
Celeste suppressed her disgust and forced a smile, "Marshall, this is your first time in Emerald City; of course, I have to treat you properly. I've booked you a suite at Emerald City's finest hotel and arranged a car. We'll get you settled first, then tonight I'll take you to try some local specialties and show you around!"
"Celeste, you're so thoughtful!" Marshall beamed, reaching out to pat Celeste's shoulder, but she smoothly evaded his touch.
He wasn't embarrassed, only growing more pleased with himself as he bragged to the female assistants. "You don't know this yet, but I'm going to be running Mirage Fashion soon. Once I'm in charge, I'll give you both promotions and raises!"