Chapter251 Celeste’s Hatred
On the sofa, Mr. Prescott took a few minutes to recover. The emergency heart pills seemed to work. His chest, which had been heaving violently, finally slowed down, though every breath still sounded like a heavy wheeze.
He looked up at the men in suits standing before him. His voice was raspy but commanded absolute authority.
"Lock down the news about today. If anyone leaks a single word, they will be dealt with according to family law."
The men bowed their heads in unison. "Yes, sir!"
"Also," Mr. Prescott braced himself against the arm of the sofa, struggling to sit up straight. "Send out everyone we have. Search the sea and the land. I want him found alive. If not... I want his body."
He squeezed those last words out through clenched teeth. After giving the orders, he balled his fists and stood up unsteadily.
Miranda’s heart tightened. She stood up instinctively to help him, her voice cracking with a raw emotion she didn't even realize she felt.
"Grandfather!"
The word felt like sandpaper against her throat. She realized her eyes were burning, and her entire body was trembling uncontrollably as she stood.
Mr. Prescott turned his head and glanced at her.
Miranda forced herself to ignore the dull ache in her chest. She bit her tongue, using every ounce of strength to steady her voice.
"Grandfather, Clifton is missing. You cannot afford to have anything happen to you right now."
Her mind was a mess. The only thing she knew for sure was that she couldn't help much with the search for Clifton. But she could protect his grandfather for him. She had to stay calm.
"I’m fine," Mr. Prescott said. His voice was weak, but his eyes were sharp again. "Clifton’s disappearance affects the entire Prescott Group."
He began walking toward the door. "The company needs immediate arrangements."
The Prescott Group could run normally for a short time, but if Clifton remained missing, trouble was inevitable.
Just then, Celeste, who had been sitting on the other side of the sofa, suddenly stood up.
"Grandfather, if you’re going to the office, let me go with you."
Mr. Prescott paused, but he didn't even turn around.
"No need. Miranda is your cousin’s wife and the mistress of the Prescott family. It is enough for her to accompany me."
He turned his gaze to Miranda. "Miranda, come with me."
"Okay," Miranda replied and followed him.
Neither of them noticed Celeste, left behind, her hands shaking at her sides with intense jealousy and rage. She stared at Miranda’s back as they walked away, her eyes filled with pure hatred.
Why!
She was a Prescott by blood, his real granddaughter! Yet, in a crisis like this, her grandfather would rather take an outsider like Miranda to the office than her.
At that moment, she hated Miranda, and she hated her grandfather for his blatant favoritism.
Celeste stood in the silent living room for a few minutes until they were gone. Then, she grabbed her bag and stormed out of the Prescott estate.
--
An hour later, the stretched Lincoln pulled up smoothly in front of the towering Prescott Group headquarters.
Miranda stepped out first and turned back to carefully support Mr. Prescott’s arm as he exited the car. She looked up at the magnificent building. This was the city’s most iconic landmark, a place where countless elites fought to work.
But her first time stepping inside was because of the news that his life was in danger. A sharp sting hit her nose. Miranda squeezed her palms tight, forcing the emotions down.
She walked beside Mr. Prescott into the bright, white lobby. As soon as they appeared, a professional-looking woman hurried toward them.
It was Mia.
"Mr. Prescott, Miranda," Mia said, her voice steady.
Miranda nodded. As Clifton’s most trusted assistant, Mia was likely the first person outside the family to know the news.
The three of them entered the private elevator in silence. As the doors closed, Mia began reporting at a rapid pace.
"As of now, no one in the company knows about the Boss's accident except for me. However, a few well-connected directors have heard rumors. They called me several times this morning to fish for information. I told them the Boss is at an important meeting abroad to keep them quiet for now."
Mr. Prescott’s expression didn't change, but his eyes were cold.
Ding.
The elevator doors opened. Mr. Prescott stepped out, his voice hard.
"Notify everyone. Full board meeting in thirty minutes."
Mia nodded immediately. "Understood."
Mr. Prescott knew that every director had their own sources. Besides, he had mobilized all his hidden resources. Such a huge move would eventually be noticed. It was better to take control now than wait for them to strike.
As Miranda helped the old man into Clifton’s massive office, another luxury car pulled up at the building's entrance downstairs.
Celeste stepped out in high heels. She casually took off her sunglasses and looked at the building. This was the foundation of the Prescott Group. It was a place she rarely visited, but today, she intended to take control of everything.
Upstairs in the office, Miranda sat on the sofa with Mr. Prescott, sipping the coffee an assistant had brought. Her mind was filled with thoughts of Clifton’s safety.
The golden window for rescue was twenty-four to seventy-two hours. Based on the report earlier, they were already past that time. She wasn't religious, but she found herself silently praying.
If Clifton could just come back safe, she was willing to pay any price.