Chapter 100
Seraphine's POV
Quinlan met my gaze, a blush coloring her cheeks. She smiled, a picture of shy happiness. "Ms. Whitaker, I told Octavius how I felt, and he didn't reject me. So, doesn't that make me his girlfriend now?"
My breath hitched. He didn't reject her…
Quinlan's smile widened into a smirk. "I really should thank you personally, for protecting him."
Her words were like daggers, piercing straight through my heart. While I was lying in a hospital bed after saving him, he had accepted Quinlan's confession.
I dug my nails into my palm, forcing myself to remain calm. "I see." I managed a smile, my eyes betraying no emotion. "You're too kind, Ms. Powell. It was an emergency. I would have done the same for anyone. Mr. Capulet and I are even now. There's no need for thanks. You may leave."
The smile on Quinlan's face faded slightly. But she wasn't angry. She stood and walked towards me, her composure intact. "Ms. Whitaker is as straightforward as they say. In that case, I'll be direct as well. Besides thanking you, I'm here for another reason."
She lifted her chin, a cold arrogance in her eyes. "The bidding project your company is trying to win is also the Powell Group's top priority. I'm now officially in charge of it. In the business world, we are now rivals. I look forward to crossing swords with you, Ms. Whitaker."
Crossing swords?
I immediately looked at Heath. He gave me a slight nod. "Seraphine, I'm putting you in charge of this project. The board and I have already decided. I just haven't had a chance to inform you yet."
So that was it.
I glanced at Quinlan. "If we are rivals, then there's even less reason for us to interact. Please, Ms. Powell, see yourself out."
Quinlan didn't seem offended. She simply smiled. "Fine. Since you say you and Octavius are even, then I won't show you any mercy on his account. I'm determined to win this project." She looked at me, her eyes firm, as if I were an opponent she had to defeat.
"That's up to the client, Ms. Powell." I retorted coolly. "Don't be so sure of yourself."
Quinlan bit her lip, momentarily speechless. With a huff, she turned and left.
As soon as she was gone, Heath sighed. "Seraphine, this project is crucial for the Whitaker Group. The Powell Group is coming on strong, and Octavius will likely be helping her."
My eyes fell. He was right. Octavius used to help me. Now that Quinlan was his girlfriend, he would undoubtedly help her.
"I trust your abilities. You will have full authority over this project. Do you foresee any difficulties?" Heath asked, his voice laced with concern.
I snapped back to the present. "Don't worry, Dad. I'll handle this project professionally. I won't let my personal feelings affect the company's interests." A success with this project would solidify my position with the shareholders. I desperately needed to elevate my status within the company, to gain control and fend off Orion's inevitable attack. I had to climb to a core position, step by step. Nothing else mattered now. Not even Octavius. I had to put him aside.
"Dad, I want to help Seraphine!" Brielle suddenly piped up, walking over to me and taking my arm. "Seraphine, you're injured. You need help. I've been learning a lot lately. I can assist you and learn how to manage a project at the same time."
I gave her a cold look. So this was her game. She was still trying to worm her way into the company, to get her hands on a project and a position.
A smirk played on my lips as I pulled my arm away. "After you nearly sabotaged the new product launch, I don't think I can risk working with you again."
Brielle's smile froze. Heath frowned, clearly remembering the incident. "Enough." he said impatiently. "This project is too important. Don't cause any trouble."
"Dad, I was wrong before. I genuinely want to help now. After all, what's good for the project is good for the Whitaker Group, and good for our family." Brielle pleaded, her voice sincere, her expression one of pure innocence. "Please, Dad, just let me try. I promise I'll work hard and won't cause any trouble for Seraphine!"
Heath glanced at my arm, hesitating. I knew he still hoped for a peaceful relationship between us, for Brielle to show some improvement.
"Seraphine, what if you let Brielle learn from you? She could help with some of the work, since your arm is still injured." he suggested, his eyes questioning.
I knew Brielle was up to no good. But refusing now would make me seem petty and unwilling to forgive, and Heath would see it as me rejecting his daughter. Fine. It was better to keep her where I could see her. If she tried anything, I'd know immediately.
"If you want to help, then fine." I said with a faint smile. "But on this project, you will do as you're told. Don't touch anything you're not supposed to. You will only do the tasks I assign you."
"I promise I'll stick to my duties. Don't worry!" Brielle said with a triumphant smile.
Heath, busy with other matters, simply waved his hand and left.
The moment he was gone, Brielle couldn't wait to gloat. "I can't believe it. Octavius used to be so into you, and now he's with Ms. Powell."
I was about to head to the project department, but I stopped and turned to face her, my gaze icy.
Brielle blinked innocently. "What, are you upset? Well, you can't blame him. I guess Mr. Capulet just doesn't find you charming anymore." She stepped closer, lowering her voice. "You rejected Mitchell to chase after Octavius, and now you've lost him to someone else. You've ended up with nothing. It's so pathetic, I almost feel sorry for you."
I looked at her triumphant expression and laughed. "Yes, I rejected Mitchell. And you, who treat him like a prize, what did you get? Didn't he chase after me without giving you a second glance?"
Brielle's face fell. "You—what do you know! Mitchell was just—"
"Whatever it was, your reputation is shot and you have no work ethic. It's no wonder the Stafford family looks down on you." I interrupted, enjoying the sight of her face turning pale. "You say I ended up with nothing, but at least Mitchell is still hung up on me. All I have to do is snap my fingers, and he'll come running back."
Brielle's breathing grew ragged.
"As for Octavius…" A pang of pain shot through my heart, but I forced a nonchalant smile. "I got a project out of him and used him to get back at you. How is that ending up with nothing?"
I turned to leave, ignoring her crumbling composure. "Meeting in the project department in ten minutes." I called over my shoulder. "If you're late, you're off the project."