Chapter 24
Grace's POV
"Welcome to Wilson Holdings," I announced, leading my five former Harrison Group employees through the gleaming lobby of the Wilson corporate headquarters. The security guards stood at attention.
"Good morning, Ms. Wilson," they said in perfect unison, with a respect I was still getting used to.
Behind me, I could hear the surprised whispers from my team. Julie—who had been one of my closest team members at Harrison—leaned in. "I thought we'd at least have to go through three rounds of interviews. How did you arrange this so quickly?"
I gave her a small smile. "My uncle Charles has prepared a dedicated office space for our team. We'll be handling some of the most challenging projects in the portfolio."
Our temporary office area featured floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the riverside district. They excitedly gathered to look out.
"Alright, everyone," I said, standing at the head of the conference table as the team settled around me. "The project in my hands has been stalled at Wilson for three months."
"Are we still moving forward with this project then?" someone asked.
"Of course," I smiled. "Vanguard Company has worked with us before, though that was when we were at Harrison Group. In fact, we can bring the partners over."
Everyone immediately relaxed. I imagined they didn't want to face an impossible challenge right after joining the company.
I laid out their compensation packages—double their Harrison salaries with a 15% profit-sharing scheme on successful projects. The energy in the room shifted immediately, eyes brightening with renewed purpose.
"So we're actually working for ourselves now," Julie said, looking at the others. "Not just making someone else rich."
My phone buzzed with an incoming call. Alex. I felt a flutter of surprise.
"Excuse me a moment," I said, stepping away from the table.
His voice was deep and confident. "Do you have time for lunch today?"
I glanced back at my team, already diving into the files I'd provided.
"Sorry, I'm busy with company matters right now," I answered.
"What about this evening then?" he asked.
"This evening... I'm afraid not, sorry."
"Then you pick the time," he suggested, his tone calm.
"Maybe next week," I said, watching as team members approached with documents.
"Grace—"
"I need to go," I interrupted. "I'm really quite busy."
I hung up before he could respond.
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Alex's POV
I stared at my phone, momentarily speechless. Nobody dared hang up on Morgan.
"Lucas," I called.
He appeared instantly. "Yes, sir?"
"Find out what Grace is doing."
Within minutes, he returned with information. "Ms. Wilson has just taken up her position at the group. Her transition hasn't been smooth, and she's recently taken on a difficult project that requires securing investment."
I tapped my desk thoughtfully. "Cancel my upcoming appointments. Have the car ready at seven."
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Grace's POV
To ensure the project's success, I invited investors to the Elysium Heights Hotel to discuss cooperation. But things weren't going as smoothly as I had hoped.
The women's restroom had become my temporary sanctuary. I gripped the edge of the marble sink, my knuckles white as I fought another wave of nausea.
"Here," Julie handed me a damp towel. "Those bastards are deliberately trying to wear you down. Three straight whiskeys? This isn't a business meeting, it's hazing."
I dabbed at my pale face, determined not to let my makeup smear. "The project needs their investment, and time is running out."
"Maybe we should reschedule," Julie suggested, concern evident in her voice.
"No." I straightened, squaring my shoulders as I looked in the mirror. "I can handle this."
As we walked back toward the meeting room, voices drifted from around the corner. I instinctively slowed, placing a warning hand on Julie's arm.
"The Wilson heiress is certainly easy on the eyes," came a sleazy male voice. "If she agrees to spend the weekend with me at the holiday island, I might consider investing."
Another man laughed. "Otherwise, the project seems too risky. Without some... additional incentive, I don't see the upside."
Julie's face flushed with anger. She moved to step forward, but I held her back.
"Is your voice recorder on?" I whispered.
She nodded, patting her pocket.
I felt ice replace the fire in my veins. "Perfect. Follow my lead."
I returned to the table with renewed determination. Taking the investment contract from the table, I met their disgusting gaze with a calm smile.
"Gentlemen, let's get down to business. Vanguard Company has already reached a preliminary cooperation agreement with us. As soon as the funding is in place, we can launch the first phase of cooperation next month. Do you have any more specific thoughts on the project itself now?"
The sleazy man leaned back, his expression predatory. "Have another drink with us, beautiful. Three more glasses, and we'll add two million dollars to our investment. How's that sound?"
"Investment is about a project's potential, not drinking capacity. I came here today with sincerity, hoping for a win-win situation, not to be your drinking companion."
"And I understand that you've recently been bidding on other Wilson projects. As it happens,I'm the Wilson heir, and I'm now in charge of all Wilson Group projects." I told a lie—there was only one project.
They were stunned for a few seconds, as if they'd heard the joke of the century. He sneered, "You? The Wilson family heir? If you can make that decision, I'll drink every bottle of alcohol on this table tonight."