Chapter 17
At the top floor of the Whitmore Group headquarters, staff moved swiftly, setting up the venue for the upcoming press conference.
There were only seven days left until the official event announcing the new CEO of the Whitmore Group.
Claire Whitmore, dressed in a sharp black suit, was going over th side, his gaze never straying from her.”
process details with her team. Ethan Cole stood to the
“Let’s confirm the contingency plan for the media Q&A one last time,” Claire’s voice was crisp and commanding. After these past weeks, the traces of youthfulness were gone, replaced by the calm authority befitting a CEO.
Just then, a call came through from reception, the voice on the other end tinged with awkwardness. “Ms. Whitmore, there’s a Mr. Reed downstairs insisting on seeing you. He says… he’ll wait here if you don’t come down.”
Claire’s hand paused slightly around her pen, a flicker of irritation passing through her eyes.\
Ever since that chance encounter at the subsidiary office, Daniel Reed had been haunting the edges of the company like a shadow–constantly finding ways to appear, always trying to meet her. Every time, she had turned him away.
“Tell him I won’t see him,” she said coolly. “Have security handle it.”\
But less than half an hour later, the office door slammed open. Daniel burst in, ignoring the secretary’s protests. His hair was messy, his suit stained.
“Claire! You have to listen to me!” His eyes were red, his tone desperate and obsessive. “I know I was wrong. I shouldn’t have been with Sophie, shouldn’t have stolen your hospital room. Come back with me–let’s start over!”
Claire set down the file in her hands and regarded him coldly. “Mr. Reed, please leave. This is a workplace.”
“I’m not leaving!” Daniel took a ster
forward, reaching for her hand–only for Ethan to intercept him.”
Seeing Ethan standing protectively in front of her, immaculate in a bespoke suit, calm and composed, Daniel was hit by a surge of jealousy at the stark contrast between them.
“You again?” Daniel let out a derisive laugh. “What’s the matter? Was Henry not enough, so you found yourself another pretty boy? Claire, you really will do anything to climb higher, won’t you?”
Ethan’s expression darkened, but before he could speak, Claire stopped him. Her gaze on Daniel held no anger–only ice–cold finality. “Daniel, don’t you understand? I’ve never needed to cling to anyone.”
“Never needed?” Daniel barked out a laugh. “What do you think got you that seat? Selling your body and looks, that’s what. You think Henry will help you forever? Keep dreaming!”
Straightening his back, he smirked with self–satisfaction. “I’m about to marry Sophie Lane. She’s part of the Whitmore family. Once we’re married, I’ll be their son–in–law. Not Jus
Henry–even the whole Whitmore Group will have to bow to me! You still
have time to curry favor”
The more he spoke, the more animated he became completely missing the flash of mockery in Claire’s eyes.
“Mr. Reed,” Ethan’s voice was cold as steel, “let me make two things clear: First, Claire is the only daughter of the Whitmore Group’s chairman. She’s here because of her bloodline and her ability–no one else. Second, Sophie Lane has already been
will be exposed soon enough.” proven to have no connection to the Whitmore family. Her li
Daniel froze for a moment before bursting into laughter. “Who do you think you’re fooling? Sophie’s carrying my child–of course she’s family! You don’t know anything, pretty boy.”
Claire refused to waste another second. She pressed the intercom “Security, please escort Mr. Reed out. He is not to enter the company again.”
Security arrived quickly, dragging away the still–shouting Daniel.
As they pulled him out, he twisted around and yelled, “Claire Whitmore! You’ll regret this! Once Sophie and I are married, I’ll make you pay! Women like you who rely on men will never be better than her!“}
The office finally fell silent. Claire took a deep breath, turning her attention back to the press conference itinerary, her eyes
resolute.
Ethan handed her a cup of warm water. “Don’t let someone like that get to you. We have seven days left, and a lot to prepare.” Her fingertips felt slightly cold against the ceramic, but she nodded. “Mm. There can’t be a single mistake.“N
Sunlight streamed through the floor–to–ceiling windows, bathing her in a golden glow–like a suit of armor.”
She knew that seven days from now, the press conference wouldn’t just mark her official appointment. It would be the battlefield where she finally settled old debts.\
