Xo Novel
Chapter 568
Mandy fumbled for her phone in her purse and dialed her chauffeur’s number, her voice teetering on the edge of irritation as she inquired why he hadn’t shown up yet.
After she hung up, she rummaged through her bag again and pulled out a compact mirror. The sight of the glaring red welt on her forehead made her restless with annoyance.
Colton gave her an earful and stormed off in his car, leaving her stranded. So, she had no choice but to call for the family driver. She had been waiting for what felt like an eternity–twenty minutes, to be exact–and he was still nowhere in sight.
Slipping the mirror back into her purse, Mandy lifted her head, her gaze drifting aimlessly until it locked onto the spiral staircase connecting the two floors of the building. Then, she caught sight of Johnny and Owen descending the stairs in succession.
She recognized Johnny instantly, and though Owen, leading the way, seemed familiar, she didn’t dwell on it. Her attention was riveted
on Johnny.
The thoughts of the company’s bid that had slipped through their fingers gnawed at her. It was a done deal, so close she could almost taste it, and then it was snatched away by the mere presentation of a business card.
This project was critical for the Gilbert family’s expansion in the city. If the hopes hadn’t been so high, to begin with, maybe she could have stomached the disappointment better. But the city hall had been the one to raise their hopes, and now they were the very ones crushing them. Anyone would struggle to swallow that bitter pill.
After a few seconds of contemplation, Mandy stood up and approached Johnny once more. Perhaps he would have a change of heart if she pleaded their case?
Meanwhile, Johnny was oblivious to Mandy’s presence. Noticing James standing not far from the entrance, he leaned toward Owen and whispered, “Shall we go over and greet James?”
Johnny had only a vague understanding of James‘ stature from what Nikolai had hinted at. In Riverdale, a person of eminent status, especially with the surname Shepherd, wasn’t hard to deduce.
Owen glanced sideways at Johnny with a hint of reluctance. “I’d prefer not to.”
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At that, Johnny adjusted his glasses, his tone shifting immediately. “You refused to network with Dane, and I let that go. But this man from the Shepherd family holds even more clout. He seems like a real gentleman, approachable. If you refuse this, aren’t you just sabotaging your own future?”
Though Johnny’s title was that of a secretary, he often played the role of a strategic advisor, especially when it came to navigating the complex waters of relationships and career prospects.
Owen remained silent for a moment before finally relenting, deciding not to correct Johnny’s description of ‘gentlemanly and
approachable. With a resigned air, he made his way over to James.
Johnny breathed a sigh of relief, inwardly lamenting the burdens of being a secretary who constantly worried over others.
As Owen approached, James slipped his phone into his coat pocket. His black overcoat gave him an air of austerity and restraint, and
his chiseled features were marked by a cold aloofness that seemed to warn strangers to keep their distance. Remembering Owen’s
refusal to take Asher’s medicine upstairs, James slightly softened his frosty demeanor.
“Mr. James…”
Owen had expected the same cool indifference and subtle hostility from James that he had encountered upstairs. However, he was taken aback to find James unexpectedly patient and polite after just a few exchanges.
This sudden shift left Owen feeling almost startled as if something was amiss. He had been bracing for continued indifference, which seemed more fitting.
“…Once you take up your post in Riverdale, your career is sure to flourish,” James said in a tone that was nothing short of courteous. Owen stood there, somewhat dazed by the praise, struggling to reconcile this unexpected warmth with the icy reception he had
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