The Heiress Crown of Deception

ontrast to the storm brewing inside her mind. She leaned against the cold marble counter in her kitchen, staring at

dence of a long night working on contingency plans. He pla

nt page," he said,

aph captured her stepping out of her office, her expression one of cool determination. The accompanyin

ough the sour taste in her

himself a cup of coffee. "But it also puts a bigg

lied, folding the paper in half. "I'm more worried about Dominic and Isabelle. Both cla

cross from her. "You just have to use them. Gregory's

ing. "And what happens when those too

his tone firm. "Right now, you need to focus on st

he said. "If I can solidify her support, it'll be h

eful. Gregory's not the only one

-

ator amplifying Celeste's nerves. By the time she reached Vivienne'

a seat. The older woman's office was a stark contrast to Ce

you again so soon," Vivienn

ion," Celeste replied. "You said you wanted

ed on her, analyzing ever

are in renewable energy-a sector Gregory has completely neglected. With the right investments, we can positi

ts contents. Her expression remained u

building a future. My father always believed in creating someth

air. "It's an ambitious plan," she said. "But ambi

hesitation. "But I'll need you

u're starting to convince me, Celeste. But Gregory won't g

ough the weight of her words

-

ons from department heads and addressing concerns about the company's future. By the ti

a sealed envelope. "This came for you, Miss Ashcroft,"

her pulse quickening as she r

e Club tonight. I have

the upscale venue suggeste

note. "Another mysterious meeting? This

eleste said, slipping the note into her p

you," Oliver sai

ent this wanted me alone. If they

ted. "A public place like The Skyline Club sho

-

. Celeste entered with her head held high, her tailored suit a perfect blend of professionalism and

urn hair and a confident stride, approached the table. Celeste recognized

liding into the seat across fro

om you," Celeste replied, keep

gle between you and Gregory with great interest. It's not

tand in this battle

. intriguing offers, but I'm not convinced he's the right choice for the com

h your options, let me make this simple: Gregory's vision is shortsighted and self-serving

oughtful. "But passion alone won't secure my supp

make promises I can't keep, and I won't jeopardize the

r what you've said. But be warned-Gregory is a master manipulator. If

eleste said, her

hand. "Good luck, Miss As

her as Margot walked away. She had gained an ally-or at least a

-

exhaustion finally catching up to her. Oliver was w

" he a

nking into the couch. "She's undeci

aid. "But Gregory won't let

s. "Every move I make feels like walking a

ver said simply, his conf

aint smile. "Easier

to protect. For her father's legacy, for the employees who depended on her, and for herself