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Chapter 7
Griffergy Tech pulled out all the stops, eagerly promoting their upcoming
partnership with Lachlan. They even went so far as to grease the palms of the media, ensuring a flood of glowing reports to build anticipation for the announcement.
When the company’s stocks debuted, they skyrocketed, shattering records in mere hours.
As I watched Juniper bask in the attention of countless reporters during interviews, his confidence practically radiating off the screen, a faint smile tugged at my lips.
Idly, I let slip a little rumor–just a seed of speculation–that I was interested in acquiring a plot of land on the outskirts of
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Massachusetts. Word was, the government had big plans for the area. In only six months, it would transform into a bustling commercial hub with untold potential. A goldmine.
Juniper caught wind of the rumor, of course. Playing right into my hands, he turned up at the auction and began outbidding me with an almost reckless desperation. By the end, he had won the land–but at a staggering, inflated price.
Meanwhile, I solidified my relationship with Mr. Kensington, the executive president of LotTrade Marketplace. Juno, resourceful as ever, even used her connections to bring new clients to Juniper, feeding him just enough leads to stoke his competitive fire. Determined to outdo me at every turn, Juniper sank enormous sums of money into the game, smugly convinced his vast
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resources would crush mine.
This dance continued for some time, withth Juniper growing bolder. After one particularly ly cutthroat exchange, he sneered at me, his is voice dripping with condescension. “I’ve gotot ⚫ to hand it to you–you’ve got guts. Always s
sniffing around for profitable ventures. But honestly, what’s the point? You’ll neverer match Griffergy Tech’s backing.”
His smirk deepened as he continued, his tone brimming with mockery. “I told you I’d make you regret it, didn’t I? Mr. Greer values me highly and is committed to building a long–term partnership with Griffergy Tech. With his support, we’re untouchable. Out of respect for the fact that you and Dad were once married, he’s asked me to ‘support you‘ in the future. Maybe I’ll toss you some pocket change every now and then–just enough to keep you afloat.”
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His words were laced with venom, every syllable designed to sting.
I swirled the wine in my glass, my expression calm, my tone even calmer. “Aren’t you the ⚫ least bit worried,” I said coolly, “that all of this
might just be temporary?”
His smug façade cracked, his features twisting into an angry scowl. “You never give up, do you? Fine–go ahead and watch. Griffergy Tech is destined for greatness, and in ten years, when you’re crawling back to me for help, we’ll see if that sharp tongue of yours still serves you.”
Years passed. On my fiftieth birthday, my three adopted children threw me a lavish celebration. Among the many guests, I even extended an invitation to Orson and his
family.
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The appearance of Lachlan at the party caused a subtle stir among the attendees. It had only been weeks since most of these same people gathered for Eloise and Orson’s twentieth wedding anniversary–an event seared into my memory. I made it a point to invite everyone who had attended that occasion.
Lachlan approached me first, arm–in–arm with Genevieve, their faces glowing with excitement. “Mom, we’ve got a surprise for you,” Genevieve said with a teasing smile. “You’ll see it soon enough.”
Their mischievous expressions told me they were up to something, and despite my suspicions, I smiled knowingly. These kids of mine, after all, knew every bit of my past: the betrayal from my own family, the exile to a foreign land, the struggle to rebuild where I
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had no roots.
At the entrance, Isadora stood by my side as I greeted each arriving guest with measured warmth.
- It didn’t take long for Juno to take her shot. Her gaze fell on Isadora, sharp and judgmental. “So, this is the newest stray you’ve adopted? Pretty unremarkable, I must say. Then again, not surprising. Your own kids abandoned you–this one will probably do the same.”
The venom in her words coiled heavy in the air, but before I could respond, Eloise stepped in, her tone light but tinged with condescension. “Oh, don’t take her too seriously, Clarisse. Juno’s just having a little fun.”
Mother and daughter stood side by side,
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theheiracamaraderie carefully choreograraec to to appear unshakable. Sweet smiles pabatet theheir faces like masks, the kind meant toto provokeke without ever showing a crackck.
Butus asadora wasn’t willing to stay silent.t. Frowning deeply, she spoke with quiet convicticioflt it might be fun to you,” she e said, her movoice steady, “but your ‘fun‘ sends a messagege. A mother like you should know w better. Childile nerodon’t just listen to your words—theydedeamorom your actions. Frankly you’re settingray tetebrible example.”
The smug superionbyity drained from Eloise’s face, replaced bybawananger. How dare you lecture me?” she hissededM’My daughter is nothing short of exceptiotianal! She’s about to start at Winchester inteteatational Academy. Do you even know what ahabat school is? Of course you don’t. Only theheielite+the presidents‘ children—walk thrbrough those
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doors. You’ll never even get near it.”
Isadora raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a faint sneer. “Oh, really?”
Eloise, unable to resist flaunting her * supposed superiority, pushed further. “My
daughter’s future is limitless. She’ll be making all the right connections there- connections you couldn’t even fathom. She’ll rise so far above you, you won’t even cast a shadow on her path.”
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