The Prison-Made Queen novel Chapter 457

Rumor had it that Magnus's wife was the daughter of a prominent politician and that her support had been instrumental in the company's early success.

When Luke entered to report, Magnus was reviewing a document, his expression stern. The nib of his fountain pen paused on the paper, letting a small pool of ink bloom.

Magnus looked up slowly, his eyes narrowing to slits behind the gold lenses. "Oh?"

That single syllable was enough to soak Luke’s shirt with sweat. The office fell into a deathly silence, broken only by the rhythmic ticking of an antique grandfather clock.

Suddenly, Magnus chuckled lightly. He removed his glasses with deliberate slowness and began wiping the lenses with a silk handkerchief, handling them like a piece of art.

"Young people," Magnus mused softly. "They always have to hit a brick wall a few times before they learn to turn back."

Luke swallowed hard. "But Winifred... has been pushing for an answer."

Although he didn't know the full details, office gossip suggested that Winifred was crucial to a major project the company was negotiating. Clive was essentially the offering meant to smooth things over. Clive was refusing, yet Magnus didn't seem angry?

"No rush," Magnus said, placing his glasses back on. The lenses reflected a cold, artificial light. "Tell Winifred this: Good wine needs to breathe, and a good show requires patience. What was promised to her will be hers."

Luke gulped, explaining hurriedly, "No, Mr. Judson, I didn't mean that. It's just... Clive is a top-tier star we built from nothing. He’s made the company a lot of money over the years..."

“Bang!”

Magnus slammed his pen onto the desk. He looked up, his eyes icy. "Luke, you’ve managed him for four years and now you’re getting sentimental?"

He stood up, walking around the desk, advancing on Luke. "The Fulton family has already put out the word. Anyone who hires Clive is their enemy. Winifred is his only chance. The company has been benevolent enough."