Thorns Grow After Betrayal (Celeste and Chester) novel Chapter 92

As soon as the two women left, the receptionist picked up the phone and dialed the company's internal line.

"Let the boss know—the Kismet Collective reps are gone."

Today was the day Zephyrus Atelier and The Slate Group were officially signing their contract.

Just in case, the receptionist had been instructed to give the same answer to anyone who came asking: the boss was out of town, attending a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Portside City.

Especially if anyone from Kismet Collective showed up, she was supposed to stall, find a way to get them to leave.

After making her report, the receptionist watched the pair's retreating figures and shook her head to herself.

Getting on Joanna's bad side—a woman with connections all over the fashion world—was career suicide in this industry.

Out in the parking lot, Crystal Lennox and Celestine didn't drive off right away.

"That's Mr. Slate's BMW up ahead. If he really wasn't in the office, his car would be parked at home or at the airport," Crystal explained, glancing at Celestine's puzzled face.

"Looks like we picked the wrong day to show up. I'd bet today's the day they're signing with Zephyrus Atelier."

Crystal had been in the business long enough to know how these things worked, and it didn't take much to figure out what was really going on.

Seeing Celestine's crestfallen expression, she offered some reassurance. "Don't worry. There are always more problems than solutions in this world, but finding a few investors isn't a big deal. We'll manage."

Celestine had just gotten back—no need to crush her confidence so soon.

"Crystal," Celestine said, tugging her sleeve, "there might still be a chance. I went to Seabay yesterday, and their manager told me that headquarters is planning to invest in a fashion project next quarter. They'll be looking for partners. Maybe we could take a shot at it?"

She hadn't had a chance to mention it before The Slate Group's setback, but maybe fate was just playing its hand.

Crystal's eyes lit up. "Let's go for it!"

They didn't linger outside The Slate Group's deserted entrance.

"No one in their right mind would hang around this godforsaken place," Crystal muttered as she reversed the car.

Celestine stifled a laugh.

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