Chapter 228
“But good men are rare. I don’t have your luck, finding a brilliant and devoted husband like Adrian. Plus, a capable son and a perfect daughter p>
Lacey waved it off. “What about that VP at the entertainment company? Isn’t he still waiting for you? You’re not getting any younger. You shouldn’t leave him hanging. Honestly, you’re just too picky. You turned down so many incredible men at the company years ago p>
“It wasn’t that they weren’t good enough, Lacey. I just have absolutely no desire to marry. Having you looking out for me is all the family I need. And now, I’ll have Mara as my goddaughter p>
“I don’t know what to do with you p>
After a while, Fiona stood up to leave. Lacey quickly called Mara over.
“Mara, you owe your freedom to Fiona. She wants to be your Godmother, and I accepted on your behalf. Don’t you dare refuse p>
Mara feigned slight reluctance, pouting. “Well, if you already agreed, Mom, I can’t exactly say no p>
“Oh, you. Isn’t it wonderful to have someone as amazing as Fiona looking out for you p>
Mara finally nodded, turning to Fiona. “Aunt Fiona-no, Godmother p>
Fiona caught her hands affectionately. “You’re too sweet p>
“Perfect p>
Lacey beamed, genuinely thrilled for them.
In reality, ever since Fiona orchestrated her release from the cells, the two had been secretly collaborating.
Mara’s fake reluctance was a calculated performance to prevent Lacey from getting jealous or suspicious.
Mara recognized Fiona’s ruthlessness and strategic brilliance; she was the perfect political ally.
Solidifying the bond with a title gave them an ironclad excuse to conspire openly.
Lacey, on the other hand, was utterly useless, doing nothing but crying and complaining.
While Mara was still on probation, Fiona had ordered her to keep her head down, focus on academics, and play the victim.
Her restrained performance at school today had been flawless.
As Fiona headed for the door, Lacey stood to walk her out.
“No need to see me out, Lacey p>
Mara seamlessly interjected. “Mom, rest. I’ll walk Godmother to her car p>
“Alright. Drive safe, Fiona p>
Mrs. Mercer smiled warmly.
Mara linked arms with Fiona. Once outside, Fiona scanned the
perimeter and lowered her voel
“It’s
time to suggest bringing Mira back
“Why p>
Mara visibly stiffened, completely unwilling.
“Good girl, swallow your jealousy. Don’t lose the war over a petty
battle. Can’t you see Mira has slipped the leash? She’s thriving without the Mercers. The only way to suffocate her is to get her back under this roof. Here you control the narrative. You can manipulate the family against her and clip her
wings. Think about it p>
Seeing Mara reluctantly nod, Fiona continued. “Relax. I’m your Godmother, not
hers. I’m playing for your team p>
Mira walked into her apartment and immediately got a call from Lenny Forbes.
“Boss, Azure Skillet is going up in flames p>
Azure Skillet was Porter
Entertainment’s crown jewel, the
largest premium dining chain in
Melvion City with
with over thirty
locations dominating the high-end
market.
A single meal cost thousands of dollars. It was winter-peak season-and the
restaurants were printing money.
It was the financial engine keeping the Porter family in the top three corporate dynasties.
“What happened p>