Chapter 240
Fiona sighed inwardly. The girl had been spoiled rotten by the Mercer family. She was breathtakingly arrogant, totally ignorant of basic corporate diplomacy, and desperate for the spotlight.
I have a lot of work to do with this one.
“Why did she get to walk right in? Why p>
Mara was still seething.
Outside the plaza, the Mercer family’s bodyguards scrambled to open the car doors for them.
Collapsing into the leather seats, it suddenly hit Mara.
“Why was Mira allowed to bring her personal bodyguards into the building p>
Mara asked, her voice trembling with indignant rage. The Mercer bodyguards had been forced to wait on the curb.
Fiona didn’t answer directly. Instead, she offered a cold dose of reality. “Mara, you need to stop overestimating your own importance. Especially when you’re on someone else’s turf begging for a deal.
Your title as the ‘Mercer Heiress’ only matters to people who need your money, want to use you, or fear your father.
To everyone else, you are entirely worthless p>
“So this bike company isn’t afraid of the Mercer family p>
That had been the entire foundation of her arrogance.
Fiona nodded gravely. “Judging by that receptionist’s iron-clad confidence? Absolutely not.
If you don’t wake up to reality, your ego is going to destroy you p>
“Then why does Mira get VIP access? Why was that receptionist bowing to her p>
Mara ground her teeth, a suffocating wave of jealousy threatening to crush her lungs.
“It’s the same reason she was allowed to bring her bodyguards up,” Fiona analyzed calmly.
“There are only two logical explanations for someone moving through a corporate headquarters like they own the place.
One: she has a deeply intimate relationship with the true power behind the company and is a frequent guest.
Two: she is the power behind the company. She’s the boss p>
Fiona’s predatory corporate instincts were razor-sharp.
“Impossible! There’s no way a bitch like her runs a multi-million-dollar empire p>
“Given her background and resources, you’re right, it’s highly unlikely. Which leaves only the first option p>
“I saw her with Mr. Lance before,” Mara sneered, a wicked gleam in her eyes. “Do you think she’s his kept woman? His little sugar baby p>
“A kept woman? Watch your mouth p>
Fiona snapped, instantly shutting her down. “If Mr. Lance is married and funding her lifestyle in secret, that’s being a kept woman.
If they’re both single, it’s just a wealthy relationship. Do not use that word p>
“Do not forget you are still
technically serving a sentence on
medical parole. If you go around screaming defamation and EcoRice’s lawyers catch wind of your parole will be revoked. Do you really want to be thrown back in a cell p>
The mere mention of the Riverdale Detention Center made Mara physically recoil. She snapped her mouth shut.
“Mara, if you want to destroy your enemies, you must meticulously analyze them
first,” Fiona lectured, her voice dropping to a dangerous whisper.
“You don’t strike until you have the perfect angle. But when you do strike must be a lethal, killing blow Never make move out of petty emotion. Lack of patience will ruin your grandest schemes.
Did getting yourself arrested teach you absolutely nothing p>
Remembering the brutal humiliation of her arrest, Mara finally absorbed the lesson. She nodded slowly, clinging to Fiona’s arm.
“I understand, Godmother. I’ll follow your lead p>
Mara felt a dark thrill of connection.
This was the mentor she had always needed. Lacey had never taught her anything useful, only showering her with useless platitudes.
They arrived back at the Mercer estate just as the sun dipped below the horizon. Adrian and Ethan were already home, waiting anxiously for the negotiation results Even Damon Mercer, the elusive third brother had made a rare appearance.
At the sound of the front door opening, the family’s eyes lit up with anticipation. But
one look at Mara and Fiona’s grim expressions, and the room’s energy flatlined.
“Oh, my poor exhausted darling p>
Lacey cooed, rushing over to wrap Mara in a suffocating hug.
“Thank you for looking after her, Fiona!
Don’t worry about the business right now. Dinner is ready, and that’s all that matters. We waited for you p>
During dinner, Mara opened her mouth several times to complain about Mira’s VIP treatment, but Lacey continually shushed her.
She dropped a braised abalone into Mara’s bowl. “Eat first. We can talk business later. Nothing is more important than your health p>
Lacey turned her warm smile to Fiona. “Have some of this chicken soup while it’s hot. You must be drained from babysitting her today p>
“It was no trouble at all. I’m her godmother, after all. It’s my duty p>
“Did you hear that, Mara? You must always treat your godmother well p>
“I will, Mom p>