Chapter 473
“You make the call,” Owen said with a grin. “I’ll let you play the hero this time.” Owen had zero interest in stealing his boss’s thunder over something like this. “Soren, it’s Mira. Harvest Haven is officially live on the Vertex Gaming Store.” “Are you serious, boss p>
“Dead serious.
Owen and I are tied up and won’t be back at headquarters for a bit, so I’m wiring the department’s bonuses directly to you to distribute p>
“There’s no rush, really p>
“I want everyone celebrating tonight.
You spearheaded this project, so I’m wiring fifty thousand dollars to your account, and twenty thousand for every other member of the team p>
“Thank you! Seriously, boss, thank you p>
“I’ll have finance process the transfer immediately.
You’ve all worked incredibly hard. Take the rest of the week off and get some rest. Come Monday, we start pre-production on the next title p>
“Thank you, boss p>
Meanwhile, at the Mercer estate.
Adrian called Lacey with thrilling news: starting today, Mara would be stepping in as the Acting CEO of the Mercer Group to learn the ropes of running the empire.
“Really p>
Lacey practically shrieked into the phone, vibrating with joy.
“I’ll have the kitchen prepare an absolute feast tonight! We have to celebrate!
I always knew my baby girl was a genius p>
On the other end of the line, Adrian’s eyes darkened with a complex, unreadable emotion.
“Okay p>
Lacey practically sprinted to the kitchen to oversee the staff.
“This isn’t enough!” she ordered, waving away the prep work. “I want fresh Maine lobsters, a rich truffle bisque, and a perfect filet mignon-those are Mara’s absolute favorites!
And get a roasted pheasant going for Adrian.
Hurry up p>
“Right away, Madam p>
As the kitchen erupted into a flurry of activity, Lacey paused, a fleeting sense of emptiness washing over her.
There were only three masters of the house now. It felt undeniably quiet.
If only her other five children hadn’t been so împossibly stubborn and narrow-minded. If they had just learned to accept Mara, they could have all been a happy family
But it was their own fault. How could children be so cruel as to sever ties with their own mother?
Adrian was right to kick them out with nothing. They deserved to suffer in the real world for their insolence.
She shook her head, dismissing the thought. Adrian was right. One perfect, obedient daughter was all they needed.
When Mara officially took over the company, those ungrateful brats would be choking on their jealousy.
Determined to make the night flawless, Lacey even tied on an apron to personally oversee the truffle bisque.
“Madam, the master and the young miss have arrived,” Norman called out from the hallway.
Lacey quickly tossed the apron aside, washed her hands, and hurried to the foyer. “Mara! Oh, my darling, congratulations!
My baby is finally a CEO p>
She moved in for a crushing hug, but Mara took a sharp step back, dodging her entirely.
The sweet, docile smile Mara usually wore was completely gone, replaced by an icy, contemptuous glare.
Confused, Lacey looked up and saw Fiona walking through the front door, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Adrian.
She assumed Mara was just acting shy because they had a guest.
That explained the sudden coldness.
“Fiona, you’re here! I was just
thinking about inviting you over
dinner. Adrian is always so
thoughtful to invite you
Lovellone
co
Lacey beamed, rushing back toward the kitchen. “Come in, wash your hands! I personally made truffle bisque!
And filet mignon, and fresh lobsters p>
Mara didn’t offer her usual polite thanks. She simply breezed past Lacey and headed upstairs to change.
Strangely, Adrian didn’t offer his
usual warm greeting to Fiona, anget
Fionately ignore det
kacey’
welcoming chatter.