HARRIET'S POV
"What are you doing Ashton?" I said immediately he walked in my room after me.
Initially, I had just stepped out of my room upstairs and was at the corridor when I heard and saw him talking so freely with Paige's daughter. Of course they are half-siblings but Ashton wasn't being smart as I had thought he would.
I turned around and faced him in time to see the flustered expression on his face.
"Don't you know? Your father has made her the acting CEO only few days now and you think it's fine?!" His flustered expression changed to that of awareness and guilt immediately. He knows! And he's still acting this way? "You didn't even let me know?! Aren't you aware all I've been doing is for your sake and Imogen's?!"
"Mother, it's not a final decision yet. I believe Father didn't mean any harm, he probably just wants to broaden her knowledge a bit before he makes his final decision on who's going to be the next CEO. Besides, you have nothing to worry about. I'm Father's most competent child. Also, I'm his only son and everyone knows how great I've been doing at the company." I stared at my son with disbelief clearly written on my face.
Ashton had always been brilliant, he always thought ahead but all through the years of my life as his mother, I've never seen him so foolish. I almost couldn't believe it was my son saying this to me.
What the hell? Did she hypnotize him or what?
Watching him go on and on talking about shit he's completely clueless about, I felt like slapping him back to his senses. I mean, where's my son? Where's that strategic child I gave birth to?
"No Ashton, you're wrong and you have to snap back to your senses this instant! Scarlett is your Father's legitimate child, the earlier you realize what that means, the better for you."
"Mother..."
"She just came to the family barely two weeks ago. She started work at the company only two days ago but guess what? Although inexperienced, she's already placed at such high position as 'acting CEO' and you, you who have worked your ass out alongside your father for several years is still a general manager. How pathetic! Ashton get yours senses right and start acting accordingly. I have such high plans for you and your sister, I hope you don't let any unwanted feelings get in the way of your future, whoever it may be. Do you understand?!"
"Mother, are you insinuating I be hostile and unwelcoming to her?"
Goodness! Of all I said, this was what Ashton worried about? I can't believe this.
"I'm not saying it should be that way. You know exactly what I mean with all I've just said Ashton. Things must fall into place as exactly as I've planned them. Don't be the one to make my hard work of over two decades crumble." I placed my hands on his shoulders. "Ashton, you're my precious son. You'd better listen to me."
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NARRATIVE
Meanwhile Imogen who had hurriedly sent a short text to Yori, informing her of their failed plans the moment Scarlett left the house was now outside the door of her mother's room, a bewildered and shocked expression over her usually pretty face.
Did she hear right just now? Was it her mother_who had always advised her to be good to her stepsister, saying this to her twin brother?
Also, what's with the news about Scarlett being the acting CEO of the company?
This news wasn't nice to Imogen's hearing but she was more concerned and flustered over her mother than anything else.
Why would she tell her to be good to her stepsister whereas, she herself obviously had no plans of doing so? Also, what does she mean when she told Ashton not to be the reason her plans of two decades ago crumble?
Imogen had a million thoughts going through her head at the moment. She couldn't understand her mother's real intentions.
What's she planning? What's her aim?
She just said she was doing whatever she had to because of herself and her brother.
The more Imogen thought of it, the more flustered she got. However, something felt oddly clear to her.
Their mother wasn't being totally sincere with them.
This new revelations ended up building Imogen's level of curiosity further and she was determined to find out what her mother was up to now.
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Jamie Grey was in his penthouse office as usual, sipping from a glass of red wine leisurely, although in deep thoughts.
"Sir Chairman, the results of the review team is available," Jamie Grey raised his gaze to see his PA walked in his office.
"Oh, is it?" He muttered uninterestedly.
"Yes, Sir. Here it is." Finley went ahead to drop the file on the large mahogany table.
"Do you think it'll be okay to let him work here?" He asked with concern.
"No Finley, it's not about letting him work here it's much more than that. I greatly worry for Heidi's sake. Have you checked what Harriet's been up to this few days?" Jamie asked, barely sparing a glance at the file before him.
"Yes, Sir. Just as you predicted some time ago, she's trying to find information about your late wife's shares and she's meeting and working with several directors and shareholders of the company."
"Hmm, how brazen of her to be even more scheming as time goes on, even after all she's done. Leave her to go on her never fulfilling quest. It's not yet time to deal with her. The children must be ready before then." Jamie said, dropping his wine glass and reluctantly picking up the file.
"Yes, Sir chairman."
"Check on Heidi's progress so far and report to me." Finley bowed slightly before he walked out.
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"Dad, are you progressing on the matter?" Palo walked into his Father's study with this question. Minister Bryant closed the file before him and raised his gaze to his son.
"Sure, Palo." He smiled. "Don't worry, Jamie is going to send the feedback soon and then, things would fall into place as it ought to be."
"I hope he does that fast. I'm running out of patience and I want to meet her soon. I can't wait to meet her." Palo eyes darkened slightly and he smiled.