Chapter 204 That Kid
Paige's mind immediately jumped to a name. She put down her spoon. "What's Xena doing at the Carnegie Manor?"
Raymond shrugged. "Not sure. Ethan just texted me about it."
Paige didn't need to think twice to get what the Sackler family was up to. Given the current situation, they were probably looking for some backup from the Carnegies.
Paige had heard that the Sacklers had done the Carnegies a favor before. If they played that card, Paige wouldn't have much leverage. Unless she was ready to ignore Raymond and Ethan's pride and push through the situation.
The Sacklers had been sitting on this favor for years. If they cashed it in now, they wouldn't have it to use later. Raymond read her mind. "Worried the Sacklers will use the Carnegies?"
Paige nodded. "Yeah, I remember you mentioning that favor. If that's their angle, I'm not going with you. I just got out of the hospital yesterday and have a ton of work to catch up on. Besides, you owe Ethan an explanation, so you can handle it."
Raymond noticed Paige had put down her spoon. He leaned in, picked it up, and fed her a bite. "My bad. I'll remember not to bring up such appetite-killers during meals."
Even though the Sackler family talk had soured her mood, Raymond's presence rekindled her appetite. Plus, having a handsome guy feed her wasn't too shabby. Paige asked, "When can we have lunch?"
Raymond kept feeding her. "Finish this, and then we can start lunch." He had timed everything perfectly, knowing she'd be hungry after waking up, and had already informed the kitchen.
Pearl burst in and looked around, speechless. It was clear there'd be more scenes like this in the future. She sighed. "Didn't mean to barge in. I can leave if you want."
Paige took a sip of the fish soup Raymond fed her and glanced at Pearl. Raymond waved it off. "No worries, it's not like we're in the bedroom."
Paige looked at Raymond. Since they'd had sex, Raymond had shamelessly embraced a new way of interacting.
Rumor had it that when everyone came to work in the morning, Raymond was still in a robe, showing off the marks on his chest and neck.
Paige asked, "Mr. Carnegie, are you sure you want to keep talking like this?"
Raymond grinned. "I can roll with any style you want."
Pearl, standing nearby, couldn't handle the sweet talk between Paige and Raymond. Every word felt like a jab at single folks, and Pearl, who'd been single her whole life, found it unbearable!
Paige ignored Raymond and turned to Pearl. "What's up?"
Pearl replied, "Xanthe, can you check your schedule for this afternoon? The Universe Group has a meeting. If possible, you should attend in person."
Paige asked, "Is it important?" She needed to show up before officially taking over as CEO of the Universe Group. But her current identity was no longer a secret.
The Sackler family knew, and the Carnegie family would probably find out soon. It wasn't exactly top-secret info, so it was bound to spread. So, she could decide based on the meeting's importance and Pearl's suggestion.
Pearl nodded. "It's better if you attend."
Paige agreed, "Alright, set it up. After lunch, I'll visit my mom at the hospital, then head to the Universe Group."
Pearl quickly left, feeling overwhelmed by the lovey-dovey atmosphere, which was a bit much for a single person like her. She couldn't stay a moment longer.
Once Pearl was gone, Raymond said, "Hawke Corporation will always have your back. You can use all our resources anytime."
He said it so casually, like he was talking about the weather. Paige smiled. "Mr. Carnegie, are you really planning to compete with Louis for the top spot? Will Louis and Francesca be okay with you using all the Carnegie family's resources?"
The Carnegie family wasn't just Raymond's; Louis held the most important position. Raymond's hand paused, causing Paige to take a bite of air. Raymond asked, "Are you underestimating my clout in the Carnegie family, honey?"
Paige quickly shook her head. "I didn't mean that. But Louis is the CEO of Hawke Corporation. He has the authority to mobilize its resources."
Raymond put down the bowl and spoon. "Feed yourself!"
Paige said, "Mr. Carnegie, are you that petty?"
Raymond nodded. "Looks like I need to prove something to you."
Paige shook her head. "No need, I know many people, even Ethan, in Hawke Corporation support you taking over. But Louis has also been through a lot. That kid is finally established himself there. He just got his footing, and now you want to take his spot. You can't do that to him."
Raymond was suddenly amused by Paige. She always referred to Louis as "that kid," treating the one who had once betrayed her like a child.
Raymond felt relieved by Paige's words, and his previous annoyance vanished. He picked up the bowl again to feed Paige and said, "You're right, that kid Louis has been through a lot."
