Chapter 88 There's Nothing Better Than Making Paige Look Foolish
Jake made his return, professing that he had been busy organizing the company's anniversary celebration. In truth, the event was hardly a task that required his personal attention.His return was merely a pretext, a convenient excuse to reappear after he had managed to temporarily stabilize the situation with Paige. His focus now was to identify business prospects that would capture Paige's interest.The anniversary of the Hawke Corporation was looming on the horizon, and Bradley, despite his reservations about Jake's previous decision to revoke the invitation extended to the Sackler family, promptly dialed their number.Upon inquiring about Mrs. Sackler's health and discovering she was still in recovery, Bradley delicately suggested that she should prioritize her well-being over attending the Carnegie family's event for the sake of appearances.Bradley's insinuations sent shockwaves through the Sackler household.Xena was the one to answer the phone, putting it on speaker so the matriarch could listen in. Her mood detonated instantly."Grandma, what's the deal with the Carnegies? Are they trying to exclude us from the Hawke Corporation's anniversary? There are rumors swirling about the Sacklers and Carnegies uniting through marriage. If we're absent, tongues will wag, suggesting there's discord between our families."Margaret took Xena's hand, attempting to soothe her rage."Xena, it's evident that there's a schism between the Carnegies and us. Philip's call is their way of saying 'stay away,' to protect his precious daughter-in-law from embarrassment. We should keep a low profile for now. What do you think? I'm concerned about your temper; a confrontation with Paige would only complicate matters."Her words were logical, but Xena found them hard to swallow.Jerking her hand away, Xena retorted, "Grandma, when have we ever been afraid of her?""It's not about fear. She's a former convict; she's tainted. She'll never fit in with the high society ladies. The Carnegies are likely trying to bury her past, give her a new image, and erase her prison stint. Others might be oblivious to her history, but we're not, and that's probably why they don't want us at the anniversary."Upon hearing this, Xena shot back, "She just beat me to the altar, that's all. What makes her worthy of marrying into the Carnegies? Even for a disabled person in that family, she's beneath them."Margaret nodded in agreement. "True, she doesn't deserve it. But if you're adamant about attending the anniversary, you can. After all, I'm the only one who Bradley suggested should rest due to health reasons. You're fit as a fiddle. Since the invitation is in your name, go ahead but promise me one thing: There will be no conflict with the Carnegies, especially Paige, at the event. Understood?""Grandma, I'm not a fool. There's no reason for conflict between them and me. And as for Paige, as long as she keeps her distance, I won't go out of my way to provoke her."Margaret felt a wave of relief wash over her. "That's reassuring. If you can maintain that mindset, I can rest easy knowing you can handle yourself."If not a single member of the Sackler family showed up to the Hawke Corporation anniversary, it would certainly cast a shadow over the relationship between the two families.Not attending was simply not an option!The news of the impending marriage alliance between the Sacklers and the Carnegies had spread like wildfire, propelling the Sackler's business to unprecedented heights.Missing the anniversary event could directly impact their flourishing enterprises.Xena muttered, "I already have my gown tailored and ready. It would be such a waste if I couldn't wear it. Plus, it's purple, Louis's favorite color. Grandma, you have no idea how hard it's been to get in touch with Louis lately."Margaret was well aware of Xena's affection for Louis.She comforted Xena, "You'll see him at the anniversary. Francesca is devising a plan. If we can orchestrate a divorce between Paige and Raymond, there's still a chance for you two."Xena's eyes sparkled with hope. "Grandma, it would be ideal if we could arrange their divorce before their wedding announcement or ceremony. Then, no one would ever know they were married. It wouldn't affect Louis and me in the slightest."Margaret pondered for a moment. "You're right. It's just that... considering how smitten they are with each other, getting them to divorce won't be easy. But we can't rush these things."
Of late, Margaret had been invoking the excuse of ill health to evade public appearances, thereby thrusting the responsibility of handling everything onto Xena's shoulders.In contrast, the Carnegie family had voiced their wish that they would not be present at the anniversary. This had instilled a sense of unease in Margaret regarding Xena's solitary attendance.While Margaret was fraught with worry, Xena's mind was already teeming with potential scenarios. The anniversary presented an ideal opportunity.If she could manage to humiliate Paige in front of everyone, prompting Raymond to abandon her, Paige would be stripped of everything she possessed. Was that not a tantalizing prospect?The very thought filled Xena with a sense of near euphoria, so much so that she barely registered Margaret's words.Observing Xena's preoccupied countenance, Margaret had an inkling about the plots simmering in her mind.
She pressed Xena's hand firmly, reiterating, "Xena, concerning the matter of instigating a divorce between Raymond and Paige, no matter what course of action you decide upon, you must consult with Grandma. Aunt Francesca and I have already discussed this; she's staunchly in our corner, so there's no cause for concern. Just ensure you don't act impulsively and consult with us before you proceed, understood?"Xena nodded in response, assuring her, "Don't fret, Grandma. I haven't formulated any plans as yet. On the day of the anniversary celebration, my primary focus will be on preparation, ideally to dazzle everyone and keep Louis firmly entranced."Margaret nodded approvingly. "That's the correct approach. It's crucial that you prepare thoroughly for the anniversary celebration. We, the Sacklers, being the beloved offspring and heirs to our family name, cannot afford to diminish our presence on such an occasion."Both Margaret and Xena harbored aspirations to outshine everyone at the Hawke Corporation's anniversary, commanding the attention of all present.Meanwhile, Paige was engrossed in her work when Pearl Southern entered to inform her, "Xanthe, the gown we ordered for you has been delivered. Would you like to select one to wear for the Hawke Corporation's anniversary?"Paige cast a cursory glance at her mountain of work and responded indifferently, "Just pick out any for me. I'm inundated."Pearl Southern was taken aback for a moment, reminding herself that this was the Hawke Corporation they were talking about!She persisted in her attempts to convince Paige, "Xanthe, this will be your first official appearance as Xanthe Ellison; shouldn't the gown be something extraordinary?"Without even lifting her gaze from her work, Paige retorted, "Are any of the gowns you've ordered for me anything short of extraordinary?"Pearl Southern was left at a loss for words.Paige genuinely had no time to squander on gown fittings.She dismissed Pearl Southern from the room.However, less than half an hour had elapsed before Pearl Southern returned, accompanied by a procession of female models, all bearing a striking resemblance to Paige in terms of height and build. They filed into the mansion and halted at the entrance to Paige's study.With a wave of her hand, Pearl Southern brought the parade of models to a standstill. She approached Paige with a proposition. "Xanthe, since you don't have time for a fitting, I had a few models come over. I selected them in advance due to their similar builds to yours. They can try on the gowns, and you can make your selection by observing them. What do you think?"Paige glanced towards the entrance, taking note of the lineup of female models, each radiating a commanding aura and presence. She had to concede, it was a rather ingenious idea.Consequently, Paige nodded in agreement. "Alright, let them proceed with the fitting."
