Chapter 219
"Eight o’clock.
The grand anniversary celebration officially began.
Cassie was supposed to be the center of attention, but now all eyes were on Richard, Robert, and Olivia. The Hernandez family was mythical in the eyes of the Madison tycoons.
Despite not being a direct descendant, Richard had enough influence to stir up the scene in Madison.
Carter Harrison approached Cassie, ""How did Robert become so friendly with Richard?""
""I'm guessing Olivia slept her way in,"" Cassie speculated, having already sensed Richard's questionable character from their brief interaction at the entrance.
Carter Harrison expressed his disdain, ""It's shameful for you to have such a disgraceful relative, especially when your grandparents were known for their integrity.""
Cassie felt a slight throbbing in her head. She had been confident, but now Richard had swooped in and stolen the spotlight from every director and executive in the company.
Edward and Vincent approached her, saying, ""Cassie, you were slated to be the first to speak tonight, but after discussing with the others, we thought it best to have Mr. Hernandez go first, followed by Robert...""
""Have you guys lost your minds?"" Carter Harrison exploded, ""Richard isn't even part of our company. Tonight is the Peace Group's annual gala, not a Hernandez family reunion. And why on earth is Robert speaking before the CEO? It's preposterous.""
Edward replied sheepishly, ""Mr. Hernandez is a man of stature. His presence at the Peace Group gala is an honor, and his willingness to give a speech might even boost our stock price tomorrow. As for Robert, he was specifically requested by Mr. Hernandez. They seem to get along well; can you blame me?""
Cassie's expression darkened, ""What if I don't agree?""
""That's not okay,"" Vincent said bluntly, ""This is a collective decision, for the good of the company. You must go along with it, even if you disagree.""
Cassie scoffed, ""And if Richard decides Robert should be CEO, would you welcome that too? Let's not forget who founded Peace Group - Isabella, not the Hernandez family.""
""We're doing this for the company's future,"" Vincent retorted irritably, ""The Hernandez family carries enormous weight. Anyone associated with them is worth billions overnight.""
Edward nodded in agreement.
...
At 8:30 pm, Richard took the stage to commence his speech, followed by Robert.
At nine o'clock, Cassie stood in the restroom, applying a layer of taupe lipstick that added an air of intrigue to her appearance.
Olivia walked in, her smile smug, ""Bet you didn't see that coming. The chair hasn't even warmed up and you might just lose it.""
""Is this your usual MO?"" Cassie turned to face her, her gaze piercing, ""First Arthur, then Andrew, and now Richard. How many others have there been?""
Olivia's calm facade crumbled at Cassie's pointed remark, and she snapped, ""Don't get too cocky. It’s been an honor for me to be with Mr. Hernandez. Now, I'm giving you a chance.""
Her words had barely faded when Richard, impeccably dressed in a suit, walked into the restroom.
""Mr. Hernandez, I got you covered outside,"" Olivia said before quickly closing the bathroom door behind her.
""What are you doing?"" Cassie dashed forward, but Richard grabbed her arm in a tight grip.
Through the door, she heard the sound of the lock clicking into place.
A chill swept over her. She hadn’t thought to bring Joe to tonight’s company gala, and she certainly hadn’t anticipated encountering such a predicament within the festive walls. "
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