Chapter 471

An hour later, at Poppy Petal Fragrances.

Today marked Marguerite’s first day at the company, and the CEO herself, Penelope, personally guided her through the orientation process.

Skipping the usual entry-level grind, Penelope had appointed Marguerite as a senior fragrance designer right off the bat.

“Marguerite, your office is right across from mine,” Penelope said warmly. “I’ve arranged for an assistant for you, about your age. If you need anything, just ask her.”

Marguerite blushed with modesty. “Penelope, that’s really kind of you. I’m just here to work, and you’ve set the bar so high, I’m afraid I’ll let you down.”

Penelope quickly patted Marguerite’s hand, feigning annoyance.

“What’s this ‘Penelope’ business? You’re making it sound so formal! Call me Auntie! Besides, my instincts are never wrong. I have confidence in you, so you better start believing in yourself!”

Marguerite was taken aback. Landing a management role on her first day was unbelievable enough, but Penelope asking her to call her ‘Auntie’?

Yet strangely, despite having only met Penelope a handful of times, Marguerite felt an inexplicable kinship with her.

Nodding obediently, Marguerite agreed, “Penelope, from now on, I’ll call you just that.”

Hearing Marguerite address her so casually brought a smile to Penelope’s face.

She grabbed Marguerite’s hand and affectionately squeezed it, her eyes beaming as they surveyed her new protégé. Then, with a sudden flourish, Penelope removed the sapphire blue silk scarf from around her neck and gently draped it over Marguerite’s shoulders, tying it into a chic knot.

“Marguerite, you and I have a similar sense of style-minimal on the jewelry. Remember, we’re in the beauty business; it’s linked to fashion. Spruce yourself up a bit; it gives you energy, whether at work or in life. This is my favorite scarf, and I want you to have it as a welcome gift. Work hard and don’t disappoint me.”

Marguerite fingered the luxurious sapphire scarf, its silky fabric clearly expensive.

Suddenly, she thought of her late grandmother Laverne, who had also encouraged her to shine brightly and live beautifully.

In that moment, Marguerite realized Penelope was more than just a boss; she was like family without the barriers of distance.

Accepting the gift, Marguerite smiled gratefully, “Thank you, Penelope.”

With a wave of her hand, Penelope led Marguerite to her office. “Settle in. I’ll have your assistant come find you.”

After Penelope left, Marguerite waited in her office. Finally, the assistant entered, and to Marguerite’s utter shock. It was Miley?

Their surprise was mutual, and in unison, they exclaimed, “Why is it you?”

Marguerite was stunned, but Miley quickly closed the door and rushed to the desk, leaning on it with both hands, and blurted out, “So you’re the hotshot they parachuted in? Marguerite, what kind of spell do you have? You’ve got Mr. Winston’s mother in your palm, and now my future mother-in-law can’t do without you!”

Marguerite rolled her eyes at Miley’s blunt words, “Stop making Jocelyn sound so frail! Jocelyn and I respect each other; nobody’s controlling anyone.”

“Oh, come on! Mutual respect is for married couples!”

“It’s close enough,” Marguerite retorted, then peered intently at Miley. “But what do you mean by ‘can’t do without you”?”

Miley’s eyes widened with disbelief. “You don’t know?”

Marguerite shook her head. “How would I? I’ve never dealt with the Fitzgerald Group.”

Miley dragged a swivel chair over, sat down across from Marguerite, and leaned on the desk with an air of seriousness. “Robert told me his mother wanted to poach you for Poppy Petal Fragrances, but he refused because he was trying to get you into Thunderbolt Enterprises!”

“Why?”

Miley was exasperated. “Why? To set you up with Mr. Winston, of course! We’ve been breaking our backs over your little romance.”

Marguerite laughed. “Then you guys really are too idle.”

“Don’t give me that sass! I’m not done! The position you’re in has been vacant for over twenty years!

My mother-in-law was saving it for her lost daughter! And now that you’ve landed, everyone thinks she’s been found, and it’s you!”