Chapter 494

The following morning dawned crisp and clear.

Ever since the day before yesterday, when Maurice forced Marguerite into a wedding dress, she had steadfastly avoided him. So, upon rising early that morning, she skipped breakfast and made a beeline for the door. But no sooner had she stepped out than Sadie hurried over, saying, “Mrs. Winston, Teresa waited up for you last night, saying she had something to tell you. Maybe you should hold off on leaving?”

Sadie had been brought in to help at the Winston Mansion by Jocelyn, and even after three years since Marguerite had lived at Sapphire Valley Estates, Sadie still addressed her as ‘Mrs. Winston, a habit that had never changed.

Marguerite didn’t correct her, merely asking, “What’s it about?”

EP 8 8 ¹⁄� F F 55 “I’m not sure, she didn’t tell me. But she waited up for you till late before going to bed.”

“If Teresa had something to say, why didn’t she just text me?” Marguerite thought.

She had been swamped with her new job, getting to grips with the business at the company, working late nearly every night.

She intended to wait for Teresa to wake up before leaving, but the thought of facing Maurice head-on was too much to bear, so she said, “Once she’s up, have her send me a text.”

She couldn’t imagine what urgent news a three-year-old might have and, leaving that instruction, she drove off to Poppy Petal Fragrances.

She arrived early, expecting the place to be quiet, but to her surprise, she found all the employees seated at their desks, expressions stern and tense, like they were prepping for a presidential visit.

Marguerite shook off her bewilderment, ascended to her private glass-walled office, only for Miley to burst in, frantically dragging her back out. “Seriously, girl! What time do you call this? All the department heads are in the meeting room, just waiting on you!”

Marguerite was taken aback, replying, “I didn’t receive any notification of a meeting! And what time is it? The work day hasn’t even started!”

Miley cast a disbelieving look at Marguerite, asking, “Didn’t you check the work group chat last night?”

Marguerite shook her head, responding, “Too many messages, so I had it on mute. What’s up?”

Miley, pushing Marguerite towards the elevator, let out a deep sigh, “A new director is taking the reins today, your direct boss. Word is, they’re a real terror to work with. Everyone was on pins and needles last night! Penelope ordered all the department heads to the meeting room a few minutes ago. She’s introducing the new big shot!”

Marguerite wasn’t overly concerned, saying, “If they’re that terrifying, didn’t you ask Robert who it was last night?”

Miley huffed at the mention, “Don’t get me started! I tried everything, but he wouldn’t spill the beans, said I’d find out today. The unknown is the worst fear of all, I had nightmares, I tell you!”

Miley’s expression was comical, and Marguerite had to stifle a laugh.

They chatted all the way to the meeting room, where Marguerite chose a seat as far from the main chair as possible. Miley, her faithful assistant, took her place on a stool behind her.

Before long, Penelope briskly entered with the new director in tow.

But when Marguerite saw who it was, her head spun.

Frederick? Why was he here!

He had been doing fine as CEO of Thunderbolt Enterprises; why on earth would he come to Poppy Petal Fragrances as a mere director? Sure, a director was part of management, even her direct superior, but this was a far cry from his former CEO status!

Marguerite turned to exchange a look with Miley, only to see she was even more shocked.

Miley’s mouth hung open as she stared, transfixed, at the handsome man in the navy suit.

–

Oh my goodness! Penelope had really outdone herself this time it’s like the stars aligned!