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Novel Catalog
Chapter 90
Eden watched the scene unfold with a mixture of curiosity and unease. Mrs. Clement’s arrival had shifted the atmosphere in the room, and it was clear she had a purpose. Her gaze flickered between Victor, Haven, and Abigail, noting the subtle tension that hung in the air.
Victor’s refusal to immediately entertain Mrs. Clement’s suggestion didn’t go unnoticed. Eden, who had observed his every move since joining the company, knew that he wasn’t one to easily accept requests from just anyone, especially not in public or without good reason. But this seemed different. There was something about Mrs. Clement and Haven’s presence that made the whole situation feel… calculated.
Abigail, standing beside Eden, leaned in slightly and whispered, “It’s clear she’s here to make a deal—Haven wants in, and she’s using Mrs. Clement to get her foot in the door. But Victor is shutting it down.”
Eden glanced at Abigail, surprised by the insight. She hadn’t pegged Abigail as someone so attuned to business dynamics, but then again, Abigail had always moved through high-society circles with ease.
Victor remained impassive, his usual cool exterior firmly in place. “Aunt Clement,” he began, his voice smooth yet firm, “I understand your concern for Haven, but as I said, I’ve already made arrangements with other individuals. I don’t think it’s a good time for any additional commitments.”
Mrs. Clement smiled, but it wasn’t the warm smile of an elder trying to be kind. It was a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes, a smile that spoke of years of knowing how to get what she wanted. “Of course, Victor. I wouldn’t want to trouble you. I’ll just say this, though—Haven is very talented, and the right opportunity could really shape her future. I’m sure you understand that.”
Victor’s eyes narrowed slightly, though his expression remained calm. “I do understand, Aunt Clement, but I must be selective about who joins the team. Haven will need to prove herself, just like anyone else.”
There was a brief pause before Mrs. Clement nodded, clearly acknowledging that Victor was not going to yield on this matter. “I see,” she said, her voice tinged with an edge of disappointment. “Well, I’ll leave you to your lunch then, Victor. Perhaps another time.”
Haven, who had been silent up until this point, finally spoke, her voice soft but insistent. “Victor, if you give me the chance, I’ll show you that I’m capable. I don’t expect handouts, just an opportunity to prove myself.”
Victor looked at Haven for a long moment, his gaze unreadable. “We’ll see, Haven. But you must understand, earning a position here is about more than just desire. It’s about results. It’s about vision.”
Haven’s smile faltered for just a moment before she quickly regained her composure. “Of course, Mr. Alwynn. I’ll show you what I can do.”
Mrs. Clement, sensing the conversation had come to an end, gave a polite but cool nod to everyone in the room. “It seems we’ll have to talk another time, Victor. I’ll leave you to your lunch. But remember, opportunities don’t wait forever.”
With that, she turned to leave, Haven following closely behind her.
Eden couldn’t help but feel a slight unease at the whole exchange. She had heard rumors of the power plays that went on in the upper echelons of River City’s elite, but seeing it firsthand was different. There was no mistaking Mrs. Clement’s intentions—she wanted something, and she wasn’t going to give up easily.
Victor’s posture relaxed once they were gone, and he glanced over at the group with a half-smile. “Well, that was… interesting,” he remarked casually, though there was a faint flicker of irritation in his eyes.
Abigail, sensing the mood shift, quickly tried to lighten the atmosphere. “I guess we’ll save the meal for another time, Victor. After all, it’s not every day we get to watch a power play unfold in front of us.”
Victor chuckled lightly, though there was no real amusement in his tone. “Indeed. Let’s not make it a habit, though. Business and family should stay separate.”
Eden, still processing the interaction, nodded but remained quiet. She had seen how effortlessly Victor navigated situations like this, and yet, a part of her felt that the tension between him and the Clements was far from over.
For now, though, she turned her attention back to Ricky, who was looking at her with his usual bright smile. “Mom, are you okay?” he asked, sensing her distracted mood.
Eden smiled at him, trying to shake off the lingering unease. “I’m fine, Ricky. Don’t worry about me. Let’s go eat. It’s been a long morning.”
As the group began to file out of the room for lunch, Eden couldn’t help but wonder how much longer she could keep her family away from the turbulent world of power and politics that seemed to be closing in around them.