Chapter 13 Magich Corporation
After leaving the manor, Anne and her parents headed back to the house.
On the way, James kept sighing. With all that had happened today, he knew things wouldn’t be easy. Judy would surely be upset, and Joshua would probably stir up more trouble, too. Another round of quiet battles was bound to follow.
Chloe, however, was in a much better mood.
“You were incredible today, Anne. I don’t know how you had the guts to stand up to your grandma like that,” she said, genuinely impressed.
She had spent years silently tolerating Judy’s harshness, always putting up with it for James‘ sake. But today, Anne had managed to shut down Judy with just a few words, and Chloe felt a real sense of pride in her daughter.
“Mom, I won’t let you go through that again,” Anne replied, gently squeezing Chloe’s. She turned her attention to her father in the front seat. “And Dad, I’ll protect both of you.”
James chuckled, “You’re a good kid, but it’s supposed to be met protecting you, not the other way around.”
“Dad, I’ll prove that I won’t disappoint you,” Anne replied, her voice. firm with resolve. “From now on, don’t waste your energy
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on Grandma. You need to rememberryyou’re the head of the Chastain family.”
James‘ expression grew serious as heamilled over her words. “She’s still your grandmother, though“.”
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“Dad, Grandma’s been blinded by lies. Shabd dost sight of what’s right and wrong. Sooner or later, shall have to face the consequences.” Anne paused, considering her next words carefully. Revealing everything about howlshamand the Carter family had schemed to take over Chastain Holdings and betrayed the family in her previous life seemed tooommach.
Fier parents wouldn’t believe it, not now anyway.
Judy had always stubbornly trusted the wrong people, and the ended up paying the price for it. Anne thought, this time she lad to make sure Judy learned her lesson before it was too late.
“Dad. Mom. I’m just telling you this because I think Joshua aankl liis family are up to no good. He’s involved in the company, and whulinows what kind of shady things he might be doing behind the stones. You should keep an eye out. For example, you could cheat the company’s finances for any discrepancies.” Anne knewy full well that Joshua had been doctoring the company accounts. and iflerfather took a closer look, he would find the evidence.
James thing!ittiitover for a moment, then gave a slow nod.
Once they arrived at the Chastain Villa, Anne’s phone rang. It was Grace..Tlie dixedtor William Jones was pleased that she would be starring in Shadows of Eternity and, while in Celestine
Chapter 13 Magich Corporation
for an event, wanted to invite her to dinner.
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William had always held her in high regard, and his invitation wasn’t unexpected.
“Grace, what event is Mr. Jones talking about?”
“I’m not entirely sure. All I know is that there’s a huge charity gala in a few days. It’s supported by Magich Corporation, and I heard that Helene Hughes, the representative from Magich Corporation, will be attending.”
As soon as she heard the name, Anne’s mind raced. Magich Corporation had become the most powerful force in Celestine ever since it set up shop. In the blink of an eye, it had taken over every major industry, and all the influential families in Celestine were scrambling to get in their good graces. Hugh had been working tirelessly to secure a partnership with them, hoping to solidify his position in the business world.
Anne’s thoughts quickly turned. Now that Magich Corporation had arrived, it was going to be an unstoppable force. By now, Hugh had likely already been preparing to make his move.
In the past, she had been completely focused on Hugh and hadn’t paid attention to anything else. But this time, she wouldn’t let him win.
“Grace, arrange for me to attend this charity gala as well,” Anne said decisively before hanging up.
As she thought about the gala, her eyes gleamed with
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determination. In the past, she would have never attended such an event. She had lived like a sheltered young lady, isolated from the world’s affairs.
But she wasn’t that person anymore..
Since she would be attending the gala, sic need to prepare a dress.
coping mall in the
The next day. Anne walked into the largest city and casually entered an upscale boutique specializing in evening gowns.
The store was filled with a wide variety of dresses, including many from high–end designers. After a quick look around her eyes settled on a strapless blue gown. The bold, elegant design of the dress hugged the curves of the body, drawing attention white still maintaining an air of sophistication.
Yet, despite its allure, something about it didn’t quite feel right..
As she examined the dress closely, the salesperson approached with a smile. “This is one of our newest arrivals. It’s a global limited edition. Only one is available per region, so you won’t find anyone else wearing the same gown.”
Anne nodded, impressed by the exclusivity, but deep down, she felt that it still didn’t match the vision she had for her ideal
dress.
Just as she was about to continue browsing, a voice, dripping with disdain, cut through the air behind her.
Chapter 13 Magich Corporation
“This store only serves exclusive VIPs. How did they let anyone walk in? It’s really bringing down the prestige,” a woman remarked dismissively.
Anne turned slowly, and there, standing before her, was a woman dressed in ostentatious luxury, flanked by none other than Alicia.
Their eyes met, and a flash of coldness crossed Alicia’s face.
“Alicia, this dress is perfect for you,” the woman said with an air of superiority, stepping in front of Anne. She was eyeing the exact blue. gown that Anne had just been admiring.
“You mentioned this dress is a limited edition, right? No one else can buy the same one?” The woman addressed the salesperson with a pointed glance, raising her voice intentionally. “Wrap it up. I’ll take this one. Alicia, I’ll gift it to you.”
The salesperson hesitated for a moment, glancing at Anne before asking, “Miss, do you still want this dress?”
As per store etiquette, the first customer to show interest in an item would typically have the right to purchase it. Since Anne had been the first to stop and admire the dress, the salesperson turned to her first.
Before Anne could respond, the woman spoke again, her tone dripping with sarcasm. “I’m a VIP customer here. I get first dibs on anything I want, and those limited–edition dresses cost millions of dollars. Can someone who has to rely on family even
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afford it?” she sneered, casting a disparaging glance at Anne.
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At that moment, Alicia suddenly interjected, her voice defensive. “Tina, what are you saying? This is my cousin.”
“Cousin?” The woman, Tina, feigned surprise, pressing her
hand to her lips. “Oh my god, Alicia, is this the woman you were telling me about? The one who just mooches off Chastain Holdings, never lifting a finger?”
Alicia hurried to take Tina’s hand, pulling her back slightly. “Tina, don’t be like that. Anne is really talented. She’s not like what you think.”
Tina shot a glance at Anne, her voice now lowered, but laced with pointed insinuations. “Alicia, I know you’re doing so much for the company, juggling your career and handling everything at Chastain Holdings. I feel so sorry for you. Let me take care of you for once. I’ll buy this dress as a gift. No one else seems to appreciate you, but I do.”
Her words dripped with hidden insults, as she tried to undermine Anne with each sentence.
Tina then threw a gold card onto the counter with a flourish. “No need for a password. This is my stock market earnings, money I made on my own, unlike some people who rely on their families.”
The salesperson, clearly uncomfortable, glanced at Anne, waiting for her reaction.
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“Don’t worry about it. If she wants it, let her have it,” Anne said with a composed smile. Her gaze swept across the store, and her attention was drawn to a simple white dress in the corner. It was modest, with clean lines and a single color, understated yet elegant. At first glance, it might seem plain, but something about it struck her. With a few adjustments, it could be exactly what she was looking for.
“I’ll take that one. Please bring it to me.”
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