Chapter 18
Audrey dodged and poked around for more info, but Jacob wasn’t having it and clammed up. Realizing she wasn’t going to get anywhere, Audrey dropped the topic and, after the signing wrapped up, personally showed the folks from Brightview Group downstairs.
When she got back, she headed straight for the project team. As soon as she walked in–bam!-flowers rained down from above, scattering everywhere. The project team had formed a half–circle and erupted into applause for Audrey.
“Awesome job, Ms. Rhodes! We finally landed the project. You’re amazing!”
Everyone was buzzing with excitement about the win. Audrey couldn’t help but catch their enthusiasm and grin back at them.
She clapped her hands to get their attention and said, “This success is all thanks to our teamwork, so I’m treating everyone to a potluck dinner after work tonight!”
“Yay! Thanks, Ms. Rhodes!”
“Woohoo!” The room filled with cheers, everyone celebrating the victory together.
Eliza, who happened to be passing by, caught sight of the scene and instinctively tightened her grip on her cup, her expression shifting to one of despair.
Audrey, why did you come back? All this applause and attention should have been mine! she thought
After wrapping up with Emily at the evening potluck, Audrey decided to step away from her workstation and head to the pantry. Just as she reached the door, Eliza suddenly stepped out, blocking her path.
Not in the mood to deal with her, Audrey tried to sidestep her, but Eliza moved back into her way. “What’s your problem?” Audrey asked, raising her eyebrows with indifference.
Eliza was annoyed by how Audrey seemed to be acting so superior, as if nothing bothered her. Grinding her teeth, Eliza sneered, “Audrey, how can you be so shameless?”
Audrey frowned slightly, giving her a cold stare.
Eliza continued, “You know you’re not part of the Rhodes family anymore, yet you still cling to this place. Do you have no shame?”
Audrey let out a soft laugh, shaking her head. Though she didn’t say a word, to Eliza, it felt like a thousand stabs of mockery.
Eliza’s expression twisted. “What’s so funny, Audrey? I suggest you think about leaving on your own, or you’ll end up embarrassed when this is all over!”
Audrey let out a sneer, her eyes glinting with a little mischief. “And what position are you speaking from? The Rhodes family’s real daughter? Or the manager of Rhodes Enterprises? Seriously, Eliza, you didn’t really think your blood ties would help you secure a spot in the Rhodes family, did you?”
The Rhodes family was far more complicated than Eliza realized. It was like a den full of wolves and tigers, and a naive little rabbit rushing in hoping to snatch a piece would just get devoured.
Rhodes Enterprises wasn’t Albert’s solo playground. It was a family–run business. Albert was only the acting chairman. He had his own drama going on with an illegitimate son on the side.
Eliza seemed to misunderstand Audrey’s tone and shot back. “If you can do it, why can’t I? I’m their real daughter!”
Honestly, talking to Eliza was like talking a wall. Audrey simply shrugged, not wanting to waste more time on that.
Then Eliza’s gaze caught sight of someone walking by, and she suddenly stepped closer, lowering her voice to a threatening murmur. “Audrey, if you keep being ungrateful and hanging around that deadbeat, don’t say I didn’t warn you!”
Eliza leaned in too close for comfort, making Audrey instinctively want to back away. Just then, Eliza grabbed a cup of coffee nearby.
“Ah!” The hot coffee splashed onto Eliza’s arm, and she yelped in frustration. “Audrey, I just wanted to talk about your work
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Chapter 18
experience. If you’re not interested, fine, but why’d you have to splash me?”
Audrey was left confused, trying to process the scene, when someone tugged at her shoulder, prompting her to turn around instinctively.
Splat! A sharp slap landed right across her face.
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