Chapter 19
52%
Winona was at a loss for words, thinking to herself, ‘Do I have to lie and say I have an appointment? But if I do, this snobby receptionist probably won’t buy it.
After a moment’s pause, Winona looked straight at the haughty receptionist. “You’re going to regret it if you don’t let me in right now.”
“Is there something wrong with you?” The receptionist gave Winona a dismissive glance.
Winona replied calmly, “I’m saying, I have an appointment.” She leaned in slightly, adding, “If you don’t let me through, I’ll tell Matt, and he’ll have you out of a job.”
After a moment’s hesitation, the receptionist, now more respectful, quickly escorted her to the CEO’s office. “Mr. Langford is tied up in a meeting at the moment. Please wait for him in his office.”
Sure, thanks,” Winona said casually, sinking into the black leather sofa and giving a little nod.
As soon as the receptionist left, Winona took a moment to check out the office. This was her first time here. The place was decked out in shades of gray, white, and black–clean, elegant, and as cool as Matthew’s personality.
Winona’s phone suddenly sprang to life with a catchy tune. She reached into her pocket and pulled it out slowly. When she saw Morgan’s name on the screen, her eyes hardened as she hit the answer button. “Hi, Aunt Morgan.”
As soon as Morgan heard Winona’s voice, she launched into an accusation. “Winona, did you deliberately create that scandal with Travis and Felicia? Are you trying to destroy them?”
Winona responded with feigned innocence, “Aunt Morgan, I’m not sure what you’re talking about. I care deeply for Travis, and Felicia is like a sister to me. Why would I want to hurt them?”
Just then, Matthew, who was about to enter the office, froze in his tracks, his expression turning icy. He wondered to himself, ‘If she loves Travis so much, what’s she doing here at my office?”
Winona, oblivious to Matthew standing at the door, pressed on with her questions to Morgan. “Did they actually do something to betray me? Is that what makes you think I’d want to hurt them?”
Morgan’s voice softened after a barrage of questions from Winona. She realized her initial probing might have tipped Winona off, and that Winona wasn’t as gullible as she used to be she needed a different approach.
Swiftly, Morgan offered an apology. “I’m sorry, Winona. Seeing Felicia so devastated, I just lost my cool for a moment. Don’t read too much into it. Felicia considers you family, and Travis is crazy about you. They’d never intentionally hurt you.”
Morgan continued. “It was just a case of Travis drinking too much and losing his grip. He didn’t assault Felicia on purpose. Don’t take it personally; he loves you, truly.”
Winona’s gaze turned steely. She replied with a flat tone, “Oh, I see.”
Morgan was thrown by Winona’s reaction and quickly assumed a humble tone. “Winona, I’m sorry for snapping at you and sticking up for Travis. You’re not mad at me, are you?”
“Aunt Morgan, you’ve always been like a mother to me. Speak your mind. You don’t have to worry about upsetting me or saying sorry,” Winona replied.
With a touch of sarcasm playing on her lips, she maintained her composure. “As for Travis, I’m not holding it against him. I’m just concerned about how Felicia will deal with the situation
“I’ll definitely talk to Felicia,” Morgan said, her voice lightening up with relief. Then, with a hint of caution, she asked, “Winona, where are you right now? Why haven’t you headed home yet?”
1/2
22:19 Wed, Dec 25
Chapter 19
Before Winona could answer, Morgan was quick to add, “Don’t take this the wrong way. I’m not prying or anything. It’s just that you two are so tight. If you could be there for Felicia, I think it would mean a lot and help her get through this tough time.”
Back when Winona was thinking like a kid, she and Felicia were inseparable. Felicia relied on her for everything, from singing and medical tricks to making perfumes, designing clothes, and even tackling tasks for the Hacker League.
+5
Now that Winona’s mind was sharp again, Morgan wasn’t sure if she’d still be there for Felicia. ‘Mosley Group and its gaming firm ProsperTech Innovations are both banking on Felicia to step up.
‘As long as Winona keeps backing Felicia up, Felicia can keep her hacking game strong, and Leonard will have no choice but to welcome Felicia back with open arms, Morgan mused.
When Winona returned home, they had a plan to manipulate her mind, convincing her to do whatever Felicia wanted. ‘Felicia’s reputation as a genius can’t afford to crack, Morgan thought.
Winona’s eyes turned icy. “I’m at Matthew’s office in Langford Group now. I’m hoping he can keep a lid on the news about Felicia.”
“Got it,” Morgan replied, feeling a wave of relief. “I won’t hold you up then. I’ll look after Felicia.”
“Alright, goodbye, Aunt Morgan,” Winona said before swiftly hanging up the call.
As soon as she ended the call, Winona spotted Matthew at the office door. His hair was slicked back, and he was impeccably dressed in a sharp designer suit. He stood tall, bozing confidence and elegance, with a face that could stop traffic.
He had that movie star quality, one hand in his pocket, like a prince from a fairy tale stepping into reality. It was hard not to stare at his magnetic presence.
He was the kind of guy who could outshine any A–lister. If he ever decided to step into the spotlight, looks alone would make him a worldwide sensation.
“Done gawking?” Matthew’s cold gaze pinned Winona, who seemed transfixed. “If you’re finished, get out of my office.”
Winona shook her head, resolute. “Not yet.” She strode up to Matthew and touched his strikingly handsome face. “That face of yours…” she murmured, “with those broad shoulders, trim waist, and long legs, I could stare at you all day.”
As she spoke, her hand teasingly roamed from his face, tracing a path down over his shoulders, his solid chest, and his lean waist.
田
