The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Chapter 85

That night, Novella Publishing was alive with laughter and cheer. What was supposed to be a late-night overtime slog had, thanks to Edith, transformed into a company party.

At the karaoke bar, Edith found herself at the center of attention, surrounded by colleagues who had always kept her at arm's length. Now, one after another, they crowded around, raising their glasses to toast her with a sudden warmth she knew wasn't genuine.

Edith saw right through it. If it weren't for her landing the Obsidian deal with that industry heavyweight, none of them would be fawning over her like this.

Even the company owner, along with every manager and executive, had shown up tonight-a clear sign of just how much her achievement mattered.

In all her twenty-something years, Edith had never felt so triumphant. It was as if she'd stepped straight out of the pages of a feel-good novel and into the starring role herself. Despite the thrill bubbling up inside her, she managed to keep her expression cool and composed.

Just then, the CEO made her way over, glass in hand.

It was Edith's first time meeting the big boss face-to-face, and she couldn't help but tense up, just a little. "Ms. Wendy," she greeted her, voice careful.

"Edith, we owe you everything," Wendy said sincerely, pouring Edith a generous glass of wine. "If you hadn't secured Obsidian, this company might not have survived."

Novella Publishing had been her father's pride and joy. After his death, her uncles and other relatives began circling, eager to wrest control from her and undermining her at every turn.

Lately, the company's finances had been on the edge-but Edith's Obsidian contract had been a lifeline, bringing in desperately needed funds.

Wendy, you're too kind. I was just doing my

shook her head, clearly unconvinced. "Obsidian could have chosen any editor, but they picked you. That speaks volumes

she hadn't done anything special-just

together, then declared, "The leadership team met earlier. We want you

shot to her

and now you've brought in Obsidian. The company

to believe her ears. It

news just kept

positively stunned with happiness, Wendy smiled. "And if Obsidian brings us more manuscripts, you'll get a

Saturday.

at a tea lounge.

expected their meeting would be in a coffee shop, not somewhere as refined as

exclusive tea house in Havencrest—a stately old building with dark, elegant decor. As Citrine stepped inside,

called Edith to let her know

stepped out from the lounge, scanning the entrance

anyone who matched Citrine's

the