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.

kind. I was just doing my job," Edith replied, her tone

have chosen any editor, but they picked you. That speaks volumes about your

was, she hadn't done anything special-just

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

to

astonished expression. "Of course! You've always delivered results, and now you've brought in Obsidian. The company has decided

able to believe her ears. It

news

smiled. "And if Obsidian

Saturday.

had arranged to meet downtown at a tea lounge. Citrine finished her breakfast

in a coffee shop,

elegant decor. As Citrine stepped inside, she immediately felt the weight of tradition in the

to let her know she'd

stepped out from the lounge, scanning

seeing anyone who matched

in the courtyard was a