Never Forgive Never Forget (Celeste and Philip) novel Chapter 141

Beverly's tears stopped abruptly as she fixed her gaze on the thick folder across the table.

Herbert simply nodded and took his seat.

"These days, everyone knows the Gallagher Group and the Hopkins Group are about to merge through marriage. The Gallaghers are in the spotlight, and they've just announced this project for open bidding. We're up against a lot of competition."

"But Cece, if you can win this contract, I promise the managing director's chair is yours."

It was obvious Duncan Group had seen better days; now, Herbert's only hope was to cling to the Gallaghers for survival.

Just barely hanging on.

Celeste, after all, was half a Hopkins by blood—her involvement might win them a little goodwill from the Gallaghers, who'd have to consider her connection as Alfred Hopkins's sister-in-law.

He knew full well Alfred wouldn't help him directly, but this was Herbert's roundabout way of currying favor with the Hopkins family.

What a crafty scheme.

After a long silence, Herbert was met with nothing but Celeste's cold, dismissive laugh.

"And if I don't seal the deal?" she asked, arching a brow.

Herbert's face changed instantly.

He was counting on her winning—surely the Gallaghers would show some respect for Alfred's sake.

"Of course you will…" He forced a weak smile, but Beverly suddenly cut in, her voice sharp.

"If you don't want the job, I'll take it."

She'd already suffered her father's slap, already swallowed her pride for her sister. Besides, now she was Jasper's woman—meanwhile, the Gallagher heiress had barely met Jasper a handful of times.

If she whispered in Jasper's ear, maybe—just maybe—he'd help her win the bid.

"Enough!" Herbert snapped, slamming the folder down on the table. Just looking at Beverly sent his temper soaring. "You can't even manage your own mess, let alone take on a project like this! Why should I count on you?"

"You never know!" Beverly shot back, cutting him off. "The Hopkins and Gallaghers might be talking marriage, but nothing's set in stone! How can you be so sure I won't be the one they pick in the end?"

He shook her off, irritation clear in his eyes.

As far as he was concerned, if Celeste was willing to work for Duncan Group, that was enough.

Whether Beverly succeeded or failed—he couldn't care less.

But when it came to family matters, he'd have to make sure Amanda reined in that daughter of hers; Beverly was completely out of control.

***

That night, Celeste set aside time to work on the project proposal, her phone on speaker as she composed music with Kate.

Halfway through, Kate was called away by someone, only to return a few minutes later, her voice trembling, clearly close to tears.

"Hey, do you have time tonight? I need a serious favor—emergency style!"

"What's going on?"