Revenge Wears My Ring novel Chapter 53

“Come with me to Yardley’s media company this afternoon. I’ll prep the materials first.” Gwyneth’s crisp, no-nonsense tone left no room for negotiation.

With that, she turned and strode out of the room.

Half an hour later, a new contract pinged into Lance’s inbox. His brows were furrowed the whole time he read, but as he finished, he couldn’t help but let out a triumphant yell.

“Gwyneth! You’re a genius!”

—

That afternoon, outside Yardley Studios.

Gwyneth brought the car to a smooth stop in front of the studio and glanced out the window, studying the building—an artful blend of classic and modern design. Glass walls framed with intricate lattice patterns gave a nod to tradition, while the entrance was flanked by a pair of sleek, minimalist stone lions.

Clearly, Yardley knew a thing or two about design—no surprise, considering he’d built his own studio from the ground up. The man was, without a doubt, a force to be reckoned with.

“Did you get all the materials together?” she asked, turning to Lance in the passenger seat.

Lance tapped his briefcase. “Everything’s here—market analysis, competitor data, and three proposal drafts.” As the marketing director at Locke Group, he’d opted for a navy suit today, looking every bit the sharp professional, though his easygoing manner didn’t quite match his polished appearance.

Gwyneth nodded and checked her reflection in the rearview mirror one last time. She’d chosen a fitted black suit for the day, pairing it with simple pearl studs—professional, yet unmistakably feminine.

The moment they stepped into the lobby, they were struck by the space’s stunning design. The reception desk was crafted from a single curved slab of natural wood, and behind it hung a series of high-end, vintage-inspired ads featuring Yardley himself.

“Good afternoon, do you have an appointment?” The receptionist greeted them with a polite smile.

Gwyneth handed over her card, calm and composed. “Gwyneth from Locke Group. We’d like to discuss a collaboration with Mr. Shepard.”

The receptionist checked her screen and offered an apologetic smile. “I’m sorry, but Mr. Shepard’s schedule is fully booked today. I don’t see an appointment under your name.”

Gwyneth was unfazed. “Would you please tell Mr. Shepard we have a brand new marketing strategy tailored just for him? We’d only need ten minutes.”

The receptionist looked uncomfortable. “I’m afraid Mr. Shepard was quite clear—no meetings without an appointment…”

“Gwyneth? What a surprise!”

A saccharine voice chimed in from behind. Gwyneth didn’t have to turn around to know—Queenie.

She turned, her face already set in a professional smile. “Long time no see.”

Queenie was dressed in a cream-colored suit, a silk scarf tied at her neck, exuding an air of gentle sophistication. She waved an invitation card. “Mr. Shepard asked me here to discuss plans for the upcoming season.”

She glanced, feigning surprise, at Gwyneth and Lance, still stalled at reception. “Oh—you didn’t have an appointment?”

Lance couldn’t help but scowl, but Gwyneth remained perfectly composed. “Market research is all about the element of surprise. We wanted to give him something unexpected.”

Queenie covered her mouth, laughing lightly. “You always did have a sense of humor.”

Yardley sipped his tea, silently groaning:

Another deck with gold-embossed slides…

Last time, someone actually suggested I dress up as the god of fortune and livestream to sell mutual funds.

He glanced at Queenie’s so-called “cultural proposal,” eyes landing on slide three:

“Mr. Shepard presents market analysis in period costume—guaranteed viral!”

Yardley felt suffocated.

Does everyone in finance have a fundamental misunderstanding of what ‘culture’ means?

He checked his watch, already plotting the most polite way to end this ordeal.

Just then, his assistant slipped quietly into the room and whispered in his ear. Yardley’s eyebrows lifted. “Locke Group?”

They’re back? The perks of being the golden goose, I guess.

Queenie’s expression faltered. “Locke Group? What are they doing here…?”

Yardley kept his face neutral and nodded to the assistant. “Have them wait in the lounge.” Then, turning to Queenie, he gave a professional smile. “Queenie, let’s wrap it up here. We’ll be in touch if we need anything further.”