“Mommy, I want to try Uncle Daph’s cooking too!” Penelope pleaded softly.
“No,” Clarissa said firmly, sliding a plate of steamed vegetables and broccoli in front of her daughter.
Penelope had always been her carefully raised little vegetarian. To keep her slim, Clarissa strictly monitored every bite Penelope ate.
Daph came over, carrying a bowl of stir–fried cabbage and golden, crispy tofu.
“Penelope, this is for you,” he offered, setting it down gently.
Daph turned to Clarissa. “It’s entirely plant–based–not a trace of meat.”
Still suspicious, Clarissa picked up her fork and prodded through the cabbage and tofu, searching for hidden dangers.
“This cabbage is cooked in oil–not healthy. And the sauce on the tofu will just make you gain weight!” she scolded.
Quentin interjected, “Let Penelope have some, for heaven’s sake.”
He’d watched Clarissa feed Penelope nothing but steamed broccoli day after day. Even looking at it made Quentin feel queasy.
Reluctantly, Clarissa fetched a bowl of water and rinsed the cabbage and tofu several times before finally letting Penelope eat.
Nearby, several society ladies watched their own children sitting with Daph, eating heartily and laughing together. Sensing an opportunity, they hurried over to Selene, eager to get acquainted.
“Selene, here’s my card—my new vintage shop just opened downtown. Bring Daph by anytime. I’ll make sure you both get the VIP treatment.”
Another woman edged in with a warm smile. “Daph’s mother, you’re practically a celebrity these days! You must need jewelry for all those events. My family just got a shipment of flawless gemstones. Come by and take a look–I’ll waive all the design and setting fees for you.”
Selene collected a handful of business cards, soon surrounded by women asking her advice–how had she managed to raise a child like Daph, who ate so well and so happily?
A few feet away, Dames watched his classmates lined up, eating with such gusto.
feet away, Dames w
with such
Chapter 192
Suddenly, the spicy chips in his own hand tasted bland and unappealing.
But then he reminded himself–those were just dishes cooked by his broke uncle. No way was Dames impressed.
His fussy mom’s adoptive parents were both nobodies, and he had no interest in eating anything Luke Holloway made.
As for everyone else enjoying Luke’s food? Dames silently vowed to remember
ery single one of them–and never play with them again.
As Quentin passed by Selene, she called out to him.
Mrames, about OmniCore Technologies–you mentioned them before. After thinking it over, I’ve decided to accept their offer.”
Quentin’s face lit up. “Selene, you’re making the right choice! OmniCore Technologies is the place to be.”
Selene smiled calmly, as if confiding everything. “If I want a higher position and a better salary at OmniCore, I’ll need to prove myself. I need to show them I can handle real responsibility.”
Quentin nodded eagerly. “You could join my research group! I’d be happy to have
you
Selene shook her head, still smiling. “It’s been five years since I left academia. I’m not really cut out for the lab anymore.
As it happens, OmniCore is considering acquiring my father’s company. If I can take charge of that deal and pull it off, maybe they’d offer me the kind of position I
want.”
She brightened, eyes sparkling. “Mr. James, do you think you could put in a good word for me with OmniCore’s senior management? It would really help me take over the Thompson Victory Technologies acquisition.”
Selene lowered her gaze, a hint of vulnerability in her voice. “You know, my father and I were never close. And now, after the divorce… but I really want this chance at OmniCore..
She didn’t even finish before Quentin, swept up by her sincerity, agreed without hesitation. “Don’t worry, I’ll talk to the higher–ups at OmniCore. I’m sure you’ll get to lead the Thompson Victory acquisition.”
Now Selene was certain–Quentin wasn’t just a project consultant for OmniCore. In reality, he was deeply connected to the company’s top brass.
19:53
Спартет
For a university professor to be so involved in a tech giant’s acquisition plans, OmniCore must consider Quentin someone truly indispensable.
Chapter 193
