Selene opened her arms toward Altair. “Little Star, our futures are in our own hands. I won’t make the same mistakes again–and I won’t let you down.”
Altair hesitated, hanging back for a moment. Uncertainty flickered in his eyes, but longing and affection quickly drowned it out. With a sudden rush, he dove into Selene’s embrace, his slender arms winding around her neck.
He didn’t want Selene to be his mother.
He wanted her to be free.
Selene turned to Leo, her voice gentle. “And I won’t let you down either, Father. I know how much you care.”
Those who truly love you can’t stand to see you hurt, not even a little. They would rather stifle their own feelings than see you bound, choosing instead to let you soar–untethered, like the wind. To them, your happiness, your brilliance, is enough. Hand in hand, Selene and Altair returned to the dining room.
Seeing Altair finally willing to sit at the table, Daph smiled and heaped food onto his plate herself.
After dinner, Leo looked at Selene. “Do you remember our wager? You’ve got less than three weeks left.”
He fixed her with a thoughtful gaze. “When are you planning to make your move on Thompson Victory Technologies?”
Selene’s lips curled into a calm smile as she considered. “Hmm… Give it another
week or two.”
Leo studied her, his eyes quietly intense. He could see Selene wasn’t bluffing–she had a plan, and from the confidence in her expression, it was as if Thompson Victory Technologies was already in her grasp.
Yet the animosity between her and Victor Thompson was no secret; “hostile” barely began to describe it. There was no way Victor would hand his company over willingly.
“You’re certain you can take full control of Thompson Victory Technologies in two weeks?”
Before Selene could answer, her phone buzzed.
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She glanced at the caller ID and turned the screen so Leo could see. Quentin was calling.
Selene picked up and hit speakerphone.
Quentin’s excited voice filled the room. “Selene, where are you right now? I have some great news!”
“I’m at Father Vaughn’s house,” Selene replied, her tone light. “Mr. James, is this something you need to tell me in person?”
As soon as Quentin realized she was with Leo Vaughn, any ulterior motives he had vanished. He’d been hoping to get Selene alone.
“Oh, you’re with Academician Vaughn,” Quentin said, unable to hide his disappointment.
He’d certainly thought about cozying up to Leo. If Leo let him anywhere near a classified project, even a token involvement would bring Quentin heaps of academic glory. He’d tried to curry favor with the Vaughn family before, but Leo had seen straight through him. Ever since, Quentin had avoided Leo like a moth flees the light, desperate not to let the rest of the family notice Leo’s distaste for
him.
“Anyway, I wanted to share some good news,” Quentin pressed on. “I’ve already spoken to the higher–ups at OmniCore Technologies. They called your father, and he agreed–you’re now the lead on the acquisition project!”
Selene shot a sly glance at Leo, her lips curving upward.
Quentin rambled on enthusiastically, “Selene, you have to seize this opportunity! Your family’s acquisition is almost wrapped up. You might not have much experience, but taking over now shouldn’t be difficult. If you pull off this deal, you’ll join OmniCore Technologies with proven results–your position there will be anything but lowly!”
Selene replied, “Thank you, Mr. James. I owe you for this.”
Quentin was clearly pleased with himself, swelling with pride at her praise. “It was nothing, really! No need to thank me for such a small favor.”
Leo’s gaze grew thoughtful. With the handover happening at the very end of the acquisition, OmniCore Technologies clearly believed Selene could bring them even more value once she was on their team.
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