Chapter 22 Banquet
Stefanie glanced at the clock. “She should be back soon. Don’t worry; she wouldn’t let herself go hungry.”
Maryanne knew Maggie well and thought she should be almost home. “Indeed.”
“Miss, please sit and have your meal first,” Stefanie gently guided her toward the dining room.
In the opulent dining room, Maryanne walked over, took her seat, and her eyes fell upon the braised beef on the table. She remembered that Cristofer had also favored this dish.
Her hand, holding the fork, hesitated for a moment. Why did she keep thinking of that heartless man?
She took a deep breath. When would she finally be able to stop thinking about him?
Maryanne lowered her gaze, hér long eyelashes shielding the turmoil within her eyes.
She took a bite of the beef, its rich flavor delighting her taste buds.
Stefanie’s cooking was not only delicious but also nutritionally balanced. After Maryanne finished eating, Maggie returned.
Maggie rushed into the hall, her voice immediately filling the space. “Boss, I went to the police station. Mariana refuses to say anything, insisting she acted alone. She said she was disappointed she didn’t succeed in framing you.
0.00%
Chapter 22 Banquet
288 Nouchers
“Unbelievable. She’s quite something, trying to frame you and sounding so self–righteous!”
Maggie sat down opposite Maryanne, who seemed lost in thought.
Mariana must have a compelling reason.
“Boss, here’s Mariana’s information. She has a mother and a younger brother. The brother is suffering from kidney failure and is currently in the hospital.”
“Oh.” Maryanne took the file and quickly scanned it.
She closed the folder and asked, “Have you been to the hospital to check?”
“Yes, I have. They’ve found a kidney donor, and the funds have been raised. Someone deposited 200 thousand dollars into Mariana’s account a day ago.”
Maggie slammed her hand on the table. “Boss, there’s definitely something suspicious here.”
“Indeed. What a coincidence. On the day after I was framed, someone transferred that sum of money to her, while she chose to set me up.”
Maryanne’s gaze sharpened as she considered her options. “Maggie, continue the investigation tomorrow. Find out who gave her the money. If you can’t uncover the source, inform Mariana. If she refuses to reveal the mastermind, threaten her with her brother.”
Maryanne thought she wasn’t a woman known for her kindness. She treated others exactly as they treated her.
Maggie was practically vibrating with excitement. This was exactly the kind of life she thrived on. If Mariana could lie and frame Maryanne, why couldn’t they turn the tables?
27.69%
Chapter 22 Banquet
288 Vouchers
“Got it, Boss. I’ll handle this tomorrow. If talking it out doesn’t work, we’ll have to get tougher. I’ll track down that person. She might think her sharp tongue is a big deal, but we’ve got better tricks up our sleeve.”
A mischievous glint sparked in Maggie’s eyes as she smiled.
Maryanne smiled. Her spirits always lifted when she was with Maggie.
8:00 PM arrived.
Maggie escorted Maryanne to the Summerville Central Hotel.
By then, guests were already beginning to arrive.
Stepping into the magnificent lobby, Maggie suddenly felt a sharp pang of stomachache. Maryanne suggested she go to the restroom first while she waited in the lobby.
The event tonight promised to draw a thousand business leaders from across the nation, many of them luminaries in their fields.
Maryanne had already shortlisted five promising projects. Her presence here was largely a formality; Geovanni was handling the intricate details.
Just as Maryanne was scanning the room for a suitable spot to wait, her gaze snagged on Cristofer and Latoya.
They were impeccably dressed in a stunning, coordinated haute couture ensemble, moving in close proximity. The sight struck Maryanne like a physical blow, sending a sharp pang of pain through her chest. She instinctively dropped her eyes, her spine stiffening.
Latoya, in turn, was taken aback upon spotting Maryanne.
What right did Maryanne possibly have to be here? This was an
60.78%
Chapter 22 Banquet
288 Vouchers
exclusive gathering for distinguished entrepreneurs.
Her own presence was only due to her connection with Cristofer.
“Ms. Nielsen, I’m surprised to see you here. How did you manage to gain entry?” Latoya inquired, her voice laced with disbelief.
Chapter 23 You Simply Can’t Afford It
288 Vouchers
Chapter 23 You Simply Can’t Afford It
