Chapter 125
Melanie immediately stopped crying, her eyes fixed on the big folder.
*
Quentin sat down and said, “Lately, everyone has been talking about the marriage deal between them. The Preston family is gaining strength and just started this project for open bidding. We’re up against tough competitors.”
Quentin added, “If you get this project, I promise the GM job will be yours.” It was clear that the Jenkins Group was going down, barely holding on by trying to get close to the Thornton Group.
+15
Since Gwyneth was practically part of the Lopez family, having her work on this project meant the Thornton family might show her some respect.
Gwyneth thought, ‘Knowing full well Harrison would never help him, this was just his roundabout way of trying to get in good with the Lopez family. What a smart move.
After a long silence, Quentin was met with a scoff from Gwyneth. She said, “And what if I fail?”
Hearing this, Quentin’s face darkened–he was sure Gwyneth would succeed. “How could you fail?” he shot back. “The Thornton family would never dare ignore Harrison’s influence.”
Melanie cut him off quickly. “If Gwyneth doesn’t want the project, I’ll take it!”
She thought, ‘I’ve taken Dad’s slap and put up with my sister’s attitude. Now that I’m Adrian’s girl, maybe if I whisper to him, he might give me the bid.
“Enough!” Quentin slammed the folder down on the table, his anger flaring when he saw Melanie. “You can’t even handle your own stuff. How can I trust you to get this project?”
“Who knows?” Melanie said. “Nothing’s decided yet. Dad, how can you be so sure I won’t win?”
Melanie shot Gwyneth a fierce glare. “Let’s see who can get the project for the Jenkins Group. Winner gets the GM role. Deal?”
Gwyneth looked at her, catching the arrogance in Melanie’s look. She smirked and thought, ‘Melanie really dreams big. Adrian is just playing with her, and she doesn’t even realize it.
Gwyneth thought carefully, weighing her options. If she took the project, she’d have more time away from work, which would help her focus on writing music for Elowen.
She thought, ‘Many companies outshine the Jenkins Group in this bidding. The Thornton family are well–known and respected, so they’d probably make smart, fair choices. Plus, becoming GM isn’t my big goal.
After thinking it over, Gwyneth finally decided. “Fine,” she said,
Melanie quickly tugged on Quentin’s arm. “Dad, look. Even Sis said yes. Please let me join too!” she begged. Quentin impatiently shook her off.
As long as Gwyneth was willing to help the Jenkins Group, that was what mattered. Whether Melanie got the project or not didn’t really matter to him. He just needed her to stop messing around when it came to her personal life.
That night, Gwyneth worked on the tender proposal and also practiced music on her phone with Elowen. Elowen was called away, but when she came back, her voice shook as she asked, “Are you free tonight? I really need help.”
“What happened?” Gwyneth paused her typing.
Elowen begged, “Our orchestra has a hotel gig tonight, but our pianist had an accident and can’t play. We just got to Joracity and don’t know anyone here. Can you help us and fill in?”
“But I’m not that good at piano, Gwyneth hesitated. “I’m better at violin.”
Elowen, almost crying, kept begging, “It’s not a concert hall show–we just need to finish the job, not perfect. The penalty for not doing it is really high, and disappointing the crowd would hurt our reputation even more.”
Gwyneth looked at the deadline–there was still enough time. “Send me the address,” she said,
“Thanks! Drink’s on me tomorrow!” Elowen cheered happily, then sent her team to get ready and shared the setlist with Gwyneth.
Since Gwyneth didn’t have a piano at home, she found a quiet music studio nearby to practice. That evening, the hotel was busy with many guests and fancy cars outside. Elowen’s orchestra was famous, with international fans.
This was a last–minute show, and many important people from Joracity were there–artists and business leaders. After practicing, Gwyneth headed
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3:08 PM
Chapter 125
straight to the hotel and her eyes immediately locked onto two familiar people.
+15
Bella hugged Zachary’s arm happily. “I’ve always wanted to join Luna Orchestra. Can we go backstage after? If you meet the manager, could you ask him to help me?” Bella then saw Gwyneth walking past–dressed very simply.
She looked down at her own fancy violet dress and lifted her chin proudly. “It’s Luna Orchestra tonight–why are you dressed so plain? Can’t afford something nicer, or do you look down on this top orchestra?”
She then turned to Zachary with a fake, sweet smile. “Let me help her pick something better, then we can all go see the show. What do you think?”
Gwyneth stopped walking. She didn’t want to fight, but Bella just had to provoke her. Gwyneth raised an eyebrow, looking annoyed.
She said, “You’re here listening to music instead of getting married? Still haven’t gotten Victor’s blessing, huh? And, maybe you just aren’t talented enough to get into the orchestra.”
Her sharp words made Bella speechless. Zachary was about to defend her, but before he could say anything, Gwyneth looked straight at him.
She said, “If you want to defend her, save it. You won’t even give Bella a real title, so don’t bother here. You’re just embarrassing your family.”
Zachary was stunned. He didn’t expect Gwyneth to be this sharp–tongued.
He took a deep breath, worried that her plain clothes might make her a target for teasing once inside.
He was about to suggest she change into something nicer when Elowen jumped on Gwyneth from behind.
Elowen said, ‘Girl, I’ve been waiting forever. Come on in–today, you get the best seat!‘
Gwyneth wobbled a little, then turned to see Elowen smiling happily. Gwyneth hugged her back, letting herself be pulled inside, leaving Zachary forgotten.
was just a nobody, Bella gritted her teeth and muttered, “Best seat? With those cheap
Bella saw that Elowen was also dressed simply. Thinking she was clothes, Gwyneth thinks she deserves to sit in the front?”
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