chapter248

As I crossed the lobby, I spotted a familiar figure in the crowd: Stella. Walking closely beside her was Liora. They were deep in conversation, laughing as they moved toward the elevators.

I couldn't help but wonder who they were visiting. As far as I knew, we didn't share any close friends who might be hospitalized. Judging by their body language, the two of them had become quite intimate recently.

I paused, deciding it was too risky to follow them myself. Instead, I pulled out my phone and called Grayson, instructing him to find out exactly who was being treated in that ward.

On the drive back, my mind was racing. Was Stella visiting Celine? If so, why would Liora be there? Did they have a prior connection? If a link existed between the Coles and Celine, it would explain a great deal—specifically why Celine had suddenly backed off from that critical plot of land near Operose. Had she made a backroom deal with Atticus?

When I walked back into the office, Carol was waiting for me with an update. "Ms. Chloe, a representative from the Tobshampton Group reached out. They want to discuss making us their regional agent."

I was surprised. I hadn't pursued Tobshampton since I reclaimed Tanum Corporation, mostly because I’d heard they had already settled on another agency months ago. However, they were an established, reputable brand with a loyal customer base; a partnership with them would be a massive win for our transition.

"I thought they’d already closed the door on new agents," I said, intrigued. "Set up a meeting. Let's see what they have to say."

Carol grinned and hopped on the phone. After a quick exchange, she looked up. "They’ve agreed to dinner tonight. Their representative is already in town."

For some reason—perhaps out of habit now—I asked, "Is the representative male or female?"

Carol burst into a cheerful laugh. "Ms. Chloe, I’ve noticed such a change in you since your vacation! You’re so much more lighthearted and entertaining. Honestly, working with you like this is better than getting a bonus!"

"Is that right? It sounds to me like I didn't give you a big enough New Year’s bonus, so now you're trying to flatter me into a raise," I teased.

She giggled. "Oh, please! Half the companies in this building are jealous of us. They can't believe how lively it is here, or that we actually got year-end bonuses after everything Tanum went through. Most of them just got a box of fruit and a 'thank you' note."

"Well, let's give them something real to cry about by the end of the year," I boasted, leaning back in my chair. "If I'm in a good enough mood, I might just buy this whole building."

Carol slapped the table, laughing until she was red in the face. "You always make your words come true! When you buy the building, I’ll be on top of the world."

I chuckled, feeling a genuine sense of satisfaction. "Hurry up and finalize the dinner. With my luck today, I feel like I'm about to hit the jackpot."

As Carol turned to leave, I called out, "Hey! You still haven't told me the representative's name!"

"It’s a woman," Carol said, peering at her notes. "Her name is Eleanor Wallist."

"Wait... who?" I froze, the name echoing in my head. "What did you say her name was?"

"Eleanor Wallist," Carol repeated.

I slammed my hand on the desk and burst into a fit of laughter. "This is going to be a piece of cake! I can't believe it. My luck this year is absolutely unbelievable."

Carol looked at me, bewildered. "Do... do you actually know her?"

"I met her just this morning," I said, a smirk playing on my lips. "Go ahead and confirm the meeting. We’re the hosts, so make sure the arrangements are top-tier. We’re going to treat her very well."

As Carol went to make the calls, I thought back to my brief encounter with Eleanor. She was savvy, sharp, and clearly didn't suffer fools—exactly the kind of woman I could work with.

I was still smiling when Grayson walked in. He had a sly, knowing grin on his face. "Ms. Chloe, I found out who’s in the hospital. Care to take a guess?"