Chapter 36 Never cease to amaze him.
RENEE
His response cut me off.
I watched as he sat stoically on the opposite side of the car, his face an impassive mask, seemingly unaffected by his mother’s distressing episode at the sanatorium.
My curiosity was usually contained, but Jessica was an exception.
In my middle school days, fraught with confusion and helplessness, watching Jessica on TV,learning about her success story, she had come from nothing and made a name for herself, that had encouraged me to pursue my dreams.
Sitting up straight, I asserted, “Mr. King, as your lawful wife, I have a right to understand the situation with my mother–in–law.”
Marcelo turned towards me, noting my serious tone. He rolled down the window, letting in a gust of wind.
“Renee, remember, curiosity kills the cat.”
“Fine,” I muttered, my voice low. “But remember, your mother told you not to pick on me. I might just tell her about this next time.”
“Go ahead,” he said suddenly.
“What?“I was taken aback, not following his train of thought.
Marcelo, maintaining his aloof demeanor, acted as though he hadn’t spoken.
Ignoring his sullen expression, I pressed on with my question. “She looked fine at the family meeting the other day.I thought she stays at the family house.”
Now I could understand why Jessica was quiet no matter how heated the argument got.
“I had only managed to get her out of that house few days ago.She’s safer in the sanatorium And like I told you before.She’s not fine She’s unstable.“Marcelo replied, resting his chin on his hand and looking at me with a relaxed gaze.
“Why don’t you bring your mother home with us?We could take care of her.“I probed, my voice soft yet firm. It was clear that Marcelo, though distant, held a certain respect for Jessica.
Surely, for Jessica living with her son would be preferable to being confined in a sanatorium.
Suddenly, Marcelo reached out, his hand grasping my chin, examining me as if he was suddenly interested in me.
I met his gaze with a mixture of surprise and calm, waiting for what he would do next.
“MARCELO
Renee’s eyes, though clear and bright, bore no trace of the same innocence that my mother’s eyes held even during her lucid episodes.
I was taken aback by Renee’s unwavering integrity and unique nature. How had the Hudson family raised such an Intriguing Individual?
My mother, in her lucid moments, had often told me about Renee’s intelligence, resilience, and kindness. She
Спартет 36 Never tease to are hun
believed Renee shared some traits with me.
Despite my Intelligence, I couldn’t fathom Renee’s capacity for gentleness after all she’d endured.
I assumed everyone would become as calculating as me.
“Renee you’re quite astute. Care to venture a guess?” My smile faded.
“You’re the clever one, not me.” Renee deflected with a compliment.
The visit to my mother faded into the background as I refrained from mentioning her again.
I didn’t want to talk about my past with Rence.
They were all too painful to recall.
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*RENEE*
I really wanted Marcelo to talk to me.I wanted to know mon about Jessica’s condition but he won’t talk about it and I know that I can’t possibly force him to..
Sometimes, I wondered if my encounter with Jessica had been nothing but a dream.
The final interview for KM Group’s collaborative stylist was approaching.I was among the five finalists.
The interview involved pairing each candidate with a staff member of varying styles to showcase their stylistic abilities.My partner was a modest girl with a notable collarbone and figure.
I opted for high–waisted leather pants and vibrant suspenders to accentuate the girl’s physique. A slicked–back hairstyle and earth–toned makeup added a cool, edgy look. Despite the girl’s average height, her presence was undeniably strong, leaving a lasting impression.
A great stylist, I knew, must highlight the model’s uniqueness and capture the audience’s attention in this data- driven, materialistic world.
On the thirty–eighth floor,Luke approached Marcelo in the elevator. “There’s a merger summit this morning, and your wife’s interview is at the same time. Should I reschedule the meeting?” Marcelo shot Luke a look that silently questioned, “Do I really need to attend her interview? How is it possible that her interview is more critical than the meeting?”
Luke, understanding the priority, promptly responded, “I’ll inform the merger and acquisition team to start the meeting in ten minutes.”
The interview was swiftly conducted, with ten judges scoring five candidates. After discarding the highest and lowest scores, the averages were quickly calculated.
Renée’s name appeared at the top of the big screen. She ranked first.
Her confidence in her work was well–founded.
The panel began their commentary on each entry, culminating in the announcement, “Congratulations to our first -place winner, Renee Hudson…”
But the celebration was abruptly interrupted.
The clack of high heels echoed through the room, and the door burst open.
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Chapter 36 Never cease to amire him
KM Group’s staff, failing to stop Catherine, apologized profusely, “I’m terribly sorry. Miss Hudson insisted it was urgent…”
Renee’s brow furrowed as Catherine made her unexpected intrance.
Catherine, upon confirming Renee’s top placement, fixed her with a disdainful smirk.
She then addressed the head of the panel.
“Mr. Glenn, I’ve agreed to your offer to endorse STAR. I’ll even reduce my fe by three million dollars, on one condition…” Her gaze shifted pointedly to Renee. “Renee Hudson must not be your collaborative stylist.”
Jack Glenn, the brand department head, hesitated as he weighed Catherine’s offer against Renee’s talent. The prospect of securing an endorsement at a reduced fe clearly intrigued him, and the idea of ousting one stylist for potentially greater company benefits seemed a worthy gamble.
He whispered briefly to the styling director before a revised announcement was made.
“After comprehensive consideration, we announce Alicia Miguel as the selected stylist,” the director stated, offering Renee an apologetic glance. “Thank you to the other four stylists for participating.”
Alicia, who initially ranked second, was ecstatic at her unexpected victory.
Renee, in stark contrast, was stunned. The abrupt change, particularly after Catherine’s entrance, felt both shocking and somehow anticipated.
Catherine would go to such lengths to obstruct her was unexpected.
“I’m really sorry, Renee,but this is the punishment you deserve, “Catherine said, masking her triumph with feigned sympathy. “Mr. Glenn, shall we proceed with signing the contract today?”
Jack eagerness was palpable as he directed Catherine.Please, this way, Miss Hudson.”
The other candidates dispersed, leaving Renee with the styling director who conveyed her regrets. “Catherine is the Hudson family heiress, and her concessions were compelling. It’s hard to overlook such influence, and Alicia does have her own connections.”
“I understand,” Renee acknowledged quietly, her disappointment evident. “Thank you. I will be cautious and make sure not to implicate you in any subsequent events.”
The styling director looked puzzled at Renee’s parting words, but she had already left the room. Waiting for the elevator, Renee glanced at a recording on her phone, a sardonic smile on her lips. “Renee!”
The ding of the elevator arriving coincided with a woman’s voice calling from behind. The newcomer, donning a stylish black dress and high–heeled boots, her hair fashionably short, approached Renee.
“We didn’t get to properly greet each other,” Alicia said, her smile brimming with triumph. “It’s been a while, Renee! Sorry to learn that you’re not the real heiress of the Hudson family.”
“Alicia, does it feel good to win through connections? “Renee retorted with a measured smile.
Alicia, who was Renee’s senior in school, had always been overshadowed by Renee’s success. Since Renee’s arrival at school, Alicia days of being the top student had ended.
Alicia’s face flushed with mixed emotions. “What if I used connections? You benefitted from the Hudson name too. Who’s to say your achievements weren’t orchestrated by your family, especially now that you’ve been ousted by the KM Group after the true Hudson had exerted her influence?
Alicia emphasized the word “true” to provoke Renee.
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Chapter 36 Never cease to amore him
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Inside the elevator, Rence briefly considered confronting Marcelo, but decided against it. She pressed the button for the first floor, choosing to leave.
The meeting room at KM Group was tense. Marcelo had spent two hours scolding the executives for a range of issues, from poor merger strategies to lackluster PowerPoint presentations. The atmosphere was so charged that nobody dared to break the silence, even during the break.
An executive, returning from a brief exit, spoke to Lake. “Mr. King in a bad mood today? His aggression seemed excessive.”
Luke, understanding the real reason for Marcelo’s irritation but unable to divulge It, replied vaguely, “Perhaps Mr. King didn’t want to have the meeting today. Let’s hope ends soOIL.”
To everyone’s surprise, Marcelo abruptly concluded the meeting before the break was over, dismissing the executives‘ plans as unworthy of further discussion.
As Luke followed Marcelo, carrying documents, Marcelo instructed, “After the interview, bring Renee to me.” Luke wondered why Marcelo hadn’t simply adjusted the meeting timing earlier.
“What reason should I give for bringing Mrs. King?” Luke asked, considering the possibility of Renee not winning.
Marcelo’s sharp glance made Luke quickly correct himself Of course, Mrs. King’s talent is exceptional. She will undoubtedly be the first. I’ll arrange for the interview team to bring our new collaborative stylist to you.”
Marcelo’s features relaxed marginally. “If she doesn’t secure first place, it’ll just confirm that her accolades were unearned.”
Luke, sensing the mood, kept his gaze on the floor, choosing to remain silent.
Renee’s academic achievements were impressive: an accelerated admission to the nation’s top university and a flurry of prestigious awards during her studies. But the competition for KM Group’s stylist selection was fierce, with each finalist boasting an impressive resume.
Two days earlier, Luke had discreetly checked with the interview team and was reassured by Renee’s standout skills. Still, an inexplicable unease gnawed at him.
Half an hour later, Luke, holding the interview results, was stunned.
Alicia Miguel?
This was unexpected. He had been certain it would be Renée. A sense of foreboding settled over him.
That same day, Renee came across Catherine’s recent Twitter post boasting, “Got STAR’s endorsement. So happy!
Catherine’s agency had strategically boosted the post to ensure it trended, garnering a flood of congratulatory messages from her fans, all praising her exceptional talent and bright future with KM Group.
Amidst the digital adulation, Rene’s phone rang. It was Catherine, her voice dripping with venom.
‘Renee, don’t pretend you don’t know what you did at the Kings‘ house! Today’s just a taste of what’s to come. As long as I’m around, you won’t have a moment’s peace, you lowly thief!”
“Is that so?” Renee retorted with a chuckle, unfazed. “We’ll see about that.”
Some indeed fall as hard as they rise.
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Chapter 36 Never cease to amire him
As the day transitioned to evening, Marcelo returned home
Upon entering, he found Renee lying on the carpet before the French windows, her knees drawn up, gazing out at the sky painted in shades of gold and red. Her long shadow and solitary silhouette lent her an air of desolation.
Was this quiet introspection due to her recent disappointment?
Marcelo’s thoughts turned. Perhaps it was time Rence received the recognition she deserved.
Why not establish a company for her, positioning her as a permanent collaborator with KM Group?
“You’re back!“Renee’s voice pulled Marcelo from his thoughts. She rose swiftly to her feet, her demeanor bright.” Perfect timing. I need to discuss something with you, Mr. King.”
Marcelo arched an eyebrow, intrigued.
Renee’s face showed none of the sorrow he’d expected. Instead, she wore a confident, almost sly smile, as if she hadn’t suffered a major loss today.
This woman never ceases to amaze him.
