The words lodged in his throat like a stone.
That project was the company’s most critical venture this past year-flagged as a top priority in all the annual reports. If it collapsed, the shareholders would have his head.
“But… Khloe is just a manager, isn’t she?” Angela couldn’t comprehend it. “How can a partner choose her over the company’s CEO?”
Angela simply couldn’t fathom it. Was Khloe really so indispensable that the entire corporation faltered without her?
“I have to get to the office.”
Without another word, Trey grabbed his coat and strode out
At that very moment, Khloe was settling into a plush seat aboard Oscar’s private jet.
As the new majority shareholder of Morrison Pharmaceuticals, she was en route to a prestigious international charity gala in a neighboring country.
The event’s guest list was notoriously exclusive-a who’s who of global magnates and Fortune 500 leaders. A true power summit.
In previous years, Niel and Clarice, along with their son Ethan, had always attended.
But with Khloe inheriting Niel entire stake, the invitation was formally addressed to her. In a fit of pique, Clarice had refused to go. Ethan, following his mother’s lead, had declined as well.
Their boycott was a very public snub, signaling that Khloe was an unwelcome outsider in the Morrison family.
This left her in a precarious position. For someone who needed to build her network and establish authority within Morrison Pharmaceuticals, it was a glaring vulnerability.
So Oscar had decided to escort her personally, determined to ensure she made a powerful entrance and silence the gossip about the “illegitimate daughter.”
By evening, the jet touched down at the gala’s host hotel.
The building soared like a palace of glass, so dazzling it was nicknamed the “Crystal Palace.”
“Dad, so this is Khloe?”
Awaiting them was a tall young man with a refined air. Silver-rimmed glasses framed delicate features, and his eyes held a gentle, intelligent warmth.
Khloe knew who he was from Oscar-her cousin, Michael Morrison, his only son and heir.
With Oscar retired, most of his business empire was now in Michael’s hands. His schedule was a relentless global tour, and he had flown back specifically to attend the gala for one reason: to lend Khloe his visible support. As Niel’s daughter, she couldn’t be left to stand alone.
Khloe’s first impression of him was immediately favorable. Over dinner, the two found an easy, natural rapport.
Unlike his father’s more blunt and hearty demeanor, Michael was meticulous and thoughtful-the kind of man whose quiet attention made you feel genuinely cared for.
Oscar clearly approved of his son’s polished manners. After the meal, he entrusted Khloe to Michael’s care and went off to mingle with old acquaintances.
Michael proved to be an impeccable guide. He patiently walked her through the gala’s agenda, the custom gown waiting for her, and even reviewed the draft of her speech, explaining every detail with precision. 1
His phone buzzed constantly with urgent work calls, but he would merely glance at the screen, silence it, and return his full focus to her.
“Thank you, Michael. I can manage from here. You should go handle your work.”
Khloe didn’t want to take up any more of Michael’s time. As soon as he escorted her to the hotel elevator, she spoke up. “Thank you, Michael. I can manage from here. You should go handle your work.”
Michael offered a warm smile. “Of course. If you need anything at all, just call me.”
“I will.” Khloe gave a small wave.
Just then, someone abruptly forced the elevator doors open A figure slipped inside and deliberately shouldered past Khloe with surprising force, nearly knocking her off balance in the spacious cabin.
“Winnie.”
Khloe had barely steadied herself when she recognized the woman in the Chanel-style tweed suit. Michael’s voice came from the hallway, sharp with recognition.
Winnie Olson’s long black curls cascaded down her back, her perfume so potent it seemed to stain the air. She cast a dismissive glance at Khloe before fixing her gaze on Michael. “Michael, new girlfriend?”
“Don’t be ridiculous. This is my cousin, Khloe.” Michael’s tone carried a clear note of displeasure, though he remained civil for Winnie’s sake.
“Khloe? Oh, you mean Niel’s… illegitimate daughter?”
Winnie tilted her head, her eyes narrowing as she scrutinized Khloe with newfound interest.
Khloe remained silent. She had no patience for spoiled heiresses-especially one who had intentionally rammed into her hard enough to leave a bruise.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.