Chapter 33
“Grandpa, she’s Dr. Sanders’ daughter, the sworn enemy of our Ramirez family!”
Hawley shot back, “You knew that, so why did you marry her? Now that you have, she gotta step up to the plate and fulfill her duties as a Ramirez family bride!”
“I plan to have kids, but there’s no way I’m letting Letitia be the one to carry them.”
“So what are you waiting for? I’m not getting any younger, and I just want to have a great-grandkid! Otherwise, by the time I kick the bucket, I won’t get to see any of ’em!”
Elgin replied indifferently, “Well, I could always bring them to your grave, give you a good look.”
“You damn brat! You’re gonna be the death of me!” Hawley banged his cane hard on the floor, fuming and glaring
before turning to leave.
“Ranen, see my grandpa out.”
“Yes, Mr. Ramirez.”
But Phedra just stood there, wringing her hands
“Haven’t you got legs?” Elgin raised an eyebrow, “Stop trying to snag a spot for your blockhead son at the Ramirez Group It’s not happening on my watch.”
“Hawley said we’d talk it out. Who knows, you might just say ‘yes’ down the road.”
Phedra knew all too well that Elgin was the big cheese in the Ramirez family these days, his word was law. She had to play the long game to get what she wanted; getting antsy wouldn’t help.
After all, she was Elgin’s stepmom, had married into the family and given them a son. Her position was rock solid.
She knew she could bide her time for all other matters, patiently plotting.
The one who triumphs last, enjoys the greatest victory.
“Elgin,” Phedra put on her best smile, “I saw in the news that you bought an emerald bracelet at a charity auction for a hefty sum…”
“Yes.”
“Why did you buy it?”
Elgin replied with a hint of irritation, “Felt like it, so I bought it.”
“It’s a lady’s piece, you can’t wear it.” Phedra noted, “Might as well give it to me!”
“You want it?”
An emerald bracelet, sure, he could understand Letitia being hung up about it since it was her mother’s. But why were Shela and Phedra so eager to get their hands on it?
Phedra nodded vigorously, “Yes! That emerald is top-notch. Maybe it could bring me luck, even ward off disasters!”
“You like it that much? Go buy one at the mall.”
“But the quality just isn’t the same, I really like that one.”
Elgin glanced at her, “Not gonna happen.”
The emerald bracelet in his possession… honestly, wasn’t much use to him, but he wanted to keep it. Because with it, Letitia would sooner or later come to him, begging him to give it back.
Elgin relished the thought of Letitia groveling, desperate and pitiful… But she was incredibly stubborn, she had only pleaded with him once during their entire wedding.
Phedra stormed out of the CEO’s office, fuming. She muttered to herself, “What’s you so smug about? What’s so great about you? You won’t be able to have kids anyway Ha, just wait until my son comes back, he’ll definitely take your
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place. Then it’ll be you, Elgin, begging me and my son!”
From a distance, Letitia saw Phedra coming and quickly turned away. But Phedra spotted her anyway, “Eh… Letitia, why are you avoiding me? Are you looking down on me?”
Concerned about attracting attention from colleagues, Letitia called out, “Phedra.”
“You sure have changed.” Phedra sniped, “Acting all high and mighty as Mrs. Ramirez.”
“If you don’t need anything. I’ve got work to do.”
“Hold on,” Phedra eyed her and then suddenly checked her wrist, “Don’t tell me Elgin gave the emerald bracelet to you…” Letitia was confused. “The emerald bracelet? To me?”
“That one Elgin bought at the charity auction, is it with you?” As she spoke, Phedra yanked up her sleeve, but Letitia’s
wrist was bare.
“What? You don’t have it?”
“Phedra, what do you want with that emerald bracelet?” Letitia snapped out of it and asked.
It was her mother’s, no business of Phedra’s
“I just love it! It caught my eye!” Phedra retorted gruffly, “The emerald is so sparky, its previous owners took great care of it. Never mind, no point explaining to you.”
Letitia suddenly smiled, “I know where the emerald bracelet is.”
“Where?”
“Elgin gave it to an internet celebrity” Letitia said, “She’s been flaunting it all over.”
Phedra jumped, “What? He gave it to some floozy?”
“Yeah, well, Elgin’s always been generous with his side chicks.” Letitia feigned a sigh, “You know how it is, Phedra, men having their fun is normal, especially for a rich and handsome guy like Elgin.”
“He wouldn’t give it to his family but to some mistress!”
Letitia added, “Phedra, you’re the elder, if you want the bracelet… just go take it back. What can that kind of woman do against you? That bracelet is a fine piece, you should have it.”
Phedra thought it made perfect sense, “Who is she? What’s her name, and where does she live?”
“Shela Ward.”
Phedra’s eyes lit up as she got the details, grinning as she left.
She pondered, “It was just an emerald bracelet. If I were to snatch it, what could that woman possibly do to me Would Elgin really pick a fight with me over some side chick?”
Watching Phedra’s retreating figure, Letitia smiled slightly. Better the emerald bracelet in Phedra’s hands than with Shela. Phedra genuinely liked it and would cherish it.
When the opportunity comes, she’d find a way to get it back!
Letitia mentally pumped herself up and turned around- “Ouch.” She bumped smack into a wall of muscle.
“Watch where you’re going.” Elgin’s voice rang out.
She frowned and complained, “It’s your fault for creeping up behind me, silent as a ghost!”
“You are blaming me?”
“Of course, I’m blam-uh, I mean, of course, I’m blaming myself.” Letitia managed to twist her words mid-sentence.
Because the saw that behind Elgin, there was a whole crew of at least a dozen people – Ranen, some secretaries. Samson, along with the company bigwigs…
Ramirez, after you.” Letitia stepped aside, “My bad for being in the way just now.”
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Elgin looked at her Moments ago, her eyes were twinkling with mischief, alight with vibrancy, as though she was a playful sprite. It was the kind of lively spark he had only witnessed in her when they first met.
Later… it was Elgin who personally snuffed out that spark of hers.
“Time for the meeting, Designer Sanders, Samson tilted his chin up a bit, “Ramirez Romantica’ meeting is one you can’t
miss.
“Sure thing, Mr. Stewart.”
“Got your designs all ready?”
Letitia nodded. “I’ve even put together a PowerPoint presentation.”
“Great, knock everyone’s socks off!” Samson said, “I’ve been hyping you up to these folks!”
“I won’t let you down, Mr. Stewart.” Letitia obediently replied and quietly made her way to the back.
Inside the meeting room, Elgin took the head seat while Letitia stood by, ready to unveil her designs.
