She Quit Her Family and Found Herself novel Chapter 135

Inside the executive office at Trident Corporation.

"Mr. Sterling, I've forwarded all the credentials and the formal invitation to H&J," the employee reported.

She worked at one of Trident's tech subsidiaries and was the 'friend' Sylvie had mentioned. In reality, she barely knew Sylvie; she had only reached out under Caspian's direct orders.

"Good," Caspian murmured, his long, elegant fingers tapping a slow rhythm against the mahogany desk.

Once the employee left, Dylan finally voiced his confusion. "Boss, why did you help H&J get into the conference? Doesn't that just guarantee that loser is going to run into Ms. Atherton?"

"That's exactly the point." The tapping stopped. Caspian's lips curved into a dark, calculated smile. "If he doesn't see her in her element, how is he ever going to realize what a total failure he is? How else will he learn he's completely unworthy of her?"

Dylan's eyes widened in realization.

This was psychological warfare!

"But... Boss, aren't you worried this will backfire? What if he realizes how amazing she is and refuses to let her go?"

Ms. Atherton was gorgeous, and even though they were divorced, they still had seven years of history.

Caspian let out a cold, derisive laugh. "That would require Hulda to actually give him the time of day."

...

With only one day left until the conference, Brandon Lowe made a point to remind Hulda that morning to dress up for the occasion.

While it was an academic tech conference, it was also her highly anticipated public debut as the new director of the research and development center. She couldn't show up looking too casual.

Hulda completely agreed. First impressions mattered, and she refused to embarrass the institute, her mentor, or Brandon.

However, her usual wardrobe consisted of comfortable, casual clothes. The few elegant pieces she owned for formal occasions had all been left behind at Herbert's house when she moved out. Her current closet had nothing suitable for a major press conference.

"I'm so sorry, ma'am. This outfit has already been reserved by another client. It was just flown in this morning, and the client should be arriving any minute," the associate handling the display explained apologetically.

Hulda nodded in understanding. If it was already spoken for, she'd have to choose something else.

Her lunch break was ticking away, and she had back-to-back meetings all afternoon. Without the luxury of time, she ultimately picked one of the standard outfits the associate had originally pulled.

She was just walking up to the register to pay when she practically collided with Sylvie.

Of all the times to go shopping, Hulda hadn't expected to run into Sylvie, who was accompanied by Cora Jewell.

Clearly, Sylvie was just as surprised. Her eyes darkened for a split second before she plastered on a radiant smile. "Oh, Hulda! Are you out shopping?"

Pressed for time and having zero desire to engage, Hulda offered a curt nod.

Sylvie didn't miss a beat. "I'm here to pick up a dress. Mr. Jewell is taking me to a major event, and since I didn't have anything appropriate, he custom-ordered something for me."