Chapter 35
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Jonathan was around forty, with a gentle, refined face that bore a strong resemblance to Charlotte’s. Beside him sat his wife Evelyn Rivers, along with their son Lucas Rivers and daughter Nora Rivers.
“Charlotte, where’s William?” Jonathan took a sip of water, noticing only Charlotte in the house
“William and Ryan went fishing.” Charlotte sat in the center seat and looked at him with mild curiosity. “Why? Do you need something from William?”
Jonathan rubbed his hands together, a little nervous. “Charlotte, we came today to ask William for a favor. Since he’s not here, could you hear me out first? If you think there’s a chance, I’ll bring it up with William.”
Charlotte nodded, signaling him to continue.
onathan said earnestly, “Here’s the thing. Rivers Group has been looking to pivot into some new business opportunities. I heard the Mitchell Group’s tech park project in the South End is massive and has great potential.
Our company’s qualifications and technology are solid. We’ve done a few smaller projects like it, so we have some experience.
I wanted to ask William if he could give us a chance. Maybe let us get in on the preliminary discussions. or pass our naterials along to the project lead.
We’ll make sure to come up with the best possible proposal. We definitely won’t embarrass William.”
onathan’s palms grew sweaty as he met Charlotte’s calm gaze. Coming to ask William for this favor made him feel guilty a f he were taking advantage of family ties.
Charlotte pressed her lips together. “Jonathan, I usually don’t get involved in business matters. William and Andrew handle ill that. The Mitchell Group’s bidding process is very standardized. There’s a strict system for selecting partners.
I can recommend your company to the project lead. But whether you make it in the end depends on your company’s capabilities, your pricing, and whether your proposal meets the Mitchell Group’s requirements. That’s something no ne can influence.”
Charlotte put it politely, but her meaning was clear. She could make an introduction, but pulling strings was out of question. Still, she knew the Rivers Group’s situation. If they got this opportunity, they would be able to make gost
Besides, over the years, the Rivers Group had grown from a small business to a mid to large enterprise, and Willamy tra helped along the way. If the Rivers Group didn’t have the ability. William wouldn’t have kept offering support, even for Charlotte’s sake.
Jonathan quickly nodded Funderstand just getting a recommendation is already more than could ask us. We’ll make sure to put together the best proposal
Evelyn’s smile was slightly stramed She thought. They re siblings. I can’t believe Charlotic condehytoven make a promise
Though she felt a bit annoyed, she kept a smile on her face Of Coupe Well kr our work speak for uselt. Weid never put you or William in a difficult position
Charlotte’s gaze shifted to Lucas, who was sitting nearby. Lucas you’re staring your junior year to the Fall, right?”
“Yes, Aunt Charlotte Lucas responded politely
Lucas took after his father Jonathan with the sans
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timed teatures handsome Tack and calin composed temperament
Chapter 35
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Compared to others his age. Lucas seemed more reserved and steady. Dressed simply in a light–colored shirt and casual pants, he didn’t stand out, yet carried a quiet, grounded presence.
Charlotte looked at her nephew with a smile. “Junior year. Your course load should be a bit lighter now, right?”
“It’s manageable. Mostly core major courses and preparing my thesis direction.” Lucas answered properly.
“Good.” Charlotte nodded, as if casually mentioning something. “What are your plans for the summer vacation? If you dor have anything lined up, how about coming to Mitchell Group for an internship?
“We’re all family. No need to be so formal,” Charlotte smiled. “I’ll let Andrew know and have him arrange a suitable pourioa for you!
When Jonathan’s family saw Natalie coming in behind them they froze Natalie was idland stender, dis sed m a simple of white athletic outfit Her hau was pulled back into a bow pony rail with a tow losar droids brushing against het smooth
forehead
She was strikingly beautiful her teatges del are and her som troless What drew the most mengasiwas her yves They
svrhe Tiang mom without a were clear yet carried an unapproachable alone as her caling are swiptover the shareh
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Chapter 35
ripple of emotion.
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Natalie had a very unique presence. She seemed close in age to Nora, yet carried a stillness far beyond her years and an indescribable chill.
She stood quietly by the entrance, not speaking or making any unnecessary moves, yet she was impossible to ignore.
Evelyn and her children were still wondering who Natalie was, but Jonathan had already caught on. As he stared at the face that bore such a strong resemblance to Charlotte in her youth, his fingers trembled slightly.
Jonathan swallowed hard. “Charlotte, is she…”
Charlotte watched Jonathan’s mix of excitement and disbelief, and tears welled up in her eyes. “Yes, Jonathan. You guessed right. This is my daughter.”
Dex Morgan works to elevate each story with clean writing, emotional balance, and thoughtful flow for readers.

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