The Transactional Marriage That Imploded novel Chapter 44

Cillian said, "Everything is set up at the branch office. You can head over as soon as you finish the Progenix project."

Bianca hesitated for a moment before asking, "Can someone else handle the handover for this project? I... I really can't stand those two."

Bianca had always been deeply committed to her work, but Mathis and his mistress had sickened her so much that she didn't even want to finish the project.

Cillian hesitated. "The Progenix project ties directly into your patents. If you don't take the lead, we won't have enough leverage over the board, and that'll hurt your chances of taking over as head of the Southern Division."

Bianca let out a heavy sigh. "Alright, I understand. I'll put in the overtime and get it done ASAP."

Cillian checked his work notes and said, "Once I'm done with my tasks tonight, I'll come help you work overtime. With me pitching in, we should shave at least a week off the timeline."

Bianca felt as if she had just seen a ray of light and smiled. "Cillian, thank you!"

Cillian smirked. "It's nothing."

Once she arrived at Progenix Tech, Bianca stopped stressing over having to see the Quinn family on Friday. She held a brief meeting with her team and buried herself in her work.

Thankfully, Mathis stayed quietly in Cynthia's office without pulling any stunts.

During her lunch break, just as Bianca was about to head to the cafeteria, she received a call from an unknown number. She picked it up.

"Hello?"

"Bianca, it's Harriet. I have something I'd like to talk to you about." Harriet's affectionate voice came through. "You can't just block everyone in the Jagger family just because you're fighting with Mathis."

Bianca replied smoothly, "Harriet, I don't have any sentimental ties to the Jagger family. I just don't want to work as their glorified nanny anymore."

Harriet chuckled. "What nonsense are you spouting, child? You are Mathis's wife, the lady of the Jagger family. I know Mathis is forcing you to go to the Quinns'. Come down, I'll stand up for you."

The two brothers didn't understand why the old lady had summoned this woman whom Mathis clearly didn't care about. They didn't even bother to hide the disdain on their faces.

Harriet, however, politely guided Bianca to her seat. The waiters brought out an array of sweet, southern-style dishes.

Harriet spoke with a kind and gentle expression, "Bianca, I know you have a sweet tooth, so I specifically asked the owner to bring in a southern chef. Try it, see if you like it."

To an outsider, she would look like the perfect, caring grandmother-in-law.

But Bianca knew perfectly well that beneath Harriet's polite mask lay pure calculation. The Jagger family was a place that chewed people up and spat them out.

Bianca didn't pick up her silverware. She had always known that meals with the Jaggers came with strings attached.

She said politely, "Harriet, just tell me what's on your mind."