Chapter 50
If Marcus’s company actually went bankrupt because of a personal vendetta, the fallout would severely damage Noelle, who had just taken the reins.
He absolutely would not allow that to happen. Noelle needed time to grow, but she also needed to be constrained by professional boundaries. Dexter knocked on the door. “Mr. Sanders, Ms. Lawrence is here.”
“Send her in,” Finnian said, setting the files down.
Noelle walked in, dressed in a bright blue skirt suit, her makeup flawless. But beneath her delicate, slightly fragile features lay a tense, aggrieved look.
Like a child who had been caught misbehaving, she didn’t dare take a seat casually as she usually did. Instead, she stood ramrod straight, waiting for him to speak.
Finnian’s gaze swept over her face. His voice gave nothing away. “Do you have anything to say about Marcus Vance’s project?”
Noelle pressed her red lips together. “Risk Control and the Investment Department did a secondary due diligence and evaluation.”
“And the result?”
Noelle shot a quick glance at his face, softening her tone. “The project isn’t entirely without merit. Stalling it without solid grounds isn’t justifiable. We are currently looking for a compromise–a solution that saves face but still looks professional.”
Finnian listened in silence. After a long pause, he looked up, his deep eyes locking onto Noelle. Then, he sighed. “If the reassessment shows it has potential, then approve it. Have the Investment Department finalize the terms immediately. You can be strict, but be reasonable. Don’t leave
Chapter 50
any room for people to poke holes in it.”
The color drained slightly from Noelle’s pretty face.
She heard Finnian’s underlying message perfectly.
This ends here. Play by the rules, and don’t create any more complications.
“Yes, I understand,” Noelle said, lowering her eyes and twisting her fingers. “I’ll have the Investment Department follow up.”
11
“Good,” Finnian replied. His dark eyes caught her anxious fidgeting, and his tone softened a fraction. “Noelle, you just took over Aethelstan, and you were essentially parachuted in. There are people who still don’t respect you. Moving forward, you need to be much more rigorous with protocol and ensure your decisions are bulletproof.”
Noelle’s eyes inexplicably welled up with tears. She nodded, playing the part of the obedient, understanding girl perfectly. “Yes, Finnian, I understand. I’ll be careful.”
Only then did Noelle seem to let her guard down, sinking into a chair with a soft pout. “I just got out of a meeting. I talked so much I’m parched.”
Finnian turned, picked up a cup of warm tea from the coffee table, and set it in front of her. “I just want to guide you on how to handle the business. I’m not reprimanding you.”
Noelle cupped the mug with both hands, a small smile playing on her lips. “I know. You’re Finnian Sanders, the head of the Sanders family and my absolute rock. You’re never wrong.”
Finnian offered a faint smile. “You always know exactly what to say.”
Noelle took a small sip of tea. “I really miss the days when I didn’t have to know better. Back then, whatever I wanted to say or do, I just did it on a whim. Growing up isn’t fun at all.”
Finnian lowered his gaze to the documents on his desk. “No, growing up
I in
Chapter 50
really isn’t fun.”
Noelle stole a glance at his strikingly handsome profile and set her teacup down. “Alright, I’ve got work to do. I should get going.”
Finnian suddenly asked, “Do you have plans tonight?”
Noelle stopped in her tracks. “Why?”
“It’s Julian’s birthday. He invited us. Did you forget?”
Noelle lightly smacked her forehead. “Oh no, look at me! I completely forgot something so important. This is bad–I haven’t even bought him a gift yet. What am I going to do?”
Hearing this, Finnian turned and opened his drawer. “I figured you’d be too busy and forget. Here’s a fountain pen, still in its original packaging. Give him this.”
“Finnian, you think of everything. It’s so good having you around. I just want to rely on you forever.” Noelle reached out to take it, smiling brightly. “Is Kaia coming with us?”
Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.

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