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Kieran had all the makings of a perfect partner, which made Linda nearly jump out of the car in protest.
“No way! What if Mr. Gibson really falls for that bitch? Then we’ll lose a friend and add an enemy!”
Ruby just chuckled, unconcerned. She lightly tapped her daughter’s head and said, “Silly girl. With Wynn shining like a gem, how could Mr. Gibson really fall for Celeste?”
Over the years, she had seen firsthand just how irresistible Wynn was to men.
Wynn said nothing.
She wasn’t about to comment on whether Patricia’s strategy would work–but like Ruby, she was confident Kieran wouldn’t be swayed by Celeste.
She knew exactly how deeply Kieran loved her. She had absolute confidence in that. 4
Lilian, though silent, shared the same view that Kieran wouldn’t truly fall for Celeste.
With that point firmly settled, she finally said, “Because of the missed opportunity with YodaVision, Wynn has lost so much in recent months. Meanwhile, Celeste used that very opportunity to launch herself–and now, she’s clearly on the rise.
“If we let her keep going and allow her to stay with Matthias, she really might carve out a name for herself in the AI industry. 2
“So, disrupting her relationship with Matthias and reclaiming the connections with Matthias and Zachary that Wynn lost is something we must do now. 3
“Otherwise, we may lose even more in the future!”
That hit home.
Recalling how Celeste had cost them a 300–million–dollar breach of contract, and then seeing her bask in glory these past few weeks because of the paper she released, Linda burned with jealousy and resentment.
After hearing Lilian’s analysis, she no longer objected.
Instead, she eagerly asked, “Then what do we do? Mr. Gibson is so into Wynn, he definitely won’t go along with it, right?”
Balancing Wynn’s image and getting Kieran to play along would take some careful maneuvering. But it was not impossible. (1
Celeste, Matthias, and Kieran returned to YodaVision’s office building after lunch.
When the elevator reached their floor and the doors slid open, they stepped out. Just as they were about to head for the entrance, they saw a tall, well–built figure standing by the front desk.
As if hearing their footsteps, the man turned around.
Celeste halted in her tracks.
She had already explained her situation with Caleb to Matthias during the car ride back. 2
Matthias, ever the gossip fiend, had been gleefully soaking it all in. 1
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Now seeing the other party involved waiting at their company lobby, he let out a delighted “Wow” and raised an eyebrow, utterly entertained.
Kieran had never met Caleb before, but the moment he saw him, he instantly figured out who he was.
There was no denying it–Caleb was handsome. In fact, his looks were just as superior as his name suggested.
Kieran’s expression darkened noticeably.
Caleb turned back, caught sight of Celeste and Matthias, and said, “You’re back.”
Celeste truly didn’t expect him to show up at her workplace She pressed her lips together. “You-”
“Guessed you might be here, so I came over.”
He looked straight at her, then added politely to Matthias, Mr. Yoder, long time no see.”
Matthias grinned and shook hands with him. “Long time indeed. This must be your first visit to YodaVision, right? Since you’re here, why not come in for a little tour?”
“Sure,” Caleb replied with a smile–casting another glance at Celeste, but also catching the icy stare from Kieran nearby.
Though they had never met, Caleb could immediately sense Kieran’s hostility.
The way Kieran stood close to Celeste, his posture and expression practically screamed possessiveness- displeased by Caleb’s appearance and protective over Celeste.
Caleb immediately understood.
He paused, then looked over at Kieran and asked, “This is…”
Matthias wanted Celeste to introduce them. But she said nothing.
So, he had no choice but to speak up. “This is Kieran Gibson, an engineer here at YodaVision.”