Chapter 229: Chapter 229: Illicit Affair, How Could It Compare to Her

On the way to Radiant Group’s headquarters, Cecilia sat upright in the front passenger seat of Wyatt’s Passat, rolling down the window to get some fresh air.

The northern wind howled from all directions, its chill brushing across her face, finally calming Cecilia’s restless heart.

There was a tough battle to fight today, and she couldn’t afford the slightest carelessness!

...

At the same time, Radiant Group.

Fiona pushed open the meeting room door, and when she saw the scene inside, her delicate eyes immediately narrowed.

Aside from the main seat at the very front, several seats along both sides were also unexpectedly empty!

The main seat at the front naturally belonged to Gregory Vaughn, Chairman of Radiant Group, but in his absence, Fiona was to take it as his substitute.

But what about the seats beside it?

Could it be that they just happened to have some matters to attend to as well?

...

Fiona glanced down at the Patek Philippe watch Tyson Law had given her, her beautiful brows suddenly furrowing.

It was almost time for the meeting to officially begin. How could these key figures not show up without even a word?

This was just too baffling!

Her mind was a bit of a whirlwind, but she had to forcibly steady herself and swiftly took the main seat, with Florence Warner following right behind her, openly grabbing herself a chair.

It was her first time attending a meeting of this magnitude in person, and deep down Fiona was somewhat nervous, but she knew taking over Radiant Group meant she had to show a commanding presence.

She stood up gracefully, the corners of her lips curving into a polite smile.

"Hello, fellow shareholders. Today my father, Gregory Vaughn, is absent due to personal reasons. I am his daughter, Fiona Vaughn, and will be presiding in his stead."

"I believe for most of you this won’t be the first time you’ve heard of me. Last month, Radiant Group launched our new high-end jewelry line, Cinderella Hall, for which I am the brand ambassador."

Every shareholder present was as shrewd as a fox. As they scanned Fiona’s refined and flawless face, whatever they really thought, they kept a cordial smile plastered on the surface.

"Miss Fiona, my son adores every drama you’re in. You’re one of Veridia’s hottest young stars! Who would have thought that besides your stellar acting, you’d now be joining us old men in the business world."

"Miss Fiona truly is accomplished! When the company was picking the ambassador for Cinderella Hall, I cast my vote for you. You’re definitely a standout among the younger generation."

"Exactly. Seeing you here, I know Radiant Group has a promising future! Chairman Vaughn must be so lucky to have such a clever and capable daughter!"

Amid the chorus of flattery, one voice rang out particularly loud.

"Miss Fiona, I heard you and the second young master of the Law Family have gotten your marriage license, and the wedding’s at the end of the month?"

At those words, the whole room quieted for a moment. All eyes eagerly fixed on Fiona, each shareholder hoping to glean some inside information to help them cozy up to the Law Family!

Radiant Group might be doing well, but compared to the Law Family’s mighty empire, it was like a firefly trying to compete with the moon.

When the engagement party fell apart, these old foxes had all been laughing at the Vaughn Family’s failed attempt to climb higher, but now that Fiona had gotten her marriage license, it was clear she had skill. Not one of them dared to push their luck anymore.

...

Fiona smiled slightly, lowering her lashes in a show of bashful shyness.

"That’s right, Tyson and I have gotten our marriage license. I hope you won’t laugh; the preparations for the wedding have been quite rushed and may not be all that thorough."

"Come now, Miss Fiona, don’t say that! I, Chambers, haven’t even received an invitation yet. Here at the shareholders’ meeting today, I’d love to prepare a little gift for you and the Second Young Master Law. Would I be allowed to attend your wedding?"

The middle-aged man named Chambers regarded Fiona with a burning gaze. Anyone could hear his real intention—giving a gift was just an excuse; what he truly wanted was an invitation to Fiona and Tyson’s wedding.

After all, the Law Family was the peak of high society, and a wedding on that scale wasn’t something just anyone could attend!

If he made it in, maybe he could meet some movers and shakers and find new avenues for his business.

...

Of course Fiona knew what these old foxes were scheming, but she was so used to vanity she basked in all this praise.

"President Chambers, you’re too kind. No need for a present. I’ll send you a wedding invitation as soon as the meeting ends."

Seeing Fiona so generous, the others immediately followed suit and began complimenting her.

"Miss Fiona, I’ve also prepared a gift. I do hope I can visit in person at the end of the month to offer my congratulations—would that be possible?"

"Me too!"

For a while, the compliments and blessings came in a tidal wave. Fiona kept a modest smile on her face, accepting each request with apparent humility—though inside, she was giddy with delight!

Clearly, her bold move to get the marriage license with Tyson in advance was absolutely the right move!

She was Frank Law and Mabel Keaton’s personally approved future daughter-in-law, the wedding was already on the agenda—who in their social circles wouldn’t respect her now?

And as for Cecilia... Ha! She didn’t even have an engagement party, let alone a wedding. No proper title, no recognition, just some mistress-like arrangement—how is that any different from being a kept woman?

...

After raking in all the gifts, Fiona’s hands were practically sore. Her vanity was massively satisfied, and only then did she raise her slender finger, pointing at the empty seats on both sides.

"Everyone, do any of you know where President Sinclair, President Alden, or Vice President Sanders are? The meeting’s about to start, and they’re nowhere to be seen. Are they planning on being late?"

Saying this, she shot a glance at Florence Warner, who shook her head and muttered softly,

"It’s bizarre. None of their calls are going through."

Fiona’s gaze flickered, but after having basked in the shareholders’ admiration, she felt much calmer. If those three weren’t coming—so be it! Who cared!

The shareholder who had earlier given Fiona a fine pair of Saros Island pearl earrings stood up.

"Miss Fiona, I can’t say for the other two, but I heard President Alden went to Borealis to see the northern lights—said something about living life while you can."

"Is he crazy? What could possibly be more important than attending the shareholders’ meeting?"

"I have no idea, but President Alden’s social feed was all full of celebration. Anyone would think he’d just won big."

Fiona steadied herself, glanced again at the Patek Philippe on her wrist—just five minutes till nine. Her voice now grew much more serious.

"Everyone, quiet please. Since President Sinclair, President Alden, and Vice President Sanders have all failed to show up with no explanation, there’s no point waiting any longer. Let’s begin the meeting."

...

The crowd immediately stopped chatting and took their seats.

Fiona scanned the faces to her left and right with immense satisfaction. Sitting in the main seat, she felt more conceited than ever.

"Very well, let’s start with the income statements for Radiant Group this quarter—"

She was midway through her sentence when, suddenly, footsteps sounded at the door—neither hurried nor slow.

Could it be that President Alden and the others had arrived after all?

The room paused, all eyes shifting instinctively to the entrance, where a strikingly poised and cool face suddenly came into view.

Fiona’s smile instantly froze.