Chapter 442: Husband's Fortune
Meredith stood frozen in place, bewildered by the approach of the French Prince. She stared at Darcy DuMont, a man she found awe-inspiring. Here was a descendant of the French royal family, his nobility beyond words. She, a mere commoner, dared not look directly at such a dignitary. Yet, she couldn't tear her eyes away, as if spellbound, feeling an inexplicable kinship with the man.
As Prince Darcy DuMont moved towards the crowd, it sent government officials into a panic, hurrying to keep up, their plainclothes bodyguards flanking them closely. Selene stood by Meredith's side, equally on guard. Stopping a step away from Meredith, Darcy suddenly smiled and asked, "Is the baby coming soon? When is the due date?"
His question only deepened Meredith's confusion. Instinctively, she replied, "Mid-October."
"That's soon. Take care of yourself. You are going to be a beautiful mother," Darcy complimented warmly. "What's your name?" Surprised by Meredith's fluent French, Darcy seemed impressed. In Auroraville, her command of the language felt familiar to him.
"Thank you," Meredith responded awkwardly, nodding before confidently introducing herself, "Meredith Sterling, Auroraville welcomes you."
Hundreds of onlookers watched this exchange, amazed that she could converse with a French prince-a stroke of incredible luck.
"Meredith," Darcy repeated softly, smiling at her belly. "What a lovely name. I wish you and your baby happiness and health."
Meredith was taken aback. "Thank you."
Darcy smiled again and continued on with the leaders, while Meredith watched him go, remarking, "I didn't expect the French prince to be so approachable." Selene noted, "They must show their best side in our country. It's basic diplomatic etiquette, and their every move is watched by the world."
The implication was clear, it might all be a facade. But Meredith had genuinely felt his warmth.
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As Darcy DuMont walked away, the brief interaction was dismissed by many as mere diplomatic formality, intended to foster closer relations between the nations. Soon, the scene of Prince Darcy DuMont speaking with Meredith on the street topped the news headlines.
Initially, some commenters speculated that Meredith was a shill arranged by local government officials, but her striking beauty and the fluent French she spoke made her a sensation. Later, her identity was revealed as the wife of Terrence Sterling, head of Sterling Corporation, and daughter of the late Bianca Chaucer, the real power behind Falconer Holdings.
Her multiple identities were astonishing. It seemed like the god of wealth was feeding her, a rags-to-riches story of an orphan who married into a wealthy family, herself a scion of a distinguished house lost outside its realm. As the story gained traction, Sterling Corporation's stock prices soared.
Terrence Sterling called Meredith, chuckling, "Meredith, you really are my lucky star."
Unaware of the news, Meredith, having just returned from the pedestrian street, was at home arranging flowers.
"What's going on? What happened?" she asked.
"You were on the headlines talking with the French delegation. You have a golden touch, and you've salvaged the company's image," Terrence boasted proudly. "Meredith, how lucky am I to have found such a treasure?" Previously, an incident in Mondale had tarnished his image, but Meredith's actions had positively impacted the company.
"Really, that's great," Meredith laughed. "I was really surprised today. That Prince Darcy DuMont just came over to me. I was nervous at first, but he was so friendly."
Terrence couldn't hide his joy and pride. "My wife is popular and lucky. Now I'm the envy of everyone."
Meredith was pleased too; it had all worked out unexpectedly well.