Nine months too late: After divorce by Baby Charlene

111

"Why don't you tell us about your latest achievement, June?" Scarlett chipped in, her smile looking less genuine.

"Oh," June dropped her cutleries, putting her hand around Lex's. "Lex here just won The Man Of Google award and I get to accompany him to the award night next week. It's amazing how when he won the title, a lot of people reached out to congratulate me. It feels good to be recognized as his partner." Her cheeks shimmered with a vibrant flush. Lex offered a smile as he chewed slowly on his beef.

"I'm

proud

of f you, dear." Franc

"Francesca-June's mother-said to June with a proud glow of pride.

For the first time, Galen lifted his gaze from his plate, looking at Lex. "Congratulations, Lex. You did well."

Lex inclined his clined his head. "Thank you, sir."

Astrid's grip around her fork tightened. If it were glass, it'd have definitely snapped.

Her grandfather hadn't even spared her a glance when she told him of her achievement. Yet, there he was, congratulating June's fiance.

Well, Galen cared about status, and Lex was man who was well connected in the public circle.

Astrid was so p**d, she needed someone to pass her frustration on.

She shifted her gaze to Evie who had been quiet and focused on her meal. Evie and June were sisters. Although, the duo didn't exactly have a bond, Astrid knew getting at Evie would be getting at Francesca.

"What about you, Evie? Don't you have any achievement to share with the family?" Silence.

"Although, I understand how difficult it must be since you're trying to get comfortable in the company again after being away for so long. But... you've really left your addiction behind, haven't you?"

A frown twisted Francesca's face.

Evie, who had been leading a fork of veggies into her mouth, froze. She dropped the cutlery, reached for a table napkin and dabbed the corners of her mouth.

"You should focus more on your insecurity issues, Astrid, unless you're mistaking me for someone who cares about your opinion." Evie's voice was as cold as she looked.

Evie might be reserved most of the time, but she was what her sisters referred to as a psychopath. She easily got violent, hence, tried to abstain from trouble as often as she could.

She had a serious drug problem and had to spend three years in rehab to become clean. Or so everyone thought.

A lot of people believed she inherited her violent genes from her father-Francesca's ex-husband-who was in jail for murder. It was after Francesca's dramatic divorce that she and her daughters moved into her family's mansion. Afterall, she wanted her daughters to be strongly involved in her father's company. And so far, June was doing a better job than Evie who had always seemed less interested.

1

"You think I'm insecure?" Astrid laughed. "Honey, I was barely looking out for my cousin. But it's fine if you're used to not being loved."

Evie's eyes darkened. Astrid could see the danger looming in her eyes and knew that if she said one more wrong word, there would be a bottle breaking on her head.

6%

"By the way, Grandpa, June cut in in an attempt to end Astrid's ridiculous shade at her sister. "Will all of us be going for the OTG thirtieth anniversary party?"

Sylvie who had been drinking from her juice glass suddenly coughed as the liquid went down the wrong pipe. She hazily set the glass down, rubbing her hand on her chest as she coughed and tried to regain control. "Are you alright?" Lex who was sitting next to her asked with concern. He lifted a glass of water which he handed to her.

fine. Thank you." Sylvie said while coughing.

She collected the glass from him and gulped down a good quantity, oblivious to the glare June threw her way.

Astrid smirked at Sylvie's plight. Everyone at the table knew why she'd reacted that way. OTG - One Trillion Group.

Over the years, the One Trillion Group had turned out to be extremely successful. A year ago, their world's tallest skyscraper project was completed, and it's success turned out to be greater than anyone imagined.

Even before it's completion, a lot of brands had already been requesting to have a slot. The Group had been very selective, but thankfully, Astréa Label was able to secure one.

The skyscraper which was named Oasis was currently the most trending place in the country. People traveled from far-as far as other countries-to tour and visit and tagged it as an achievement. This was why many businesses had been fighting for a spot. A spot in Oasis was an opportunity to get foreign clients.

As for Kage - he had made it to the list of the top ten most powerful businessmen in the country. On Forbes' list, he ranked the sixth richest man in the continent.

He'd 'd become more of an icon where people considered it a privilege getting to meet him.

Reminiscing about him inflicted deep anguish on Sylvie.

She was happy for his success, but all these years, he hadn't bothered to check on her? Did he even know what happened to their kids? Did he think they were still alive? If he did, how couldn't he have made any effort to check on them in four years? Did they really mean nothing to him? Tears burnt in the back of her eyes. She forced them back, knowing it'd be disastrous to cry in the presence of the entire family. "Yes," Galen answered June's question. "We were given a family invitation. So, every one of us can go."

"But... Sylvie won't be joining us, right?" Astrid asked, casting a disdainful look at Sylvie. "You know, I heard that she and Kage have a bad history. I don't think it'd be a good idea bringing her with us as Kage might get upset and see the entire Cheng family as his enemy. Not to undermine our influence, but we wouldn't want to be on the bad side of someone as powerful as Kage."

Sylvie forced some fries into her mouth, the crispy chips tasting bitter as she chewed. She fixed her eyes on the table, her heart drumming in her chest.

God, she wished they could change the topic. She couldn't keep up with hearing his name.