Chapter 351
Molly was surprised. Bruce, who prided himself on discipline and never touched alcohol, had accepted the glass, This confirmed his status was even higher than she had guessed. Fred didn’t just respect him. He practically indulged him.
Now, with Fred deliberately giving her an opening to win Bruce over, Molly wasn’t about to waste it.
Before leaving, Shermaine gave Molly’s shoulder a light squeeze, a silent nudge to seize the moment. Then, she and Joshua followed Fred out.
Roy lingered nearby, patient as always. He would wait until Molly finished business before claiming her attention.
Molly stepped forward with a polished smile. “Mr. Xavier, care for a chat?”
Bruce swirled his wine. “Five minutes.”
That was all she needed. Molly cut straight to the point. She wanted to succeed as the next head of the Carlton family, and his support would guarantee it.
Bruce already knew why both Molly and Karina sought him out. He had never planned to involve himself. His gaze flicked toward where Shermaine had left. “What’s her full name?”
Molly hesitated. “Shermaine Jean.”
Bruce thought, ‘So she’s the woman who thwarted Kylie and Klaus.‘
Bruce had tried investigating Shermaine before, but her records were frustratingly sparse. He had lost interest. After all, unless she was that person, she wasn’t worth his attention.
Thinking of the word “Jean” on the handkerchief, he said, “I’ll back you. On one condition.”
Molly nodded. “Name it.”
“I want to talk to her. Arrange a meeting for me.” If Bruce approached Shermaine, it would be too suspicious, not
to mention Joshua would never allow it.
Molly’s first instinct was refusal. She had no idea what Bruce was plotting. “Mr. Xavier, she’s married, and they’re deeply in love. If you’re thinking of making a move, forget it.”
Bruce took another sip of wine. “You misunderstood. There’s just something I need to confirm with her.”
Molly eyed him skeptically. “That’s all?”
Bruce nodded. “That’s all.”
If true, this was an easy win. Molly weighed her options. “Well. I’ll ask Shermaine first. If she agrees, I’ll set it up. But no tricks, no forcing her into anything.” Even without Bruce’s support, becoming the head of the family would
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Chapter 351
just be slightly harder.
Across the hall, Shermaine hiccupped softly, her head lolling against Joshua’s shoulder as she suddenly murmured, “I remember where I’ve seen those eyes before.”
Joshua stopped mid–step. His grip tightened around her waist. “Sheary, you’ve been thinking about him this whole time?”
She shook her head. “Not the whole time.”
“Where did you meet?”
“Four years ago. In Eskaria.” Shermaine paused. “I’m pretty sure I saved his life.”
Joshua smiled. He thought, ‘It seems that man is very grateful for that.‘
AD
