billion book
Chapter 74
During dinner, Jacob asked, "Chloe, why didn't Lucas come with you?"
"He's busy with work," Chloe muttered, trying to brush off the topic.
The Meadows and the Moncada families were really good friends. Jacob probably already knew about her and Lucas breaking up long before she felt the need to explain.
"Busy with work, huh? I heard Lucas has been shacking up with some other woman since he got back, and he doesn't want anything to do with you," Lisa chimed in, her tone sharp.
Jacob shot Lisa a stern look, then sighed. "You and Lucas have been childhood sweethearts. This is just a bump in the road. We've watched Lucas grow up, and he's always been devoted to you. I believe if you just put a bit more effort in, he'll come to his senses eventually."
Both families were well aware of the situation between Lucas and Chloe. Jacob likely had Chloe come over for dinner at the Moncada family's urging. "Dad, I know my own business," Chloe replied, trying to keep things calm.
Sensing the tension, Jacob didn't push further. Lisa noticed Jacob's concern for Chloe, and decided to cut in. "Dad, Mom, I have an announcement." All eyes turned to Lisa.
"I've been accepted for the position of Executive Secretary at CNR. I start tomorrow," Lisa declared, her voice brimming with excitement.
Jacob was taken aback. "You were doing well in our design department. Why move to CNR?"
The Meadows family owned a bustling fashion enterprise with their own company, factory, and a fashion brand called Belle Époque. The company had gone public two years ago, and Belle Époque had a solid reputation domestically and was starting to make waves internationally. This made the Meadows family one of the wealthiest in Riverbrook.
After Lisa returned, the family had
considered sending her abroad for further education, but academics weren't her strong suit. So, they placed her in the company to lear management. However, her presence often led to chaos, even pushing some executives to the brink of resignation. Left with no other choice, they placed her in the design department, where she surprisingly showed a bit of flair.
"I'm doing this for the company, for the Belle Époque brand," Lisa insisted. "Dad, you know about the WORLD Mall. If Belle Époque could get a spot there, it would catapult us into the ranks of international luxury brands, coveted by socialites and high society ladies. Our stock price would skyrocket."
iel
Jacob knew all about the WORLD Mall. It was the largest and most luxurious mall in the country, the only one with a membership system catering exclusively to the elite. The mall featured only the top international luxury brands, and no domestic brands had ever made the cut. It was located in the prime area of Eldridge City and was a favorite haunt for the Eldridge Elites.
"Lisa, WORLD Mall is filled with the highest international luxury brands. Getting Belle Époque in there is a pipe dream," Jacob said, trying to temper her expectations.Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.