NovelUSAChapter 432 Hilda fixed the man with an icy stare, her voice razor-sharp. "And just who do you think you are?" Her daughter could sit wherever she pleased. If Citrine wanted to take the CEO's chair, Hilda would help her climb right up there, and applaud for good measure.
Raymond's expression darkened as well. He gave a cold snort and looked the man up and down. "You think you have the right to talk about my daughter?" "My daughter is the CEO of CICI Group. She has every right to sit there." Harden was visibly trembling, cowed by their presence. When Raymond revealed the girl was his daughter, panic flashed across Harden's face, and immediate regret followed.
He stammered out an apology, "I'm sorry, Mr. Saunders. I'm sorry, Mr. Carmichael. I spoke out of turn." As for Raymond's last statement, Harden deliberately pretended not to hear.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtOnce Harden scurried off, Talbot approached from across the room, his assistant trailing behind him.
Talbot wasn't intimidated by Hilda in the slightest, and as for Raymond-he was new to Crestwood, so Talbot dismissed him entirely.
He stopped in front of Citrine, his smile all teeth and no warmth. "Ms. Carmichael. We meet again." Citrine regarded him in silence, her eyes narrowing just a fraction. Inwardly, she cursed the old man. Oblivious to Citrine's silent insults, Talbot continued, "I thought you were just stubborn and headstrong, Ms. Carmichael, but I didn't expect you'd stoop so low." He spoke loudly, making sure everyone around heard him.
The Glenwood family was the most powerful in Crestwood, with unmatched influence in the business world-and their private network was notorious. The moment Talbot spoke, a few eager CEOs hoping to curry favor with the Glenwoods jumped in to back him up.
"That's right, young lady-you've got plenty of nerve, but you really don't know your place. Do you even realize whose seat that is?" "The CEO's chair isn't for just anyone." "My advice? Leave quietly while you still can." "If the CEO himself shows up and finds you sitting there, you'll be in serious trouble." "Haven't you learned to respect your elders? You look like you could use a lesson in manners!" The chorus of voices grew, each one harsher than the last, until Citrine's ears rang with the noise.
Raymond and Hilda's faces grew thunderous with each word, and both seemed about to speak-when suddenly, Citrine let out a soft laugh.
None of their remarks bothered her in the least-she barely paid them any mind. But when someone 219 referred to the CEO as "the old man," she nearly burst out laughing.
She snorted and rose to her feet, locking eyes with Talbot, unflinching. "And why can't I be the CEO of CICI Group?" Talbot scoffed, oozing disdain. "You? The CEO? Do you think everyone here is an idiot?"
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmHe sneered. "You're just a little girl.
Becoming CEO of CICI Group, building it up to its current scale in just a year and its year and a half-that takes business talent mere mortals can only dream of. Ten of you couldn't achieve what the CEO has." There wasn't a trace of irony in Talbot's voice; he clearly admired the CEO.
Citrine couldn't help but laugh out loud.
How amusing-she wondered what kind of face Talbot would make if he realized the person he was praising was standing right in front of him.
She arched a brow and looked at him, half-smiling. "You seem to hold the CEO in very high regard."
"Of course," Talbot replied without hesitation. The CEO might be a mystery, but anyone who can m accomplish all this is worthy of respect. I, Talbot Glenwood, have always admired people of true ability." "Worthy of respect? A 'senior'?" Citrine chuckled, thoroughly entertained.
Talbot looked at her like she was hopelessly naïve. "Anyone who achieves what he has deserves to be called a senior in my book."
Then, with a note of pride, he added, "Besides, our firm is about to partner with CIS Group. Soon, I'll be joining forces with this legendary CEO."
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