Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

The Warren family was always in the spotlight. With their deep connections to the government, every move they made was watched closely. It had its pros and cons. On the bright side, it meant their status would stay rock-solid, even generations down the line. But it also meant Richard couldn't always have things his way—especially when it came to picking a future partner. Whoever he married had to be from a flawless, respectable background. No exceptions.

Clara tapped her fingers on the table, thoughtful. "If I remember right, after this project wraps up, there's that government-backed app bidding coming up. The app's got national investment behind it, which means every product on there is going to have instant credibility with consumers. If Ferguson Corporation can land this bid, we could roll out a premium discount section just for high-end products."

It made sense. Ferguson Corporation was all about luxury goods.

One of the managers spoke up, a little hesitant. "Ms. Clara, all our products target high-net-worth clients. I'm not sure a government-backed online platform fits our brand."

Clara smiled, setting her pen aside. "I've gone through the consumer research. You're right-most of our customers are genuinely wealthy. But there's another group that makes up about thirty percent. Together, they create the full picture of our market."

She clicked on the projector, bringing up the report Aiden had sent her the night before. He'd only given her the basics, so she'd stayed up late, filling in the gaps herself. Her laser pointer circled a section of the pie chart.

"Seventy percent of our buyers are truly rich. The other thirty percent isn't small, either. We already have a solid relationship with the top-tier clients. They don't mind spending big-they want top-notch service and that feeling of exclusivity. But the other group? They're working professionals. They stretch their budgets to reward themselves with something special. For them, it's not about the service- it's about value, and what the brand means emotionally. Right now, they're turning to resellers or niche online shops because boutique stores can be intimidating, or even unpleasant for them. If we offer genuine discounts through a government- backed app, they'll trust the quality, and our top-tier clients won't care about these deals anyway. There's no overlap, no conflict. I even saw from Aiden's notes that Dylan had been thinking along the same lines. Since Dylan's on vacation, I'll take care of it this time."

She glanced around. "Any other thoughts?"noveldrama

Clara's style was completely different from Dylan's. With over fifty percent of the shares, Dylan usually just made decisions on his own if he thought his team was missing the point. He'd announce what was happening, and that was that. He rarely explained things as clearly as Clara did.

Some executives whispered to each other; others just pressed their lips together, awkward and uncertain, until finally, they all agreed.

"We'll follow your lead, Mrs. President."

Clara nodded, not interested in dragging things out. She set down the laser pointer. "I have a feeling this Warren family project is just a warm-up for the app bid. I'm betting on it. If I'm right, our new line rolls out smoothly. If not, we'll find another way. That's it for today."

She needed to get back to Palm Bay.

Everyone stood up, gathering their papers and files.

As Clara headed out, one of the senior managers who'd reported to her earlier worked up the courage to speak.

"Mrs. President, I just wanted to say I'm sorry. We were wrong about you before."

Clara didn't break stride. "Having a bias isn't the problem. Acting on it in shady ways? That's the issue."

She was talking about Aliyah, and everyone knew it.

The exec wiped sweat from his forehead. "Of course, of course. All our loyalty is

with the President and Ferguson Corporation."

The moment she left, the whole room seemed to exhale at once. Everyone glanced around, stunned.

Damn, nobody warned us Clara had this much presence.

Only Conlan hurried after her, grinning. "Mrs. President, that was incredible. The President can really rest easy with you in charge."

Conlan had always been friendly toward Clara-and he never hid his

Vess to stay on her good side.

He was competent, too, so Clara treated him better than most.

She couldn't help but laugh to herself. No wonder ancient kings liked having clever courtiers around.

Conlan kept the conversation going. "When you get home, please give the President my regards."

She smiled. "Will do."

The other execs watched Conlan with a mix of envy and annoyance. Typical Conlan-he'd kept all this to himself while everyone else floundered, and now he was out here making himself look good.

He chatted with Clara a bit more, obviously pleased. If he'd respected her before just because she was the President's wife, today had proved she was more than capable.

No wonder the President cared about her so much. She'd earned it.

Just one night with the files, and she'd already figured out exactly what the President had in mind.

Seriously, those two were made for each other.