C7 Your Boss Surnamed Hartwell?

"Yes, that's me," Belinda stammered, caught off guard by the unexpected voice. As she looked up, she saw a young woman clad in a crisp professional uniform, her expression brimming with a warm smile. "Hello! Esteemed guest, please come with me. Our general manager is eagerly awaiting you in the office," the young woman said, her demeanor exuding the formality of greeting a dignitary. Once she confirmed Belinda's identity, she seemed even more cautious, treating her with the utmost respect. Today marked her first day as the receptionist, and she had been given strict orders to personally welcome a woman named Belinda with the highest regard.

"Oh, okay," Belinda replied, her mind reeling. Esteemed guest? The esteemed general manager of Global Advisors waiting just for her? It felt surreal.

A few moments later, Belinda entered Lavinia's office. "Miss Murphy, welcome! I'm Lavinia, the general manager of Global Advisors. It's been a pleasure waiting for you," Lavinia said, stepping forward to greet her and silently admiring Belinda's renowned beauty.

"Hello, Director Vaughn!" Belinda greeted her, taken aback by the general manager's youthful elegance. After exchanging a few pleasantries, they quickly got down to business. "Director Vaughn, the primary purpose of my visit is to discuss the Murphy Group," Belinda began, straightening up a bit nervously as she delved into her formal pitch.

"Miss Murphy, let's not waste time with formalities," Lavinia interjected, gesturing dismissively with a polite smile. "What?" Belinda was stunned. Up until that point, Lavinia had seemed almost ingratiating. Why such a blunt rejection when it came to the heart of the matter? "What I mean is, Global Advisors will not be investing in the Murphy Group. The deal just doesn't make good business sense," Lavinia explained calmly.

"Oh, I understand," Belinda said, her voice trailing off. "Then I'll take my leave and not impose any further." Her hopes dashed, she began to stand, realizing that Lavinia's cordial reception was likely nothing more than a formality to honor Esaias.

"Wait a moment, Miss Murphy. You may have misunderstood my intent," Lavinia said, standing up quickly.

Lavinia's expression was tinged with anxiety as she saw Belinda about to leave the office. She rose quickly, a cold sweat breaking out on her back, to stop her. If Belinda left, it could spell the end of her stint as General Manager—without fulfilling the boss's task, her job was on the line.

"Let me be more explicit," Lavinia said urgently. "Global Advisors won't invest in Murphy Group, but we're willing to invest in you personally."

Desperate to prevent any further confusion, Lavinia hurriedly laid out the details in one go.

"Invest in me?" Belinda's eyes rounded in a mix of bewilderment and curiosity.

"Yes! Global Advisors is prepared to invest an astounding 500 million in you. We've got the contract ready. Once you sign, the deal is sealed," Lavinia announced, presenting the contract from her desk to Belinda.

"Five... 500 million?!" Belinda's head buzzed with shock.

Her initial goal had been a mere 50 million, and now, inexplicably, she was being offered tenfold.

"You're not joking, are you?" Belinda asked, her skepticism evident.

"Take a good look at the contract," Lavinia suggested with a casual smile, sipping her coffee while secretly envying Belinda. Who wouldn't be jealous of someone about to land a 500 million fortune?

Belinda sat down, half in disbelief, and began to meticulously review the contract. With each word, her eyes grew wider. It was real—a bona fide 500 million investment, and all that was missing was her signature.

"Why? Can I ask why?" Belinda exhaled deeply, struggling to contain her excitement. "Why invest in me instead of Murphy Group? Surely, I'm not more valuable than the company."

"It's because you have a benefactor by your side," Lavinia replied with a secretive grin.

"A benefactor? Who?" Belinda's frown deepened, her mind racing. Could it be Esaias? But surely, he didn't have that kind of clout.

"Miss Murphy, if you insist on digging deeper, I'm afraid this partnership might not proceed," Lavinia's demeanor turned stern, her smile vanishing. She had nearly let slip Lachlan's identity and felt a shiver of fear.

"Alright, I won't ask any more questions," Belinda conceded, swiftly signing her name on the contract.

"It's a pleasure doing business with you," Belinda said, finalizing the agreement.

"The pleasure is all mine," Lavinia responded, escorting Belinda to the door.

Throughout the journey, Belinda seemed preoccupied, her mind elsewhere.

Who was this enigmatic benefactor that Lavinia spoke of?

Why would they extend such a helping hand to her?

We're talking a staggering sum of 500 million!

"Miss Murphy, take care. We'll transfer the funds to your designated account by noon tomorrow," Lavinia assured her, a wave of relief washing over her as she successfully completed the first task assigned by her boss.

As Belinda was about to leave, a sudden realization struck her, and her face registered shock.

She slowly turned back to Lavinia, her expression one of bewilderment.

"Director Vaughn, I couldn't help but notice in the contract... your boss, does he happen to be surnamed Hartwell?"