Chapter 387
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“No. Let’s do things your way!
Hayden leaned back with an easy smile, curious to see whether Callin had the skiff to carry out her bold plans.
“Good. Then let’s get started.”
Caitlin proceeded to lay out every detail of her plan, step by ste
by step, specifying exactly what she needed Hayden to prepare in advance.
“This is everything. I need your full cooperation to make it happen.”
“Understood.”
Once their agreement was settled, Caitlin rose to leave with Sebastian and James.
Hayden tried to play host. “Caitlin, aren’t you p
going to stay for lunch? You could bring Mr. Vanderbilt along too.”
“No need. I’ve got things to do. See you tomorrow.”
They left quickly–there was still a long list of shareholders to meet. Time was short.
By that afternoon, Caitlin had met with several minor shareholders. Through the CL Group, she successfully acquired additional shares,
bringing her total holdings close to 30%.
She called Yosef.
“Yosef, begin preparations to initiate a takeover of the Yuncey Group under CLHC. Wait for my go.”
“Understood,” Yosef replied, already beginning the arrangements.
Everything was moving according to plan. Now all Caitlin had to do was wait for the next day–the grand birthday banquet at the Yuncey
estate
The morning of the celebration.
The Yuncey estate was bustling. A stage had been set up out front, with a professional orchestra performing for the early guests.
It was a spectacle worthy of an elite family
By 10 a.m., luxury cars were pulling into the driveway. Guests in glamorous gowns and suits flashed their invitations before stepping through the estate gates.
Inside the grand banquet hall, nearly all members of the Yuncey family had gathered. Quill and Greta took the lead in welcoming the …. ing quests.
Quill’s brothers, Spencer, Fabian , and Edgar, Along with other relatives from the second and third branches, were all there assisting with hosting duties.
The eldest grandson Douglas, his wife Mile , and their daughter Carmen were front and center, flanked by the younger generation.
The moment guests arrived, the Yuncey hosts sprang into action, exchanging pleasantries and socializing amid the lively atmosphere.
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“The birthday boy is here!”
Someone called out, and all eyes turned toward the grand staircase where Randall escorted Timothy into view.
The old man, at 88 years old, wore a rich burgundy suit. His white hair was meticulously groomed, and this presence still carried a commanding weight. He looked remarkably sharp for his age
Beside him stood Rachel, his wife, dressed in an elegant navy blue gown. Regal and poised, she looked every bit the matriarch
The couple stepped into the hall, greeted by a sea of well wishers offering their birthday blessings.
Timothy’s stem face softened into a rare smile as he acknowledged each guest
“Timothy,” one man said, “we heard your granddaughter–Eleanor’s granddaughter–is back. Why haven’t we seen her yet?”
A few guests had shown up hoping for a glimpse of Caitlin’s beauty.
Timothy scanned the crowd. She wasn’t there.
*Where’s Caitlin? Has anyone seen her?”
Carmen, noticing her grandfather looking around, quickly jumped in, “Don’t bother. She’s probably still getting ready”
She said it with a mocking tone, assuming Caitlin was too busy doing herself up probably planning to stun the crowd and latch on to someone powerful.
Timothy said nothing more, though inwardly, he hoped Caitlin would come soon. He was counting on her for the family reunion with his
youngest son.
Meanwhile, with everyone focused on the party, t
the West Garden was
was completely empty.
Caitlin had prepared a home–cooked meal and brought it to Billy. The old man, now recovering, was deeply touched.
“I haven’t had cooking this good in years. You’re just like your grandmother.”
“She was a fantastic cook, I used to love her meals when I was a kid.
As Caitlin fed him, music from the main house drifted into the garden. Billy tilted his head. “What’s all the noise?”
“It’s Timothy’s birthday party. The estate’s throwing a huge celebration.”
“Then you should go enjoy it. Don’t worry about me.”
“I’ll be back later to check on you .”
After tidying up, Caitlin returned to her quarters. The once–ferocious guard dog now wagged its tail at her like an old friend.
She changed into a new outfit just as Cynthia came knocking.
t? Let’s go together.”
“Caitlin, you’re not at the banquet yet?
“Sure, let’s”
By the time they arrived, the main hall was packed. Guests had gathered, and giht after gift was being presented to Timothy
When Caitlin and Cynthia entered, heads turned
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Everyone recognized Cynthia–but the younger woman at her side, elegant and breathtaking, had to be Eleanor’s granddaughter.
“She’s Caitlin?
lin? Even more stunning than in the news!”
“She really carries Eleanor’s aura.”
“She’s even more impressive than her grandmother”
The older guests were especially taken aback by the resemblance.
Caitlin walked with grace and a soft smile, bringing a sense of warmth with her that made her instantly captivating
The women in the room, however, weren’t as pleased. Her beauty stole every man’s gaze.
She wore a pale blue dress with a minimalist design–no jewels, no excess. And yet, her understated elegance made the hearily adorned socialites look gaudy in comparison.
The envy was palpable.
Carmen, spotting Caitlin, sneered under her breath. Of course she made a grand entrance. Of course she came in last to make sure every eye was on her,
Caitlin and Cynthia approached Timothy to offer birthday wishes.
Seeing that Caitlin held no gift, Carmen seized the opportunity to stir the pot.
“Caitlin, all of us brought a gift for Grandpa . I chose a custom–made pocket watch–very expensive, of course, I wonder what you prepared?”
AD