Chapter 151
For the first time, Caitlin realized that life could be beautiful beyond the lab or her job—that friendships between women could be just as wonderful.
“What are you talking about, Catie? You and I are best bros for life!” Celeste grinned, nudging her shoulder playfully.
Then, picking up where she’d left off, Celeste continued, “But seriously, Catie, why are you so optimistic about Apex? After that mess with Jasper, the company nearly went under. And the new investor-rumor has it she doesn’t even know much about gaming. It’s only been, what, a month? What kind of great game could they possibly make in that time p>
She shook her head, concern written all over her face. “And did you see the numbers? ‘Event Horizon’ already has over ten million pre-orders. ‘Imperial Ascent’ just barely hit a hundred thousand. The Chandler Group is absolutely crushing Apex. Honestly, you might want to reconsider putting your faith in them p>
Ten million pre-orders.
Barely a hundred thousand.
How could anyone compete with that?
Unless some miracle happened, nothing could save Apex from this disaster.
Caitlin leaned in, lowering her voice conspiratorially. “March, want to hear a secret p>
Celeste’s eyes lit up with curiosity. “What secret p>
A little smile played at Caitlin’s lips. “I’m the new investor at Apex.” For original chapters go to.net
Celeste burst out laughing. “Catie, you really are something. That’s the best joke I’ve heard all week p>
Caitlin sighed, exasperated. I’m serious p>
Apparently, the truth was even harder to believe than a joke.
After leaving the coffee shop, Caitlin’s phone buzzed with a call from Victor.
The launch was just hours away, and Victor sounded tense.
“Miss Kensington, everything’s ready on Systems Division’s end. We’re all set to release as soon as midnight hits. Is there anything else you need us to do p>
“No, everything’s fine.” Caitlin’s tone was calm and steady. “Just stick to the schedule p>
“Understood.” Victor hesitated, then added, “By the way, The Chandler Group has lined up a bunch of celebrities to promote their launch. Should we try to recruit some last-minute star power as well? Dr. Chatham said she could pull some strings if you want p>
Dr. Chatham had plenty of connections—real A-list celebrities. If Caitlin thought it was necessary, she could make it happen.
Victor clearly felt a bit anxious. Right now, The Chandler Group’s numbers looked much flashier than theirs.
The Chandler Group’s new game, ‘Event Horizon,’ had already racked up ten million pre-orders. Meanwhile, ‘Imperial Ascent’ had just passed the hundred- thousand mark. With ‘Event Horizon’ heading toward twenty million, and Apex still struggling to crack two hundred thousand, Victor’s nerves were showing.
“No need,” Caitlin said, slipping off her shoes as she arrived home. “If our game is solid, we’ll turn things around-even without a crowd of celebrities cheering us on p>
Her confidence seemed to settle Victor’s nerves. “You’re right, Miss Kensington. Absolutely right p>
Caitlin was brilliant-if anyone could turn things around for Apex, it was her.
After a few more words, Caitlin ended the call.
No sooner had she hung up than she spotted a familiar chubby cat sprawled on the living room sofa. Stunned, she blurted out, “Snow p>
“Mrowwww p>
She hurried over and scooped the hefty cat into her arms. Checking the tag on its collar, she finally believed her eyes-this really was Snow!
“It’s really you! How on earth did you get here p>
“Mrowwww p>
Just then, Fortune emerged from the bedroom, taking in the scene. “Catie, you know this cat p>
“Yeah, I do. His name’s Snow-he belongs to a friend of mine p>