Chapter 335

“The Bishop Group is injecting capital into Stone Group?” Penelope was stunned by the news she heard over the phone.
“It’s been confirmed. Not only that, but the Bishops have also secured a major new project for them.”
“A major project?”
“A resort of some kind. The details are still under wraps.”
Penelope’s eyes narrowed. She wouldn’t have thought twice if another company had invested in Stone Group, but the Bishop Group? Was this aimed at her? It seemed unlikely. Hans Bishop, the current head of the family, wasn’t that petty. Yvonne, on the other hand…
“It has nothing to do with us,” she said dismissively.
“I know, but I’m just warning you to be careful. A cornered rat will bite.”
After hanging up, Penelope left her office, but instead of heading home, she went to Thunder X, a renowned styling studio. She had a private gala to attend that evening. She used to despise such events, but as the head now, she needed to expand her network quickly. This particular gala was exclusively for female business leaders, making it a good, medium-sized event to ease into the scene.
She didn’t, however, expect to run into Yvonne.
“What do you mean I need an appointment to come to your studio?” Yvonne was berating the woman in front of her the studio’s artistic director, a famous name in the industry and the very person Penelope had booked.
The stylist was profusely apologetic. “Ms. Bishop, you are one of our most valued clients, but this is truly an inconvenient time. The other guest booked this slot three days in advance. Perhaps
“Then cancel her appointment.”

“Is that so difficult? Or perhaps I shouldn’t have bothered coming here at all?”
“No, no, Ms. Bishop, please don’t say that. You’re making me break out in a cold sweat.”
Just as the stylist was floundering, an assistant led Penelope in. “You must be Ms. Laurier?”
Seeing Yvonne, Penelope felt a surge of annoyance, but she wasn’t about to back down. “Yes. Are we ready to start?” she asked, nodding.
“I am so sorry the stylist said, hesitating, “but I don’t think I’ll have time to style you personally today However another one of our stylists is also very famous in the industry. Top celebrities line up to book him. Would you consider
Yvonne turned, and a smirk played on her lips when she saw it was Penelope. She promptly sat down at the makeup vanity.
Penelope’s expression hardened. “So, did your studio make a scheduling error, or is this young lady cutting in line without an appointment?”
“Ms. Laurier, please be understanding.”
“I can’t.” Penelope sat down at the adjacent vanity, making it clear she wasn’t giving up her spot.
“Amazing what a little upward mobility can do,” Yvonne sneered “Suddenly you have the confidence to show up at places like this. But a Scarecrow dressed in silk is still a scarecrow.”
“It takes skill to climb the ladder,” Penelope shot back. “Unlike some people who are
born at the top and still have the nerve to mock those with actual ability.”
“Relying on a man is the only skill you have.”
“True. And I have a man to rely on.” Penelope turned to the distressed stylist. “Do you know who my husband is?”
“Uh The stylist was dumbfounded.
“I guess you don’t.” A sly smile
touched Penelope’s lips as she
adopted an exaggeratedly ne ᴛʜɪs ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɪs ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ʙʏ.net
tone. “My husband is Theodore
Stapleton, heir to the Zenith Group. Now, do you want to offend the
Bishop family, or do you want to offend the Stapleton family?”
Beads of sweat trickled down the stylist’s forehead. “I… I suppose I could style both
of you at the same time,” she stammered, trying to appease them both.