Chapter 369
Farrell was twenty-six this year.
She was twenty-three.
There were only three years between her and Farrell.
And everyone always said that a three-year age gap between a man and a woman was just about perfect.
But Caitlin was only twenty.
It couldn’t be more obvious.
Keira was playing favorites.
Her grandmother had never truly seen her-not in her eyes, not in her heart.
All Keira ever cared about was Caitlin.
It had always been like this, and nothing had changed.
The more Ann thought about it, the more bitter she felt, wishing Keira would simply drop dead.
Amanda narrowed her eyes. “Your grandmother’s favoritism isn’t exactly new, Ann. But so what if she promised Farrell and Caitlin to each other when they were kids? Someone like Farrell-someone from the Rosenthal family-would never settle for Caitlin, a divorced nobody from the countryside p>
“Aren’t you worrying for nothing? You’re exceptional, Ann. As long as you make a good impression tomorrow, Farrell will be yours for the taking p>
She was her daughter, after all.
Even if Ann had a limp, she was a thousand times better than Caitlin could ever be.
A glint of pride flickered in Ann’s eyes. “Don’t worry, Mom. I’ll do great tomorrow. I won’t let you down p>
Amanda nodded, her face glowing with pride.
Ding.
Just then, Amanda’s phone chimed with a text.
She opened it, her brow furrowing as she read.
Noticing her mother’s uneasy expression, Ann asked, “What’s wrong, Mom? Who was that p>
“It’s nothing,” Amanda replied, quickly locking her phone. “Just some spam.” Though Amanda’s reaction seemed off, Ann didn’t think much of it.
Before long, they reached the hospital entrance.
As the two women stepped outside, Gavin had already pulled the car up and parked.
When he saw them, Gavin jumped out and opened the door.
Once they were inside, Ann remembered something and asked, “Mom, where’s Grandma? Why didn’t she show up p>
It was one thing for Keira to ignore her while she was in the hospital.
But even now, as she was about to be discharged, Keira was still nowhere to be found.
How could someone be so blatantly biased?
Amanda’s eyes flashed with malice. “Your grandmother took Caitlin to Gonzales Holdings. She’s too busy to remember her other granddaughter p>
Ann’s eyes widened, panic written all over her face. “Is she announcing Caitlin as the heir to Gonzales Holdings? What are we going to do, Mom? Caitlin’s about to steal everything that should be mine p>
She was supposed to be the heir to Gonzales Holdings.
Who did Caitlin think she was?
Amanda’s lips curled into a sly smile as she patted Ann’s hand. “Relax, Ann. No one is going to take your place. I’ve already spoken to some of the board members. If Caitlin thinks she can become the heir that easily, she’s in for a rude awakening p>
The board was full of heavyweights. And just one of them-Leo Barrett-would be trouble enough for Caitlin.
Gonzales Holdings.
Keira stood at the head of the boardroom table. “Good morning, everyone. As you all know, our Gonzales family has finally found our sole successor. Today, I’d like to formally introduce the future heir of Gonzales Holdings-my granddaughter, Freya. Starting today, she will officially join the company and gradually take over my duties p>
With that, Keira turned toward the door. “Freya, come in, dear p>
Caitlin stepped inside.
The moment she entered, murmurs of mockery echoed from the boardroom floor.
“She looks like a kid. How could she possibly take over President Gonzales’s responsibilities p>
“My thoughts exactly p>
“This is way too hasty p>
Caitlin acted as though she hadn’t
heard a word. She walked
confidently to the head of the table leaned in, and adjusted the microphone. Her posture was casual, yet she radiated undeniable authority. “Good morning, everyone. I’m Freya. I hope that in the days ahead, we can stand together-through thick and thin p>
Through thick and thin?
Hearing that, the shareholder seated closest to the head of the table burst out laughing, his scorn barely concealed.
He looked straight at Keira and
spoke. “President Gonzales, I understand how you feel, but the matter of an heir isn’t trivial. The future of Gonzales Holdings is at stake! With all due respect to Miss Gonzales, she may be your granddaughter, but she’s still young and has zero management
experience. Do you really think she’s up for the challenge p>
His name was Leo Barrett-the company’s largest shareholder and one of its
founding elders.