The Man Who Never Looked Away novel Chapter 164

Lavinia shook her head.

Ethan glanced around, then lowered his voice. "I'm only telling you this."

Lavinia nodded.

Ethan leaned in. "Word is, 'The Principal' called Mr. Coleman directly and ordered him to terminate this so-called investigation immediately."

'The Principal' was the ultimate code name for Celestial Capital's lead investor and mega-backer.

This particular investor was incredibly secretive. Aside from Mr. Coleman, absolutely no one knew his true identity.

They didn't even know his last name. That was why everyone in the company simply referred to him as 'The Principal.'

Lavinia asked in astonishment, "This actually reached The Principal?"

Ethan smirked. "The Principal also said that if Celestial Capital refuses to invest in Joplin Adhesives, he'll fund it out of his own pocket."

"Is he really that wealthy?!"

"You have no idea. We're talking legacy wealth. The oldest of old money."

Lavinia mused, "Since Sigrid and the Quants took a major hit on this one, do you think our Industry Research Department is going to get a bit more respect around here?"

"There's always a bigger fish." Ethan laughed, looking thoroughly satisfied. "I'd love to see if that scheming bitch Sigrid ever dares to cross our department in a meeting again."

Seeing how much everyone despised Sigrid made Lavinia feel a whole lot better.

She joined in with matching venom, "Exactly! That scheming bitch just can't stand seeing anyone else succeed!"

The two of them snickered. Ethan didn't seem to have an ounce of sympathy for Jacqueline, the junior analyst on his own team. He even told Lavinia she should join the tech group once she became a full-time employee.

The door to the director's office finally opened, and Jacqueline and Howard walked out, their eyes red and puffy.

Jocelyn called out, "Lavinia, get in here."

Lavinia quickly scurried over.

As she brushed past Jacqueline and Howard, she briefly paused, hesitating, but ultimately kept her mouth shut.

Corporate waters ran deep. It was better to keep her sympathy to herself and stay on guard.

Stepping into the office, Jocelyn personally closed the door and drew the blinds shut.

Jocelyn gave Lavinia a deeply meaningful look, pressed her lips together, but kept her thoughts to herself.

She was about to ask something else when Lavinia's phone buzzed.

"Director, did you need anything else?" Lavinia asked.

"Not for now. Go ahead and take your call," Jocelyn replied.

Lavinia nodded, stepped out of the office, and answered the phone.

A familiar, aged voice came through the receiver. "Lavinia, it's Maeve."

"Maeve? How did you get this number?" Lavinia was surprised.

Maeve avoided the question, simply asking, "Can we meet this afternoon? I'd like to treat you to lunch."

"Let me treat you instead. I'll text you the address," Lavinia offered.

"Alright. I'll see you at noon, Lavinia," Maeve replied.