The Man Who Never Looked Away novel Chapter 239

Taking advantage of her fieldwork schedule, Lavinia spent the morning evaluating several family trust companies. She compared their credentials, track records, and overall terms, aiming to shortlist two final candidates for Judith to make the ultimate decision.

After touring a tech startup with Ethan, they happened to drive down Mayfair Road. Lavinia realized the SSA Family Trust—one of the firms on her shortlist—was located right on this street.

SSA had provided an excellent preliminary proposal, but due to scheduling conflicts, they hadn't managed to lock in a face-to-face meeting yet.

"Ethan, I'm going to skip lunch at the office. I'm meeting a friend nearby," Lavinia said.

Ethan teased, "A boyfriend?"

She shook her head with a laugh. "A girlfriend."

The car pulled over, and she hopped out. She dialed her SSA contact to let her know she was in the area. The representative was incredibly enthusiastic, mentioning that the head of the firm was in the office today and suggesting a working lunch to go over the details.

The architecture along Mayfair Road was steeped in history, formerly the hub of foreign banks. The neoclassical buildings with their pristine marble facades made it feel like strolling through a Parisian Haussmann-style district.

Lavinia found the SSA office. A woman in a white silk blouse and black pencil skirt was waiting for her at the entrance.

"Ms. Joplin? I'm Maggie Lehman. We've been emailing back and forth," she said, extending a hand.

"Lavinia. It's so nice to finally meet in person," she replied warmly.

Maggie smiled. "The weather is beautiful today, so we've set up the meeting outside. Lunch is already served." She paused. "Oh, by the way, our boss is visiting today. He's very invested in your account and requested to join the meeting personally."

A three-hundred-million trust wasn't actually considered a massive account in the grand scheme of wealth management. For the firm's boss to step in personally showed an impressive level of dedication.

Lavinia nodded. "I appreciate the accommodation."

They walked past the perfectly manicured, sprinkler-misted lawns and entered a stunning rose garden.

Beneath a white canopy, a table was draped in crisp linens and laid out with charcuterie, fresh rolls, pastries, and drinks.

A man in a dark suit was seated with his back to her, flipping through a portfolio.

Lucian opened the portfolio and walked her through the proposal. Lavinia listened intently. Though she maintained a professional poker face, she was internally convinced: SSA was hands-down the best trust she had reviewed.

When he finished, he smiled. "At Celestial Capital, I'm the primary investor, the boss. But here today, you are my client, which makes you the boss."

He looked at her meaningfully. "So, will you give SSA the honor of managing this account?"

Lavinia felt a bit flustered. If it weren't for Lucian backing her up, she would have been forced to resign from Celestial Capital in disgrace. Instead, she had kept her job, gained real authority, and turned her career around.

"Mr. Roche, I am incredibly grateful for what you did for me," Lavinia started. "But I have to clarify—this capital belongs to Judith Gilmore. I'm just running point for her."

"That's exactly what caught my attention," Lucian noted. "Traditionally, Garnett Harper was the grandson she raised, hailed as a corporate prodigy. So why would she bypass him entirely and entrust an asset this large to you?"

Lavinia paused. Truthfully, she hadn't deeply analyzed that specific point.

"I've worked with countless affluent families," Lucian continued. "Her decision implies one very clear thing."