A Second Chance at Forever

Chapter 5

Sophie briefly introduced herself, and after exchanging pleasantries, she accompanied Bernard and Rosita to the CEO’s office.

Jeannie craned her neck to catch a glimpse of the trio, her face displaying unmistakable envy. “On her very first day, Mr. Laurence is personally escorting her! She must be his favorite!”

Amanda placed a comforting hand on Jeannie’s shoulder and explained, “You’re missing the point, dear. She has just returned and assumed the CEO position, which might raise doubts among VitaLife Global’s shareholders. Mr. Laurence escorting her is a way to demonstrate that she has the full support of the Laurence Group.”

Jeannie rested her hands on her chin, still feeling envious, and mused, “And Mr. Laurence is clearing the path for his wife so swiftly as well. How romantic!”

Amanda, full of envy herself, said, “If she wasn’t the chairman’s daughter, there’s no way the most powerful man in A City would be interested in her.”

Jeannie shook her head, “But Ms. Ratliff is impressive in her own right. She’s well–educated, attractive, and so on. Speaking of looks…”

Jeannie glanced at Eleanor, “I noticed that Eleanor looks a bit like the new CEO!”

Amanda leaned in for a closer look, and agreed, “Yeah, you’re right. But I think Eleanor’s even prettier!”

Eleanor, looking pale, muttered “Don’t talk nonsense,” and walked to the bathroom.

Seeing Eleanor’s frail figure, Jeannie was worried, “What’s wrong with Eleanor?”

Amanda let out a derisive snort. “Perhaps she’s envious that she resembles the CEO but doesn’t share the CEO’s destiny!”

fell silent, opting not to engage in conversation with Amanda, recognizing her two–faced nature.

some medication for her racing heart, swallowing it without water.

splashed her face with cold water and gazed at

sickly and gaunt, with hollow cheeks

in her thoughts, Eleanor was interrupted as the bathroom door swung open, and Sophie entered, gracefully striding in her

she exuded an air of elegance and

combination of beauty and intelligence, something Eleanor could never measure

she suddenly felt inferior, quickly lowered

suddenly stopped

as if she had done

being treated as a stand–in and a victim, yet in front of

a gentle smile, “You’re an assistant in the CEO’s office,

panic,

an hour before I have to hold the general shareholders‘ meeting. Could you

hesitated since she knew Bernard was still in the office but eventually agreed to help as she was still working there.

Sophie left with her head held high and a confident

contrast, the sickly Eleanor looked like a knock–off version of Sophie,

pulling herself together

Sophie following the chairman’s preferences, hoping that Jeannie and the others would deliver

called to prepare the conference room, so she had to deliver

“Come in.”