Chapter 16
After leaving the cafe, Tracie drove to her workplace.
“Bunny’s Dream Interiors” was a well-known name in the industry, and the CEO, Wilmer Maddox, was a close friend-someone she trusted completely. Without his support and belief in her, she never would have been able to build a career as a designer and budget specialist at Bunny’s Dream Interiors despite lacking formal credentials or family
connections.
Tracie was deeply grateful to Wilmer.
“Tracie, what’s going on?” Wilmer asked gently, giving her a warm smile.
“Wilmer, I want to take my proposal and visit some Slaport countries that are already facing an aging population. Af- ter that, I might need to resign from my position here,” Tracie said, her voice filled with apology.
Wilmer gave a broad, reassuring smile. “Tracie, don’t worry about it. I know what you’re capable of, and I support your ambitions. Go ahead and chase your dreams. If you need any help, don’t hesitate to reach out. If you need in- vestors, I’ll make some connections for you.”
Tracie’s eyes instantly filled with tears.
But she smiled bravely and confidently. “I’ll definitely keep you in mind, Wilmer!”
“Actually, I’ve been invited to a cocktail party this afternoon. There are a few investors there who might be interested in your retirement project. Do you want to come with me?” Wilmer asked seriously.
“I definitely need to go!” Tracie didn’t hesitate to accept.
Wilmer suggested she change into something more formal, but Tracie declined.
She had already given all the millions she had earned over the years to Wendi. She had only a few hundred thousand left, and with her upcoming international trip, she still had to cover Rico and her grandmother’s living expenses. Plus, she often had to help the unreliable Mandy.
She really didn’t have the extra money for a new dress, and she felt awkward asking Wilmer to buy one for her.
With a smile, she said, “I’m not competing in a beauty pageant. I’ll just quietly observe and listen.”
“Alright,” Wilmer chuckled.
The annual meeting was held at a high-end club by the river. By the time they arrived at 7 PM, the place was already crowded. People were either chatting while holding wine glasses or lounging on sofas, deep in conversation.
Just as they were about to enter, Wilmer received a phone call.
After a brief conversation, he hung up and turned to Tracie. “Tracie, there’s a family matter I need to take care of, so I
80%
10:16
Chapter 16
can’t go in with you. Will you be okay on your own?”
He was a bit concerned, not wanting her to feel uncomfortable being alone.
Tracie smiled, as usual. “I’m fine. Don’t worry about me.”
288 Vouchers
Before she was sixteen, she had been the daughter of a real estate family, especially during the boom years of the real estate industry. She had attended countless events, auctions, and annual meetings with her parents, so occasions like this were nothing new to her.
After signing in at the entrance, Tracie made her way to the champagne area, where she picked up a glass of cham- pagne. Holding it, she wandered around, scanning the crowd for the investors Wilmer had mentioned.
However, she didn’t find any investors. Instead, she spotted Grover and Juliana sitting on a sofa,directly ahead of her.
On the sofa, not only were Grover and Juliana sitting together, but there were also three men and one woman.
Daron Rangel and Ron Patterson were Grover’s friends. They knew Tracie was his wife, but they treated her the same way he did-like she didn’t exist. They didn’t insult her or make her feel uncomfortable, so they considered themselves neutral.
The other man and woman were different.
Tyron Osborn was a friend of the Everett family.
He had watched Juliana grow up since she was sixteen, and in his eyes, she was like his little sister, the precious princess he had always pampered.
10:16
83.7%
