Female Novel
Chapter 1874
Simone's eyes snapped into focus. "She's Old Mr. Quintin's protégé!"
"Exactly!" Terrence nodded vigorously. "Maybe we can use that connection to get an audience with Old
Mr. Jarvis."
Simone was skeptical, and her expression was cooling. "With Estelle's temperament, you think she'd
lift a finger to help us?"
"What's your brilliant plan, then?" Terrence frowned, suddenly thinking of Carmella. "How's Carmella's
relationship with her mentor, Albert Mullins?"
Simone looked even more uncomfortable, stumbling over her words.
Ever since Carmella had her fifteen minutes of fame, she'd made some arrogant remarks that got
under Albert's skin. The fallout had been ugly, and they'd basically cut ties.
Albert probably didn't even acknowledge Carmella as his student anymore. Even if they groveled to
him now, asking him for help was a lost cause!
Seeing their faces, Terrence knew they couldn't count on Carmella. He turned irked with his face
stiffening. "You'll be the death of me because of that Carmella!"
"Carmella isn't what Dad thinks," Simone defended weakly, her voice tinged with frustration. "She was
a bit misguided before, but she's turned over a new leaf, working hard at home every day."
"Don't mention her to me; I'm not interested!" Terrence snorted. "What good is her redemption now?
Her reputation's ruined, and she's of no use to the MacClains!"
Simone bristled but didn't dare refute Terrence. Instead, she countered with a hint of annoyance,
"Estelle is more formidable and famous than Carmella, and she's cozied up to the Sampsons and the
Lamonts. Her future's limitless! It's only fair she makes up for our failed project in B City."
"Then call her now!" Terrence commanded sternly.
Simone refused to make the call, so Bennett pulled out his phone. "I'll do it."
He dialed Estelle's number, and it rang unanswered.
Impatient, Terrence instructed, "Go tell the Quintin family's people that you're KING's father, and you
want to see KING!"
Bennett had no choice but to approach the iron gate outside the mansion. He said to the guard in a
warm and friendly tone, "Hello, I'm Estelle's father. I've heard she's staying with Old Mr. Quintin. Could I
come in to see her?"
The guard smirked. "Even the father shows up?"
Bennett didn't catch his drift and took a step back. "If I can't come in, could you pass on a message and
have her come out?"
The guard hesitated. "Old Mr. Quintin and the guests are having lunch. I can't interrupt them."
Bennett's face soured. His family waited outside Old Mr.Jarvis's in such biting cold, but were not even
allowed to pass the gate.
Inside, they were feasting and toasting—an utter insult!
He impulsively wanted to tell Terrence to head back, but as soon as he thought of how the family
business wasn't doing well, and so much had been invested in the B City project, and it was their last
hope, he swallowed his pride at once.
If the situation was different, his father wouldn't have to endure such humiliation at his age!
Bennett sighed, swallowing his resentment.
Inside the dining room, the meal had just been finished, and the younger folks were chatting in the
parlor. Old Mr. Quintin took Old Mr. Jarvis and Geoffrey to the guest room for a private talk.
Morrison and Jonathan sat together, discussing a potential New Year's Eve collaboration between their
entertainment companies.novelbin
Robin Ziegler approached and offered cigarettes. "Mr. Lamont, has the tender for the New South
project concluded?"
Jonathan waved off the cigarette with a polite smile. "Thanks, but I've quit recently."
Morrison declined as well. "Me too!"
Robin paused and pocked the cigarettes, suspecting that they were simply making excuses to refuse
his cigarettes.
Being unruffled and courteous, he said, "I hear the project involves artificial intelligence. I'd welcome a
chance to collaborate with Mr. Lamont if the opportunity arises."