Chapter 124: Set Henry Off
Anyone with any sense would realize Henry no longer belonged in the Quinn family.
By Christmas Eve dinner, Mandy kept the young couple occupied playing cards. Chase, exhausted, used the excuse of helping the chef to slip away, giving Mandy and Wendy a chance to discuss business.
“You’ve done really well; balanced and steady,” Mandy said, always generous with praise for her daughter. “I’ve heard a few things from the board, too. Rumor has it Henry secured the Quinn Group jewelry endorsement deal because of you. That kind of talk shouldn't spread.”
Wendy peeled an orange, offering a segment to her mother. “I know what I’m doing. Right now, the Harrison Group still needs exposure. Giving Henry this opportunity keeps him on a leash. As long as I have Mario in my pocket, Harrison Group’s leadership won’t remain the same for long.”
Mandy considered this more deeply, giving her daughter a sharp look. “Are you sure Mario can be trusted?”
Wendy didn't truly trust Mario; her trust lay with Caesar. “I’ve known Caesar for years. Without me, he wouldn’t have solidified his position as head of the Meyer family. I don’t trust people easily, but I do trust mutual interests.”
Mandy stared at her quietly for a few seconds, then nodded. “Good. Looks like you’ve learned everything I taught you. That’s excellent. I won’t interfere anymore. The Quinn Group is yours to run now.”
Dinner, prepared by the chef with Chase's assistance, was underway. Earlier, Sammy had called, saying Franklin wanted to reschedule the post-holiday photoshoot. It seemed Henry, after being dismissed from Quinn Group, was unhappy. And, typical of Henry, his personal frustrations were bleeding into his work.
Wendy found this amusing. Quinn Group could replace Franklin anytime. Their lower-end jewelry line didn't even require a spokesperson; it was like the IT department—useful, but not essential. The jewelry division’s focus had always been high-end luxury.
Standing in the backyard, Wendy paused. Through the large glass doors, she saw Chase waving. After a moment, she said, “Alright then, let’s postpone it indefinitely. If Franklin’s not cooperating, then when he finally has time, we won’t. It’s not our problem to worry about.”
Once Quinn Group’s entertainment division became fully operational, there would be no place for Harrison Group in the entertainment industry.
“Got it. I’ll pass that on,” Sammy replied immediately. It was the holiday season; nobody was really working, and even if they were, no one would remember a casual instruction like that.
“Henry used to get moody when he dated you. Still does. I don’t know how he developed that habit,” Sammy sighed, chatting casually.
Back when they were dating, Wendy might have indulged him. But now, without any personal connection, Henry’s business actions were outright adversarial.
“Handle the rest however you see fit. Wait—aren’t you supposed to be home? Why are you still dealing with work stuff?” Wendy asked.
Sammy sounded exasperated. “What can I do? If I don’t talk about work, my family starts dragging me to blind dates. I make a six-figure salary as an executive assistant, and they want to set me up with some guy who makes three grand a month—and he thinks he’s God’s gift. It’s disgusting. I said I had work and escaped to get coffee.”
None of the Quinn Group executives really had personal lives. Zynn once had a boyfriend who dumped her because he couldn’t stand her work ethic—said she cared more about work than him. Sammy had it worse; her whole life revolved around Wendy, twenty-four hours a day. A love life? She barely had time to eat lunch. Six figures didn’t come easy.
“Once the entertainment division’s on track, I’ll personally screen your dates. Let’s leave it at that.”
Chase appeared in his loungewear, sleeves rolled up. When Wendy didn’t return after a while, he came looking.
“Sammy said Franklin wants to delay the shoot,” Wendy said, putting her phone away. “Looks like you really did piss Henry off earlier.”
Chase wondered, Is Henry really that petty? He’d actually held back when he spoke, and this was all it took to set Henry off? A man like that thinking he’s good enough to stand next to Wendy? Not even close.
Back when Henry and Wendy were in the tabloids and people called Chase a cuckold, Henry still insisted on showing up with food for Wendy, playing the doting suitor for everyone to see.
“What are you thinking about?” Wendy noticed Chase zoning out and asked curiously.
Chase replied, “I was thinking… No one ever found out who was behind Aimee’s case. The two hired hands never revealed who paid them. Looks like Waylon’s not going to have a good Christmas. How about we visit the Fred family on the first day?”
“Sure. The Fred family is deeply rooted in Gennemont. Building a solid relationship can only help. I actually need to talk to Lemon anyway.”
Right now, Lemon was in charge of Fenon International. In the Fred family, everything still went through Waylon and Lemon.
“Go wash your hands.”
As they stepped back inside, a few more guests had arrived, likely while Chase was searching for Wendy.