The Ex-Wife They Begged To Keep - Chapter 51: Chapter 51

Serena went around asking her other colleagues to join, but in the end, only a handful of new recruits, who had no other choice, reluctantly joined her team.
Erika and Stacey stood together in the pantry, watching Serena and her team from a distance.
Serena was seen patiently coaching the newcomers, her attention fully immersed in guiding them.
Erika scoffed disdainfully, "Do these wet-behind-the-ears rookies really think they can complete this project? What a pipe dream."
Stacey crossed her arms, casting a contemptuous glance over Serena's team.
Stacey had orchestrated everything perfectly. Serena was now completely isolated with no support. Talented as she was, Serena could never possibly complete this project alone.
Stacey gloated inwardly, "Let's see how you get out of this one, Serena."
Serena led her team to the project site for a field survey.
The early spring wind carried a biting chill, whipping up dust from the ground that stung their eyes and made it hard to see.
Serena pulled her coat tighter against the biting wind and picked up the blueprints. She instructed, "Daisy, take measurements and record the data."
"Got it." Daisy nodded, grabbed the measuring equipment, and immediately began taking measurements.
The rest of the team, following Serena's instructions, divided up the work and collaborated to conduct the site survey and collect data.
Back at the office, Serena organized and analyzed the collected data before beginning construction of the project model.
The office buzzed with the rhythmic clatter of keyboards and lively discussions as everyone threw themselves into the work, united by a common goal.
During this period, Serena's team worked late into the night almost every day.
Serena was always the last to leave, personally overseeing every task to ensure they stayed on schedule.
At long last, the project was complete.
In the conference room, everyone had taken their seats by department. Serena's team huddled together, their faces etched with exhaustion from countless late nights, yet their eyes gleamed with undisguised anticipation.
Max swung the door open and strode in with a commanding presence, holding a thick stack of documents.
He cast a sweeping gaze around the room and cut straight to the chase. "First off, I'd like to commend a team today."
No sooner had the words left his mouth than everyone in the room perked up, suddenly alert.
Max's gaze settled on Serena, his smile growing warmer with approval. "Serena's team, you've done an outstanding job on this project.
"The client is not only thoroughly impressed with the results, but is also eager to pursue a long-term partnership with our company. Your hard work has truly paid off."
As soon as he finished speaking, thunderous applause erupted through the conference room.
Daisy's eyes sparkled with excitement as she turned to Serena, exclaiming, "Serena, we really did it."
The other newcomers, jumping with excitement, crowded around Serena, cheering in hushed voices.
"Serena, you're awesome."
"Looks like all those late nights finally paid off."
Max continued, "Serena, in particular—let her be your role model. I hope everyone will step up both their sense of responsibility and professional expertise."
Across the conference room, Erika and Stacey froze, their faces hardening as they watched Serena being swarmed by congratulating colleagues, their eyes darkening with a mix of envy and frustration.
Around them, coworkers who had bought into the rumors and declined to join Serena's team were now murmuring among themselves, their faces showing regret.
"Looking back, I should've accepted Ms. Gray's invitation. Putting in all those extra hours day and night on the project would've definitely been worth it."
"Exactly. Looks like their team's going to land the next big deal again. What should we do now?"
Someone quietly whispered to Erika, "Didn't you say Serena was bound to fail this time? So, how do you explain this?"
Erika was too embarrassed to respond. She could only let out a disdainful snort and pretended to be engrossed in reviewing the meeting documents.
Upon hearing the applause and congratulations, Serena's lips curved in a faint smile as she rose to her feet and gave a slight bow.
Serena said, "I want to thank Max for your recognition, and everyone for your support. This achievement belongs to all of us. It's the result of our collective effort.
"But this is just the beginning. There are more challenges ahead, and I look forward to continuing this journey together with all of you."
Her words instantly drew even more applause and approval.
Once again, Max's voice rose above the clapping, cutting through the applause. "The success of this project has demonstrated Serena and her team members' outstanding capabilities.
"Therefore, the company has decided to entrust them with the next project in this series as well."
"Thank you for the trust placed in us by the company and management. We'll give it our all to live up to everyone's expectations," Serena smiled.
Stacey stood rigidly to the side, her face livid with fury.
These projects were supposed to be hers, but now Serena had snatched them all away. She was very furious.
Stacey glared daggers at Serena before storming out of the conference room.
Meanwhile, at the Powell Manor, Albert set down his newspaper and addressed Victor. "Victor, there's a party this Friday evening. You will accompany me."
"Dad, I've got work this Friday," said Victor.
"This time is different. Regina will be attending. It's the perfect opportunity for you to meet her," Albert ordered.
"Regina? Who's that? I don't even know her." Victor was puzzled.
Albert introduced, "The Aniston family heiress just returned from abroad—well-educated, gentle, and refined. Isn't she far better than that Eliza? Get to know her, and who knows what might happen—"
"Dad, not this again." Victor abruptly sat up. "How many times do I have to tell you? My heart belongs to Ellie—only Ellie."
"Enough of this nonsense." Albert slammed his palm on the table with a heavy thud.
"Don't think I don't know what kind of person Eliza is. She dumped you before, and now she's back. Do you really believe she loves you? She's just after your money," Albert snapped.
"You're talking nonsense. Ellie isn't that kind of person." Victor retorted heatedly. "She had her reasons for leaving me back then."
"Reasons? What possible reasons? Let me make this clear, Victor, I will never approve of you being with Eliza. You must marry Regina. That's an order, not a negotiation," Albert demanded.
"Dad, I'm telling you once and for all. I won't marry Regina. Stop interfering in my life," Victor roared.
Albert bellowed, his chest heaving with fury as he jabbed an accusing finger at Victor. "Don't you dare. Victor, this is my final warning.
"If you dare defy me, not only will I disown you as my son, but you'll also be stripped of your position as the Powell family heir. Think long and hard. Are you truly prepared to give all this up?"
"Dad, calm down," Victor said, noticing his father's face had gone pale with anger. Though he was still resisting inside, his tone softened considerably.
He protested, "I've never even laid eyes on Regina. How could you expect me to marry her? Even if she's as excellent as you say, there's no way I'd agree to marry someone I've never even seen before."
"I don't care if you know her or not. You must go to this party. Meet her first, then we'll talk," Albert ordered.
Victor felt indignant but had no choice but to swallow his anger, muttering under his breath, "What's the point of meeting her? Ellie is the only one in my heart. I can't even bear to look at anyone else."
Hearing Victor's muttering, Albert, in a fit of rage, slammed his fist down on the armrest. "You ungrateful bastard, get out of here right now."