Christine Everhart Novels & Stories

Forty minutes. What are they talking about up there? What “sensitive business” requires them to be alone for this long? I pull out my phone and do what I probably shouldn’t: I G****e “Candice Zurich businesswoman.” Several results come up, but one catches my eye. Candice Hartwell, CEO of Hartwell Industries I click the link. There’s a photo. It’s her. Younger, maybe five years ago, standing next to a man at some charity gala.

“Northbridge Winter Advisory Summary. Year before Olivia’s summer residency. It references ‘a communication concern regarding a female beneficiary whose family support package required temporary reassignment.’” Daniel’s voice lowered. “Age?” “Not in the summary.” “Name?” Elaine scrolled. “The paragraph before mentions a scholarship performance. Three student beneficiaries thanked by first initial and last name. One is E. Hart.” Leah looked up. “E. Hart,” Daniel repeated. Elaine nodded. “Could be nothing. But another scan from a donor dinner that spring lists Evelyn Hart, seventeen, music program.” Seventeen again. Mrs. Turner crossed herself so quickly that Leah almost missed it.

Christine had Kayson as her backer, so the Friths would spare no effort in sucking up to her so that her hatred for the Friths could be neutralized. If they had a chance to bury the hatchet with Christine while the latter became Mrs. Yarde, the Friths might still stand a chance at returning to the peak. Christine was stunned for a moment. She was in shock way too many times today, and that was why she did not have the time to ponder further on that. Otherwise, Christine and Eira would never allow Damon to take it upon himself to make the proposal in view of their usual intelligence. They would spare no effort in taking advantage of the Friths if they could!

"Of course." Ariel looked toward the woman. "That is…" Kristen stood and extended her hand to Ariel. Her sharp yet elegant gaze carried the composure of someone seasoned by experience. "You must be Ms. Walker from Faye Tech. I'm Kristen Ulmer from Yeager Group." A flicker of surprise crossed Ariel's eyes. Kristen Ulmer? That was the legendary figure behind Yeager Group. She was nearly 50 now, but time hadn't left a single mark on her face.

With remarkable swiftness, she gathered herself, wiping away those irrational emotions from her beautiful features and replacing them with a serene smile. The laughter in the room abruptly ceased as she entered, causing Hunter's eyes to widen in shock. He hastily stood up from the couch, the guilt etching itself across his face, impossible to miss. Beside him stood Anna Deloin, the CEO of Ada Corp. Christine would recognize that woman anywhere. Anna was a formidable businesswoman, whose name and photographs graced the pages of Forbes magazine and various other publications of varying depth.

The woman standing in that image didn’t look like someone who had just been abandoned at a mating ceremony. Her posture was straight, confident, controlled and interesting. For a moment the room fell silent and then, a quiet chuckle left my throat. “Well, that’s unexpected” I said slowly and Darius folded his arms. “You sound amused.” “No, I’m intrigued.” My gaze remained on the screen. For years I had heard her name—Christine, she was the strategist behind Harlan’s rapid territorial expansion. The woman who had drafted the acquisition proposal for Moonfall City before I beat them to it.

Chapter 80 Christine The world always seems to find out before I do. By the time I reach my office that morning, the headlines are already everywhere in the company flashing across news feeds, investor bulletins, social media threads that dissect every word like blood in the water. “Brian hale exposed; Financial sabotage within Dreamspace uncovered.” “Whistleblower inside source; Christaina Paige’s husband company Adrian kellerhams Adove protect Dreamspace assets . Is this declaration of love ?”

She explains. I honestly didn’t give the camera a second thought after I realized that I forgot it at the barn. I was worried about getting Gabe to the packhouse and then I was busy trying to take care of him while he recuperated. “I also hear that you helped my little girl too.” She beamed at me. Then she grabbed my hand to examine my palm. How did she know? “It’s alright Hannah, you can trust Christine”, Gabe tells me seeing that I am anxious about this conversation. Christine goes on to explain that she works as a researcher for a nonprofit that was established by a coalition of packs in the area.

Nell O'Leary came to a sudden stop as she looked at Christine over from head to toe. "So, it's the incredible Christine Leonard herself," began Nell as she raised her eyebrows, and smiled slightly. "Also known as 'The Lady in Red', and the 'Heroine of the Snake River Rescue'. The same girl that's trying to raise enough money to expand a hospital; and all of this as a senior in high school. It appears that you're trying to keep the daughter of the next governor of this state away from Mitchell Kays. It even looks like you're ready to fight, if necessary. All of this for that bloody guy sitting behind you, Ms. Leonard? Or may I call you Christine?"

Taking Kate’s hand I squeeze it, as I turn to the woman. Moving forward she moves forward to me wrapping her arms around my waist. I stand there paralyzed before I put my hands on her shoulders to push her away. “What is your name?” I ask, “I’m Louise, I just arrived here yesterday,” she says. “Where did you come from?” I ask. I’m so confused, I can only ask stilted questions, “I came from the Harvest Moon Pack,” she replies.