The room was dark, save for the faint glow of a desk lamp, casting long shadows over Lucille's face. She sat at her desk, her fingers dancing over the edge of a glass of wine, swishing the liquid absentmindedly. Her eyes were fixed on the papers spread in front of her—notes, contacts, and the latest report from the private investigator she'd hired.
Her mind was focused entirely on one thing: Thomas Macray. She had to know everything about him, every small detail that could be used to her advantage. It was more than a mere business transaction now. It was a matter of securing the future of her daughter, Vanessa.
Lucille's grip tightened on the wine glass as she glanced over the latest report. She allowed herself a small, satisfied smile. This was good—very good. For once, things were falling into place. She had no doubt Vanessa was the perfect match for Thomas. Smart, polished, poised... everything that Thomas Macray's world demanded. But she wasn't foolish enough to think the path was that simple. If anything, she knew all too well how the Macrays operated—quiet, secretive, and controlling. Lucille had learned to play their game, and she intended to win.
Her heels clicked against the floor as she crossed her legs, leaning back in her chair. She took a sip from her glass, the sharp taste of wine grounding her thoughts. The information was useful, but there was still more to uncover. Thomas's social life, his hidden ties—she needed it all, and she needed it now.
There was no room for failure. Vanessa needed Thomas Macray—his name, his wealth, his legacy—and Lucille would stop at nothing to make sure her daughter was the one he chose. She wasn't just planning a marriage; she was planning a future.
Gerald Hartman stepped into the room, his brow furrowed. He looked like a man carrying the weight of something he didn't want to acknowledge. Lucille set the glass down and gave him a measured look. "We need to talk," he said, his voice tinged with concern.
He leaned against the doorframe, exhaling deeply. "The marriage. This alliance between us and the Macrays. I need to know how we're handling it. Lucille didn't miss the hesitation in his voice. He was nervous, and for good reason. This was the deal of a lifetime—a union that would secure the future of Hartman Global Holdings. But Gerald wasn't looking at the bigger picture. We're handling it just fine," Lucille said with a calm that contrasted Gerald's unease. "Vanessa is everything Thomas needs. She's perfect for him. There's no question."
Gerald shook his head, his gaze hardening. "And you're sure about that? I mean, you know how tight the Macrays are, how guarded they are about their personal lives. Do you really think Vanessa will be enough?
Lucille's smile was cool and controlled. "Vanessa understands the stakes. She'll do her part. And when the time is right, she'll be Thomas's choice. I promise you that. Gerald leaned back, his gaze never leaving her. "Just make sure you're right, Lucille. You don't want to push too hard. People can sense desperation.
"I'm not desperate," Lucille replied, her voice smooth as silk. "I'm just... determined. And there's a difference and sometimes, people need a little... encouragement. Thomas Macray is no different. If he needs to be persuaded, then that's exactly what I'll do."
Her words hung in the air between them, dark and deliberate. She had always been the one who took control of situations like this—her smooth smile, her careful manipulation of every circumstance. But now, there was something deeper in her eyes. A spark of desperation. She was willing to go further this time, further than she ever had before. Lucille's voice softened slightly, but the edge was still there. "If I have to blackmail Thomas, I will. If I have to dig up dirt on him—things no one knows—I'll do it. There's no line I won't cross if it means securing Vanessa's future."
Gerald stared at her, momentarily taken aback by the cold determination in her voice. "Lucille, this is dangerous. You're talking about... serious consequences."
"I don't care about consequences," she replied, her eyes narrowing as she leaned in closer. "This is about power. And I will make sure that the Macray name belongs to us, through my daughter, or by any means necessary. Gerald exhaled, clearly weighing her words. After a long pause, he nodded. "I trust you, but just be careful. We don't need more enemies than we already have. Lucille smiled, a glint of satisfaction in her eyes. "Enemies? I've been making enemies my whole life, Gerald. But you forget, I always win. Gerald turned to leave, but Lucille's voice stopped him. "One last thing," she said, leaning back in her chair once more. "Tell the board—let them know the merger is imminent. There's no turning back now."
As Gerald nodded and walked out, Lucille returned to the papers on her desk. She picked up the phone and dialed the private investigator again.Her mind was already racing with possibilities, strategies, and contingencies. Vanessa was going to be Mrs. Thomas Macray, whether he liked it or not. And if she had to play dirty to get there, well, that was just part of the game. She smirked to herself .This was far from over.
Her voice was cold, calculated—a far cry from the warmth she exuded in public. This was no longer about matchmaking. This was about power, and Lucille Hartman always got what she wanted.