Yvonne found a small measure offort in her daughter''s words. "I know you can win back all that prestige!"


    Despite her confidence, Bianca hit a wall the very next day. She had a meeting with a potential partner for a new project, a deal they had half-negotiated a month ago. When she arrived, however, the man''s secretary informed her that he was out of town on business.


    The excuse was so flimsy it was insulting. It was the first time she''d been so tantly shut down since returning to the country.


    On the surface, she remained unruffled. "Please let Mr. Prescott know I stopped by, and have him call me the moment he returns," she said with a professional smile.


    The secretary agreed.


    The second Bianca was out of sight, the secretary picked up the phone to the inner office. "Mr. Prescott, she''s gone. I sent her away just as you asked."


    The receptionist wandered over to gossip. "You have to admit, that Bianca has some nerve. After everything that''s happened, she still has the gall to show up and talk business. Doesn''t she know what people are saying about her?"


    "I know, right?" the secretary replied. "Mr. Prescott is terrified of being associated with her bad luck, but he doesn''t want to offend Seth Harcourt, so he''s hiding behindme excuses. I wonder how long he can keep it up."


    "It''s such a shame. She started with so much-a great education, Seth''s full support and she still managed to y a winning hand into aplete disaster. Makes you wonder if that degree of hers is even real."


    "All right, that''s enough gossip. I have work to do."


    Outside the office door, Bianca had heard every word. The color drained from her face.


    Just as she stepped out of the building, her phone rang. It was Yvonne. "What are these rumors I''m hearing?"


    "What rumors?"


    "You don''t know?" Yvonne''s voice was tight with anxiety. "I was just having tea with Mrs. Chase, and she told me everyone is saying you''re... a jinx."


    Bianca was already on edge from being stonewalled, and this news only worsened her mood. "Who''s spreading that?"


    "If I knew, I''d do something about it! It''s ugly, Bianca. They''re saying that anyone who works with you is cursed with bad luck. That you''ve brought a cloud of misfortune with you ever since you joined Aurelion Group, and every project you''ve touched has failed Yvonne''s voice ose in panic. you know how superstitious high society is. This is not a good sign. I spent a fortune crafting your public image. We can''t let these ridiculous rumors destroy it!"


    "I understand," Bianca said, a heavy weight settling in her stomach.


    After ending the call, she took a deep breath, forcing herself to stay calm. Don''t panic. Don''t fall apart.* She would prove them all wrong w with her results.


    Just then, Seth called. "Where are you?"


    Bianca told him her location.


    "Stay there. I''lle pick you up. We''re going to the golf course."


    Bianca''s eyes lit up. "Are we ying with Mr. Archer?"


    "Yes."


    "Okay. I''ll wait for you."<fn24aa> This content belongs to Find~Novel</fn24aa>


    As soon as she hung up with Seth, she called her mother. "Ron Archer is a titan in the semiconductor industry, a true leader. I''m going to use his reputation to turn.


    Ascendancy Group''s image around."


    "That''s a brilliant idea," Yvonne said, her hope renewed. "And it will help squash


    those nasty rumors."


    "That''s the n."


    "I know just what to do," Yvonne said, her mind already racing. "Send me the address. I''ll call some reporters." She was an expert at this game.