Chapter 24
ed a tall, pr
Calista looked up at the airport entrance and spotted a
professionally dressed woman waving at her as she approached quickly.
When Phoebe Weber stood before her, Calista was momentarily taken aback, hardly recognizing the confident businesswoman as the vibrant twenty–three–year–old she had said goodbye to three years ago.
“Alright. I know what you’re going to say,” Phoche said, grabbing Calista’s suitcase with one hand. “I had to dress a bit more mature to hold my ground with those old shareholders at my agency. Or else, they’ll just see me as a young girl and question how I can run a whole company”
Not all rich heiresses liked to show off. Phoebe was a low–key rich girl. She was down–to–earth, willing to work hard, and determined to prove she wasn’t bring off her family’s wealth.
“True, you don’t see many twenty–somethings running a publicly traded company, especially not a female CEO, Calista replied, her smile warm
“Please. I’ve only been at it for a little over a year, and I’m already drowning in work. Being a CEO is no joke,” said Phoebe.
The two chatted as they exited the airport
Phoebe’s agency mainly focused on creating stars and idols, meaning she was flying around almo 300 days a year for collaborations
This time, she had arrived in Stonebridge just an hour before Calista and had arranged for a company car to pick her up
The driver helped them load their luggage into the car, and Phoebe led Calista to the front of a Porsche.
Phoebe took the driver’s seat while Calista hopped into the passenger seat.
Thought you’d have a ton of luggage, so I had the company send a van” Phoebe said, glancing around after seeing only one suitcase.
“It’s all checked in. It’ll arrive in a few days” answered Calista
As they waited at a red light, Phoebe turned to size Calista up. There were some questions she didn’t want to ask over the phone, so she waited until they were face–to–face. You could’ve come back anytime in the last five years after studying abroad. Why now?”
“From a scientific perspective.”
Calista began seriously, but Phoebe shot her a look that said, “Cut it out,” and chimed in, “The body’s cells regenerate every seven years. You’ve had a complete makeover”
“Exactly! So I thought I’d bring my refreshed self back to honor our great motherland and become a proud taxpayer,” said Calista.
“Oh please, don’t start with that nonsense again” As the red light was about to change. Phoebe shot Calista a look. “So, how was your time in Mysteria I might not know everything, but I know enough”
It was rare for a top global company to offer non–national multi–million dollar bonuse
Converted to domestic currency, that meant going from eight figures to mine.
Callaw
was one of the few who had achieved that proving she had done quite well for herself. Yet, here she was, wanting to return home
The light turned green, and Phoebe resumed driving continuing her interrogation. “Come on, what’s the big plan? What are you up to?”
Phoebe had met Calista after she’d gone abroad. Their friendship started with a fight, proving that a bond formed through conflict could last.
It had been nearly seven years since then.
“I told you I’m back to become a CEO. You just don’t believe me, Calista said, looking at Phoebe with genuine sincerity.
“Don’t tell me that call about landing a job as a CEO assistant was just a late–night prank.” Phoebe shot her a skeptical glance before focusing back on the road, maneuvering the steering wheel through a turn
“You wouldn’t understand” Calista said seriously. “Being a CEO assistant is just the first step. The ultimate goal is to be the CEO. You can’t rush these things, I’ve got a deal lined up with the big shots
“Really?” Phoebe still maintained a skeptical attitude.
“Of course. Do I look like someone who’d turn down money!” asked Calista,
Phoebe replied coolly. “If you don’t turn down money, then why did you give up millions of dollars in annual bonuses abroad to resolutely return?”
“So, the compensation I seek for coming back has to be higher than that”
If it weren’t for Phoebe knowing all too well that Calista typically prioritizes money over people, she would have suspected that Calisasook the job as assistant to the CEO of a company headquartered in Torstel with a branch in Stonebridge because she had her sights set on the group’s CEO,
5:53 PM c d
Chapter 21
aiming to become the wife of the CEO.
Dismissing that possibility. Phoebe’s look became more profound. “You’re not being entirely truthful; it can’t be just for the money.”
Calista didn’t deny it. “Life is long, you’ll see in time.
“Fine.” Phoebe wasn’t one to pry excessively; she just wanted to know Calista’s attitude toward returning this time.
Confirming that Calista intended to stay for the long haul and wasn’t just messing around, Phoebe also grew serious, “Here is different from abroad: some things aren’t just about ability here. The business world is full of twists and turns. If you need any help, just ask.
