Single Mother of a Werewolf Baby
Chapter 44: Advisor Juliette Blanc

Chapter 44: Advisor Juliette Blanc

Lily O’Sullivan was the kind of woman people noticed the moment she walked into a room. She stood at about 5’6", her posture upright and graceful, radiating a quiet, self-assured confidence. Her skin was porcelain-fair, with a natural rosy flush in her cheeks and a fine dusting of freckles across the bridge of her nose. But it was her eyes... sharp, emerald green and intensely observant. Framed by long, dark lashes, they seemed to see through people.

Her thick, wavy chestnut hair flowed just past her shoulders, catching auburn glints in the light. She rarely bothered to tie it back, preferring to let the wild locks frame her face freely, as if embracing the chaos of her work.

Upon receiving the bank card, Lily’s first thought was not about the workload or responsibility... no, it was about how much money was on the card, and more importantly, what kind of good food she could indulge in today. A rare smile crept across her normally stoic face, softening her features.

Seeing her reaction, Eleanor leaned back in her chair and teased, "Don’t be selfish. Take your team out for dinner too."

Lily stammered, "H-How did you know I was thinking about food?"

Eleanor chuckled. "Everyone in this office knows what you do when you receive extra money. Don’t worry, I won’t be jealous if someone wins your loyalty with good food... so long as that someone is me."

She gestured to the card. "There’s 100,000 pounds on it. Use it for your team. It’s unofficial funding, so no need to report it. We’re just starting our business in the kingdom, and the next six months will be critical. Your department will be working overtime. Make sure your people eat well."

She then turned toward the other woman in the room who had remained standing. "Please, have a seat, Juliette. Lily, call Teresa and Maya."

Before Lily could respond, Teresa’s voice rang from the doorway. "No need to call me. Maya went downstairs to handle some things... she’ll be up in a minute."

Teresa walked in and sat down gracefully. "Good morning, Boss."

Lily placed a folder on the desk and took her seat beside Teresa. "This is the preliminary report we prepared. More will come in later."

Eleanor flipped through the pages. As expected, they were from Mayor Grant’s office... details on finances, internal transactions, and financial misconduct that could prove useful. Her gaze shifted toward Lily, who subtly glanced at Juliette.

Understanding the unspoken concern, Eleanor said, "Lily, Teresa... this is Juliette Blanc, my new advisor. You can trust her with everything. She knows the kingdom’s political and administrative systems like the back of her hand."

Teresa and Lily stood and greeted Juliette respectfully. Eleanor continued, "Juliette, this is Teresa, my secretary and childhood friend. She represents me in most matters. Lily is my assistant and leads our finance and planning department. You’ll be working closely with both of them. You can address them by their first names."

Juliette smiled warmly. "It’s a pleasure to meet you both. Let me guess... Teresa, you’re Chinese American, and Lily, you’re Irish?"

Teresa laughed. "Close. I have American PR, but my parents are British citizens. I was born here, just studied in the U.S. for a while, hence the accent."

Lily added, "I’m Irish, born and raised."

At that moment, Maya walked in, slightly breathless. "Boss, when did you announce a walk-in recruitment notice? At least twenty people are waiting downstairs!"

Eleanor smiled. "Maya, come sit. I was waiting for you."

After Maya took her seat, Eleanor continued, "Juliette, this is Maya... another of my assistants. She handles PR and administration. You’ll also work with her."

Introductions complete, Eleanor turned to Teresa. "Get Juliette a room on this floor. She’ll work exclusively with you three. Provide her with a direct-lift pass, high-security equipment, and whatever else she needs. Her work is confidential and will not be tied to company operations. All expenses will be covered separately."

"Understood," Teresa replied. "I’ll handle everything."

Eleanor turned back to Juliette. "I’m planning for a by-election in Stockport. Mayor Grant is my preferred candidate. She’s not entirely on our side yet... but after seeing the evidence we’ve collected, I suspect she will be. I’ll send all related documents to your office."

She looked at Lily. "Forward everything to Juliette. From now on, she’ll oversee this operation. I want the final plan to come from her office."

Lily nodded. "Understood."

"Teresa," Eleanor said, "what’s the current situation with our Birmingham party?"

Teresa said, "Brian Morgan hasn’t left his hotel room. His office reported he’s working on the park development project. Louis Turner visited his home last night, but no unusual activity was reported. I think Mr. Morgan warned him."

"Good," Eleanor said. "Start investigating the other politicians in that area. I want to replace the current leadership. Look for people with ties to the Langford estate... former staff members, supporters, family connections... anything."

She turned to Juliette. "My mother’s name was Esmeralda Langford. My grandfather, Edward Langford, was once the Lord Keeper of the Privy Seal. I want to restore that family’s influence. It will help achieve my long-term goals."

Juliette nodded thoughtfully. "Do you want the current Earl to run for the House of Lords?"

"No," Eleanor replied. "I don’t want them directly involved in politics... just to regain power in Birmingham quietly."

"Got it. Anyone else you’re considering as a political asset?"

"Not at the moment. If that changes, I’ll inform you."

Juliette rose to her feet. "If you’ll excuse me, I’d like to see my office and make any necessary adjustments."

Eleanor nodded. "Teresa, take care of it. Lily, Maya... stay here."

Juliette and Teresa left the room together.

Turning to Lily, Eleanor asked, "What’s the update on Nigeria?"

Lily said, "I’ve spoken with their Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment. They have a cabinet meeting today and promised to inform us afterward."

"Good," Eleanor said. "Push them for a quick response. I want to move fast on the investment."

She glanced at Lily. "You can go now. Maya, bring all the applicants who are waiting downstairs to the meeting room. Collect their CVs and send them to me. I’ll handle the interviews personally."

"Yes, Madam," Maya said and left with Lily.

Eleanor opened her laptop and began sorting through pending files, approving some and adding instructions to others. About half an hour later, Maya returned with a thick stack of documents.

"There are thirty-seven walk-in candidates. Here are their CVs."

Eleanor pushed her laptop aside and picked up the first one.

"Cassandra Blanc, age thirty-two, LLM in International Law, University of Edinburgh." She read the summary and glanced at Maya. "Call Cassandra Blanc. She’ll be the first. Only one candidate at a time. You’ll wait outside and ensure no interruptions."

"Yes, Madam."

A few moments later, Cassandra entered the room nervously.

"Good morning, Madam," she said with a standard werewolf bow.

"Good morning. Please, have a seat."

Cassandra sat down, clearly overwhelmed by the Alpha presence radiating from Eleanor.

"Why do you want to join my company?"

"I’m currently working at a law firm in Liverpool," she said quietly. "I’ve done well there, but... the owner has been pursuing me for some time. I either have to leave or give in to his advances. When I saw your job offer, I thought this might be the opportunity I need."

Eleanor probed her with a soft mental pulse and confirmed the truth in her words.

"Do you have shadow powers?"

"Yes."

"You’re hired. Teresa will decide on your department."

She reached for the next CV.

"Rowan Blanc," she read aloud. "You may go now, and please send Rowan in."