Chapter 58 A Subtle Battle
I was surprised to see him. Wasn’t he supposed to be in Operose for business? Why was
he here now
rather than in the arms of his mistress?
I remained silent, observing him. He smiled softly and asked, “Honey, what should we
have for lunch?
“I haven’t decided yet!” I replied casually, showing no hint of surprise.
He walked closer. “We talked until really late last night. I rushed back this morning
because I didn’t want you to worry. I didn’t even have time for breakfast. Let’s go for an
early lunch, and we’ll have whatever you
want. It’s on me!”
I watched him act charmingly. Oddly enough, I couldn’t get angry. It was as if I were
having a different pleasure, a sensation.
Out of nowhere, I thought about Atlas.
“Did you drink?” He asked, probably noticing the scent around me. But he did not smell
like alcohol
himself, despite attending a late–night social gathering.
“Yeah.” I said, “How about the Italian restaurant opposite Glenmarie Plaza?”
His eyes narrowed briefly, then he nodded, “Sure, whatever my wife wants!”
Life was full of dramatic twists. I had not expected to see Lauren as soon as we entered
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtthe restaurant. When I saw her again, I paid close attention to her. She was dressed
elegantly in a fashionable knit dress.
She wasn’t an ordinary competitor in this game.
I had a secret satisfaction when I thought about Melanie’s shallowness. This game
appeared to be
stacked in my favor.
Seeing her again today gave me a good feeling. She could be of use to me.
Matthew was surprisingly open about introducing me, and I lowered my guard, politely
greeting her.
After we sat down, I commented to Matthew. “Ms. Burton seems to be a very competent
person. I’m quite impressed with her!”
“Being overly cunning is not necessarily a good thing for a woman,” Matthew replied
casually. “I prefer someone like my honey–understanding and virtuous.”
Are you saying I’m foolish?” I addressed his comment.
ghed, reaching out to pinch my nose. “Silly girl, who were you drinking with last night?”
+15 BONUS
“Who do you think?” I countered. “Besides, you stayed out too. I need to entertain myself
when you’re
away on business trips!”
I spoke lightly, as if the topic wasn’t a big deal. However, my mind wandered to Atlas.
“I won’t be on business trips often. It was an exceptional situation yesterday!” he
explained. “Where were
you guys drinking?”
“Ivanna’s place!” I answered casually. “Did you go to the car dealership yesterday?”
I
“Huh? I didn’t. After I visited the construction site, I went straight to Operose.” Matthew
clarified.
“Oh! There must’ve been a misunderstanding then!” I said it absentmindedly.
Before we finished eating, Johnson called Matthew to let him know that ATL Empire was
holding a
meeting at 2 p.m.
Matthew glanced at me and asked about the situation with ATL Empire. He didn’t invite
me to
accompany him to the meeting. Instead, he went with Johnson.
I received a document on my phone after picking up Ava. It was the ATL Empire’s meeting
minutes. One key point stood out.
All participating companies had to undergo a financial assessment by the end of the
month. It would include a thorough evaluation of the entire organization. That includes
projects, capital, assets, and even
personal checks.
This was because this contract covered ATL Empire’s collaborative projects for three years.
ATL Empire’s projects were s supposed to be all government–backed initiatives during that
time.
If we secured the contract, we’d significantly boost our business over the next three years.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmWhat surprised me was the emphasis on the new type of thermally broken steel windows,
a Tanum
Corporation patent
My mind was racing with questions. What did this mean? I quickly looked up the
document’s sender,
which turned out to be Atlas
My heart raced even faster. Tanum Corporation had an opportunity to improve its
reputation. Unfortunately, the company was in Matthew’s hands. I knew we could become
industry leaders if the
company truly capitalized on this opportunity.
This could be a once–in–a–lifetime chance for rapid advancement. However, that would
also mean losing
control of Matthew.
+15 BONUS
I halled a taxi and rushed home with Ava. I put on cartoons on TV for her while I quickly
prepared food. I
needed to make time to look into our competitors‘ information. I had to take advantage of
this
opportunity.
Before I could finish preparing the food, Matthew’s call came in. He told me to freshen up
quickly, as he’d
pick me up soon. We were attending a dinner later this evening.