However, his attitude left me unsure of how to proceed. I had no choice but to reach for the cup and sip from it.As a second-best option, I waited for him to continue.Sure enough, he said, "Ms. Chloe, you don't have to act so distantly. Since I've come to you for a collaboration, I have enough confidence to bring out a project for us to work on."His words did shock me a bit. He sounded a bit arrogant and self-assured.I smiled, set down the cup, and felt relief. "Well then, Mr. Melvern, why don't you share the details of the collaboration you have in mind.""I wanted to talk to you about the possibility of my independent development on acquired projects or land. Could I have your company handle the design and construction?"He sounded very confident. "Since I've just returned to Foswood, I can say I'm in a tough spot. Once I secure a project, I don't have the conditions for design and construction."Melvern's words flowed seamlessly, and he seemed genuinely sincere. "My retur
I nodded. "I have no intention of making things difficult for you, Mr. Melvern. However, this is Tanum Corporation's current situation. Since you've candidly assessed the situation, you must also know that this is the prerequisite for cooperation with Tanum Corporation.""I do." Melvern stared at my face, his emotions unclear. "Currently, there's a pressing project. I would like Tanum Corporation to design a plan for it, and I believe you will be interested.""Oh?" I intentionally expressed interest and asked, "Where is the project?"Melvern's smile was intriguing. He paused briefly, then said, "In Rivendell."I felt a sudden chill. Without thinking, I asked, "Rivendell?"Melvern smiled triumphantly. "Yes, Rivendell! Have you heard of it, Ms. Chloe?"I suddenly felt that I had overreacted."Yes," I responded to salvage my composure. "I heard rumors about a new development project in Rivendell but didn't pay much attention. After all, our current projects are in the consolidation
Rivendell was Atticus' top priority. He had given up every other opportunity, waiting patiently for this chance. The last time I saw him, he seemed confident, but Melvern's recent attitude indicated that he was certain of success.The more I thought about it, the more I realized this situation wasn't as simple as it seemed.Glancing at the time, I pressed the intercom button to summon Carol. After giving her a few instructions, I told her to get Lauren, who was starting work today. I would take her out with me as cover. If Melvern noticed my absence, it would not raise suspicion.It was better to be safe than sorry.Lauren soon appeared in my office. I looked toward her. "Come with me." I grabbed my bag and hooked her arm before heading out of the room.As Lauren and I took the elevator down, she asked, "Where are we going?""I want to see Atticus," I said.The elevator went straight down to the underground garage. I dialed Atticus' number, but once again, there was no answer. I
I became even more confused after listening to Atticus. I had no idea how confident he was.Clutching the phone with a sense of helplessness, I pondered over Atticus' intentions. His call suggested that our design proposal was the key to giving Melvern a winning chance. Why would Atticus still want us to submit a proposal if that was the case?At this point, even Lauren was baffled. She looked at me and couldn't help prodding. "What the heck is going on?" she asked.Shaking my head, I said in resignation, "Looks like Melvern is truly going head-to-head with Atticus." I then explained the situation to Lauren, who fell silent for a long time. She then said, "In my opinion, all we can do now is wait and see what happens. Steady yourself and let them duke it out.""But I can't figure out what kind of scheme Melvern is playing," I said in genuine concern, "I can't just stand by and watch Atticus rise or fall.""Don't overthink it. Atticus is no pushover. Have you ever seen him lose a
I playfully slapped Lauren's thigh, saying, "You're really something, girl. I must say, you've cleared up my thoughts. Who would've thought there was a mastermind right next to me?""I'm no mastermind, just an onlooker with a clear view. Tanum isn't strong enough yet, and some people don't acknowledge us. Why? Because they think we're winning unfairly with the support of the ATL Empire. They believe it isn’t a fair fight.""I have to admit that there's some truth to that.""So, we need to continue to strengthen ourselves and make them submit. Bourdamun is our top priority, and making money is crucial for our growth. Didn't Atticus also say that Melvern isn't short of money? So, let him bleed."Whether his funds are dirty or clean, we'll make him pay through our strength. If he's twisted, that's his problem. We won't get involved. We're all in the business of making money, so this is only natural. Is there a problem with that?" Lauren looked at me triumphantly, wearing a mischievous
"Look at you, getting more radiant every day. I heard you just got a divorce. People were talking about it recently. Did you or did you not? "You know, when you hooked up with Matthew, everyone said it was because he's handsome. What good is that? Looks don't pay bills. And lo and behold, you couldn't hold onto him in the end."Michelle’s words made me embarrassed. I did not dare analyze whether what she said was praise or criticism. She had not changed one bit, and her true colors were showing.Old habits truly died hard.I could only force out a smile and ask, "By the way, have you been in touch with Beatrice?"She shook her head. "I can't reach her. Did she go back to her hometown? You two were so close. Why haven't you been in touch? You have to stop thinking about making money all the time. You should think of your friends as well.""Right. The kids were small then, and I was busy caring for them. I lost touch with everyone." I chuckled."How about I arrange a little reuni
I picked up the little one and kissed him on his cheek. This kid, raised by Myra, had fair skin, and there was a soft baby smell about him that I just loved. Whenever I teased him, he giggled, lifting everyone's spirits.Honestly, I felt a special connection with this child. He seemed to remember me, his eyes following me and touching my face as he babbled away.Lauren looked at the little one and commented, "You're so kind, Chlo. You like every child you meet.""You don't like his charming little antics?" I quipped back, and Lauren rolled her eyes.I turned to Myra. "Did Johnson ask Matthew about the child's future?"Myra nodded. "Yes, he did, but Matthew hasn't made a decision. It seems like he's having a hard time letting go. After all, he called him his son for several months. It's not easy to be so heartless."Lauren immediately retorted, "Does he have a heart at all? He's only that way because this little one has a dangly bit between his legs!”Myra and I stared at Lauren.
After hanging up the phone, I glanced at Lauren. "We need to go back to the office."Myra immediately reached out to take Charlie, holding him as they walked together to see us off. As if on cue, Charlie started crying when he saw us leaving.I had to comfort him for quite a while before he finally looked at us with teary eyes, smiling. Lauren and I returned to the office after he fell asleep in Myra's arms.I went straight to Ryan's office, and he explained the situation. I asked, "So, do you think we should take this collaboration?"Ryan pondered for a moment. "There's no rush. Let's wait for his information. We can't afford to pass up business opportunities."I breathed a sigh of relief and smiled. "It looks like we share the same opinion.""When you say 'we,' who exactly are you referring to?" Ryan asked.I quickly briefed him on what Atticus had mentioned during the phone call. He contemplated and said, "It seems that Atticus has a plan. If he's deliberately hinting at us t