212
Chapter 15
+25 Bonus
The moment she finished, it was as it no one believed what just happened
I slowly stood up, adjusting my skeres. “Now, if I nsall correctly, Scarlett, you just said my leadership has brought instability? $900 million doesn’t sound very unstable to me.”
A few board members turned to each other, whispering
One of them frowned. “This. Is this real?”
“Of course, it is “I gave them a cool smile. “Lynwood doesn’t play games. But you know who does?” I turned my gaze to Scarlett. “People who try to stage coups without thinking ahead”
Her face paled slightly
“You’re Ning,” she hissed. “This was planned. There’s no 900 million dollars.” Scarlett declared.
Scarlett’s power crumbling before her eyes. No one was willing to move forward with the vote anymore, not when I had secured the biggest investment in the company’s history.
Everyone was surprised. I then asked, “Is there anyone else who still wants to drive me away?”
No one said a word, and they all turned to look at Scarlett.
Scarlett’s expression froze for a moment. Then, as if she had quickly adjusted her emotions, she put on a smile and said lightly, “It seems that you’ve been getting along quite well with Lynwood recently. How about inviting him and his mom to have a meal together someday?”
At that instant shift in her attitude, I thought she was disgusting. I am feeling irritated right now.
It was clear that she had been waiting for me to fail, for me to be humiliated and pushed out. And now that I had stood my ground, she changed her approach without hesitation. The hypocrisy in her voice made my stomach turn, but I didn’t bother to respond. Instead, I gave her a look that said I saw right through her, then turned and walked out of the company.
As I stepped toward the sidewalk, my eyes landed on a sleek black car parked at the entrance. It wasn’t an ordinary car, it was one of those high -end, custom–built vehicles that screamed wealth and exclusivity.
Just as I ignored it, the driver stepped out and walked toward me. “Miss Julia, my boss would like to invite you to have a meal.”
I was puzzled.
Before ! could respond, the car window rolled down, revealing Lucas. He leaned back against the leather seat with a smile, his fingers lazily drumming against the armrest. A smirk played at the corners of his lips now.
“I gave you ninety million dollars,” he said casually. “It’s not too much to ask you to do me the honor of having a meal, is it?”
I should have expected this. Lucas was never the kind of man to give something for nothing. He had invested in me, but it would be naive to think that he wouldn’t want something in return, even if it was just entertainment.
I hesitated for a moment, then let out a soft sigh. “Fine,” I said, stepping toward the car.
The restaurant he took me to was one of the most exclusive in the city. The kind where reservations were made months in advance, and a single meal could cost more than an average person’s monthly salary. The private dining room we were led to extruded luxury.
Lucas leaned back in his chair, watching me with that ever–present smirk while he listened to me,
Thank you for the capital. I couldn’t have done this without you.”
Lucas smirked with a nod. “You’re welcome. But tell me how did you know about the project bug before it even happened?”
He chuckled. “Or maybe…. you can predict the future?”
I rolled my eyes. “If I could, I’d be winning the lottery.”
Lucas laughed. “I’m still keeping an eye on you, my future seer.”
I smiled.
In an instant, I shifted the conversation to a serious one.
1/2
Chapter 15
+25 Bonus
“So, Julison Technology Enterprise is securing the final phase of the deal,” I said, my gaze focused on him. “Once that’s done, Alex won’t have the capital to recover. His investors will pull out the moment they sense instability.”
Lucas swirled the whiskey in his glass as he smirked and then chuckled. “What about his backup plan? Alex may be an arrogant fool, but he’s not entirely stupid. He’ll try to salvage something.”
I smirked. “He can try. I know every possible avenue he has left will be blocked. By the time he realizes it, he’ll be too late.”
Lucas took a sip of his drink, considering me for a long moment without saying a word.
His lips curled into a knowing smile and then he spoke. “You’ve got so much courage.
He leaned back, a glint of mischief in his eyes. “You know, you were quite bold that night at the club.”
Here he goes, changing the topic.
He smirked. “Walking up to me like that, shooting your shot with so much confidence. I have to say, it was impressive.”
Instantly, I choked on my food as I grabbed my glass of water and took a hurried sip.
Of course, I hadn’t forgotten about that night. That night I approached him with the intention of proving to my friend that I had totally moved on from Alex. I remember everything.
The choke turned into a slight cough.
“I need to use the restroom,” I said abruptly, placing my napkin on the table before standing up.
Lucas nodded.
I made my way to the restroom. I needed to think. Lucas was an opportunity, one that I couldn’t afford to waste. In my previous life, I had only seen him as an untouchable figure in the business world, a man rumored to be as ruthless as he was brilliant. If I played my cards right, I could make use of him.
In my past life, Lucas had crushed many of his competitors while he was Alex’s competitor. And he had a reputation for protecting those he found valuable. If I could position myself as someone valuable to him, someone worth keeping around, I could secure not only this investment but also his influence.
I exhaled slowly in front of the restroom mirror. I would have to figure out how I will make it happen.
I stepped out of the restroom but then, a familiar voice made me halt in my tracks.
“Julia, what a coincidence!”
212
