His tone was accusatory, as if she were to blame that the project didn’t go well.
She explained patiently, “The project has gone through the second round of negotiation, and we’ve even signed the Term Sheet Framework Agreement already. Now that we suddenly want to change the agreed–upon investment ratio, of course, he’s upset…”
He interrupted her before she could continue, “Everything is subject to change before the process is finalized.”
After a pause, he looked up, meeting her eyes in the rearview mirror, and curved his lips into a mocking sneer. “It seems you’ve wasted your time being by my side for so long.”
There was a moment of silence. Then she lowered her head and asked, “May I know the reason for lowering the ra- dio?”
This time, it was Bianca who answered her. “In my experience, Aethon Tech’s drones aren’t commercial enough. Surely, their market performance won’t be as good as the projections in the proposal. That’s why I suggest we lower three percentage points.”
Britney argued, “Aethon Tech is an established brand with solid technology and complete after–sales support. We chose to collaborate with them for this very reason.”
“Money talks. Who cares if it’s an old brand? Good reputation doesn’t bring us profit, does it?” Bianca retorted quick- ly.
Then she turned to Rodrick with a smile and joked, “Rod, she surely is quite disappointing.”
Rodrick nodded, his gaze falling upon Britney inadvertently. “That’s why she can only be my secretary, not an invest- ment director.”
Bianca chuckled. “Brains and vision are vital in investment. She only has a bachelor’s degree. Leading a project is in- deed too much for her.”
The rain was heavier when the car arrived at Aethon Tech.
Aethon Tech had an open–air parking lot, and there was a certain distance from the car to the entrance.
Rodrick stepped out of the car with an umbrella and waited for Bianca to walk with him toward the entrance.
It seemed he had completely forgotten about Britney.
Britney wasn’t surprised. After all, how could one hold an umbrella for two at the same time?
Rodrick treated her and Bianca so differently that she stopped caring about the details.
She opened the car door, ready to run to the entrance through the rain.
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11:54
Chapter 21
The distance wasn’t far, but the late autumn rain was freezing.
“Ms. Harrington, wait up!”
Someone hastily ran from the entrance.
It was Judson.
He ran toward her while holding an umbrella.
“You may catch a cold easily,” he said to her, “especially in this weather.”
“Thank you, Mr. Garrison,” she said sincerely.
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“Don’t say that. The doctor you introduced to my wife the last time is awesome. She got better soon after he treated her. She insisted that I thank you after seeing you. I’ll treat you to a meal tonight.”
“Mrs. Garrison is too kind. It was just a small favor.”
They walked side by side toward the entrance, chatting and smiling like friends.
Meanwhile, Rodrick and Bianca were waiting for them.
Looking at them, Bianca arched an eyebrow while musing, “It seems Ms. Harrington and Mr. Garrison are so close. No wonder he said he’d talk to no one but her.”
Bianca’s remarks were meaningful.
Anyone in the business world would catch her drift.
But Rodrick reacted more coldly than she had expected.
He looked away, handed the umbrella to a nearby security guard, and then walked inside.
Pretty satisfied, she curved her lips and followed him.
As Judson and Britney walked into the meeting room, Bianca and Rodrick were chatting.
Their upper bodies inclined toward each other unconsciously.
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