Chapter 39

Chapter 39
"Don't be angry anymore," Chloe said, patting Owen's shoulder. "I got an assignment from work, and I'm planning to interview Avery at her company when I have time. Once I meet with her, I'll definitely try to convince her for you. And who knows, I might even help you land that partnership with Matteo."



She was confident in her abilities. After all, she worked at a well-known broadcasting company. Matteo shouldn't refuse her, no matter what.



"Chloe, you're always so thoughtful." Owen's expression softened. "If you can get that interview, I'll go with you in a few days. The misunderstanding about the race was just that—a misunderstanding. We can't afford to alienate Matteo."



In that moment, compared to Avery's cold-hearted rejection, Chloe seemed incredibly understanding.



"Great, leave it to me." Calculation gleamed in Chloe's eyes. With Avery there, she was determined to capture Owen's heart and make that bitch jealous!



But first, she needed to secure the interview opportunity.



That same afternoon, Chloe arrived at the Ferrari Group Building.



"Damn, this place is swanky," she couldn't help but murmur as she stepped into the gleaming lobby.



She could physically feel the Ferrari Group's immense wealth. The skyscraper boasted over a hundred floors, nearly all belonging to the Ferrari Group's empire.



Located in the heart of downtown, it was City A's newest luxury landmark.



In the lobby, Chloe immediately spotted a prominent organizational chart. She saw Avery's photo placed in the CEO's office section, with her title confirming she was indeed Matteo's executive assistant.



Her jealousy twisted like a knife.



"Excuse me, miss, do you have an appointment?" Lily from the front desk approached politely.



"No." Chloe batted her eyelashes. "But my sister, Avery Vaughn, is Mr. Ferrari's assistant. It's her birthday today, and my mother asked me to prepare some surprises for her."



She casually reached into her Dior handbag and pulled out a family photo.



It was taken many years ago, but you could still tell that the little girl in the middle was Avery, with her unmistakable amber eyes.



Chloe maintained her bright, innocent expression. "Please, don't tell her. I want to make Avery happy."



Lily glanced at the photo without much suspicion. "Of course, please wait a moment."



Soon, Chloe was riding the elevator up. And then she saw Avery.



"Avery, fancy running into you so soon."



Avery hadn't expected Chloe to show up here either. She gave her a cool once-over.



Chloe was impeccably made up, wearing the latest Chanel suit. She sat in the guest reception area, radiating entitlement.



"What are you doing here?" Avery asked.



Chloe waved dismissively. "I'm here to see Mr. Ferrari, of course. Since you're his assistant, why don't you take me to him? I want to interview him."



Chloe spoke as if addressing a maid. Even now, she was treating Avery the same way she had when they were younger, trying to crush her dignity underfoot.



But Avery wasn't going to tolerate it.



"Don't you do any research before arranging interviews?" Avery replied with a hint of mockery. "Mr. Ferrari is overseas for the next few days. He's not in City A right now."



Chloe clearly didn't believe her. "I think you just don't want me to have the opportunity to meet Mr. Ferrari, so you're lying about him not being here."



A smug smile tugged at Chloe's lips as she flashed her press credentials. "Avery, you don't need to be so threatened by me. I'm genuinely here for an interview."



Avery's expression remained impassive. "Interviews require appointments. Didn't you know that?"



Of course Chloe knew. But she had no intention of being turned away at the door. In her experience, opportunities were there for the taking.



"I'm a reporter from CQ Broadcasting Company. Do you have any idea how many people beg us for interviews?" Chloe lifted her chin imperiously. "This interview would be a great publicity opportunity for Mr. Ferrari. Don't let your personal grudges interfere with your boss's business interests."



With that, Chloe stood and started walking toward Matteo's office. "If you won't introduce me to him, I'll go in myself."



"I said no. Are you incapable of understanding basic English?" Avery stepped in front of her, face expressionless. "I don't care what broadcasting company you're from. If you want to interview Mr. Ferrari, you need a written appointment that he has personally approved."



Standing nearly a head taller than Chloe, Avery's words carried an intimidating weight. "Otherwise, no one gets in."



Avery's response infuriated Chloe. "You're just an assistant, who do you think—"



Before she could finish, Susan, hearing the commotion, walked over. "Since when are CQ Broadcasting reporters so rude?"



Susan positioned herself beside Avery. She could tell at a glance that Chloe was trouble.



"Our CEO isn't available for interviews just because you want one," Susan planted her hands on her hips and glared at Chloe. "You think that press badge gives you the right to barge in here? I'm calling CQ Broadcasting headquarters right now to ask if all their staff behave this way!"



"Wait!" Chloe felt a surge of frustration. She was afraid Susan would actually make that call.



After all, before coming to Ferrari Group, Chloe had confidently assured her colleagues at the broadcasting station that she would succeed. If they found out she couldn't even get past the office door to interview Matteo, she'd be the laughingstock of the entire company.



"Susan, no need to be so harsh with our guest," Jason emerged from inside the office. "This young lady is a reporter, after all. Your hostile attitude will only reflect poorly on our company."



Chloe glanced at his ID badge and immediately recognized him as the Jason who had called her earlier.



Jason smiled at her invitingly. "Ms. Chloe Vaughn, why don't you come with me to another reception room while we wait? Before Mr. Ferrari returns, you can prepare your interview questions."



"That sounds perfect. At least someone here knows how business works," Chloe shot a triumphant look at Avery and Susan before following Jason to another room.



As soon as the door closed behind them, Chloe eagerly asked, "Jason, is Mr. Ferrari really not here?"



"Correct, he's abroad on business," Jason replied, pouring Chloe a cup of coffee and gesturing for her to sit on the sofa. "But from what I know, he'll be back this afternoon."



Hearing this, Chloe breathed a sigh of relief.



"What do you think about the plan I mentioned?" she asked, referring to their previous phone conversation about Jason pretending to pursue Avery.



Jason shook his head. "I haven't figured out the best approach yet. Do you have any suggestions?"



He knew that if Chloe was asking, she probably had something better in mind.



"Of course I do." Chloe glanced toward the door and motioned for Jason to come closer.



Lowering her voice, she said, "I'll tell you something. Avery has a distinctive mole on her right thigh. It's a very private characteristic."



"If you mention this detail at the right moment, then even if you claim you've slept with her, she won't have any good way to prove you wrong."



"Really?" Jason's eyes lit up.



"Yes, almost no one knows about this," Chloe's face wore a contemptuous smile. "So, if you use this information properly, do you still doubt you can handle that bitch Avery?"



"Perfect." Jason felt a surge of triumph, as if he had already been intimate with Avery.



Soon after finalizing their plan, Jason left the room. He approached Avery's desk, putting on a gentlemanly air.



"Avery, you must be tired after working so hard. How about I bring you some cupcakes?"