Chapter 176 A Chance Needed
As Caroline approached the private room, she heard laughter coming from the slightly ajar door, followed by Jasper's voice.
Jasper said, "Should be here soon. Just got a call saying they're already at Acorn Lane."
An unfamiliar man said, "Acorn Lane isn't far from here. Five minutes tops."
An unfamiliar woman said, "Hope they didn't hit traffic."
The unfamiliar man, "Maybe. There's an elementary school next to Acorn Lane, and right now it's dismissal time."
Caroline pushed the door open. "Sorry, did I keep you waiting?"
Seeing her enter, all three people immediately stood up to greet her. Jasper introduced everyone while showing her to the main seat. After exchanging greetings, Caroline learned that the others were Nash Hearst, manager of VoltWave Cables, and the woman with him was Briar Astor, their sales manager. But Caroline could tell right away that their relationship wasn't purely professional.
Nash wore a black polo shirt, his short hair neatly styled. His features radiated the steadiness and handsomeness of a mature man, with sharp, shrewd eyes. He had that standard successful businessman look, with good body management—no beer belly, though not exactly a gym-built physique either.
His smile was charming, with just the right amount of appeal to win people over, but not overdone. He knew exactly how to strike the right balance.
"Ms. Tudor, it's an honor to meet you. I've been hearing about this young and capable female manager at Seaside City Power Company. I even told Ms. Astor that anyone in this position must be a rough-around-the-edges woman. But seeing you today, I'm pleasantly surprised. You're not only elegant, but you strike me as sharp and capable."
Nash knew how to compliment. Beautiful women in high positions didn't care much for praise about their looks. To them, their appearance was the least noteworthy thing about themselves.
Because looks were given by their parents, requiring no effort, while capability was what professional women took pride in and wanted recognition for.
Caroline smiled. "Mr. Hearst, from your first words, I can tell I'm dealing with someone impressive today. I'm just a small-time manager. Your compliments are making me embarrassed. Actually, at our company, Mr. Russell is the real talent. He's been at the power company longer and knows way more about the work than I do. I still have to ask Mr. Russell for advice on many issues."
In just a few words, Caroline elevated Jasper, greatly satisfying his vanity. He waved his hand with a laugh, "Advice is too formal. With our relationship, why would you need to ask for advice?"
As they spoke, Briar poured tea for the three of them.
Nash called over a server. "Ms. Tudor, any foods you can't eat?"
He didn't ask what she wanted to eat, but what she didn't eat.
Caroline said, "Let's keep it simple today, nothing too greasy. I just got married and my husband and I are trying for a baby."
In just a few sentences, she'd already hinted that she wouldn't be drinking.
Briar smiled and sat down next to Caroline. "If you're trying to conceive, you definitely can't drink. You need to take care of yourself."
"Exactly, I'm being very careful. After all, my husband isn't getting any younger. We should have a child sooner rather than later."
If Leopold knew Caroline was out here saying he wasn't getting any younger, he would definitely give her hell for it.
Fortunately, he wasn't here!
With a woman at the table, and since Caroline was the main guest today, the menu took more consideration of female tastes, with dishes women typically enjoyed.
Since Caroline wasn't drinking, Nash ordered fresh-squeezed juice for her.
While waiting for the food, Briar kept chatting with Caroline about topics women enjoy.
Briar complimented her figure and asked how she maintained it. Learning that Caroline had a gym routine, she even added Caroline's gym's WhatsApp through her.
Talking about topics she enjoyed, Caroline was happy to chat more with her.
After the food arrived, everyone ate and talked, not immediately jumping into work topics.
It wasn't until Jasper brought up the main theme of the evening, raising his glass, "Tonight's dinner is specially prepared by Mr. Hearst for Ms. Tudor—partly to discuss work, partly to get to know each other. With this drink, I want to thank Mr. Hearst for his generous hospitality. I'll drink first."
Jasper downed his drink in one go. Caroline took a sip of juice and set down her glass.
At this table, everyone except Caroline was drinking beer.
Nash smoothly picked up the conversation. "Ms. Tudor, our company's cables are competitive in the domestic market in terms of both quality and price. Plus, VoltWave Cables is a major brand in the cable industry with good name recognition. I heard that Seaside City Power Company is purchasing a batch of cables this year. I'm not trying to use connections with you—I just want a chance for you to check out VoltWave Cables' products, maybe visit our company. Earlier this year, we got a batch of new equipment, imported from abroad, and the cables we produce meet international standards. You can absolutely trust the quality."
Caroline calmly put down her knife and fork, pulled out a napkin to dab the corners of her mouth, then said,
"I've received materials about VoltWave Cables' products. Mr. Russell was in my office at the time and strongly recommended your company to me. I really trust Mr. Russell—after all, he's done this kind of work before and has been involved in procurement. But this is my first time handling this business, and I'm not too familiar with the procurement process, so I need to be careful. The project does exist, but my thinking is to follow proper procedures. As long as VoltWave Cables' products can successfully win the bid, I'm all for it. I have no objections."
Hearing this, Briar looked at Nash.
Everyone understood that bidding processes were often just for show. If you wanted to give it to someone, you could manipulate things and the order would be theirs.
But right now, Caroline's meaning was clear: she wanted VoltWave Cables to participate in the competitive bidding. If that was the case, VoltWave Cables wasn't very competitive.
Jasper's expression soured a bit, though he maintained his smile. Nash gave Jasper a look, and the latter immediately understood.
Jasper said meaningfully, "Ms. Tudor, what Mr. Hearst means is, could we discuss this project and maybe just give it to them?"
"Give it to them?" Caroline put on an expression like she didn't understand.
Briar quickly chimed in, moving her chair closer and gently grasping Caroline's wrist. "Ms. Tudor, we know you just started this position and there might be a lot you don't understand yet. Actually, this is how we've operated before. Of course, Mr. Hearst won't let your efforts go unrewarded. He knows what he's doing."
Caroline tried to maintain her smile. "Mr. Hearst, are you trying to bribe me?"
That one sentence left all three of them speechless for a few seconds.
Jasper quickly said, "It's not that serious, not that serious. You're making it sound way too serious."
Nash remained the calmest, looking at Caroline with an easy smile. "Ms. Tudor, we're just talking about cooperation. VoltWave Cables may not be number one in the industry, but we're in the top three. In a market economy, everyone needs an opportunity."