Chapter 163 Digging a Pit for Her
Jeremy didn't say a word. He just smiled—a smile that didn't reach his eyes—as he raised his water glass.
What would happen otherwise? He didn't spell it out, but everyone at the table understood it wouldn't be good. Government-business cooperation was standard practice. When things went well, everyone benefited. When they didn't, it got ugly.
The room suddenly went silent, even more oppressive than before. Everyone lowered their eyes. No one spoke.
After a moment of silence, Jeremy was the first to pick up his knife and fork. "Everyone must be hungry. Let's eat."
The servers had already brought out all the dishes. But the food didn't look particularly impressive. In fact, it seemed rather simple.
"Ms. Promise, these dishes are well chosen."
Lauren was shrewd. She'd seen right through Quinley's intentions. So she threw in that comment at the worst possible moment.
Jeremy's gaze turned to Quinley. "So you're Ms. Promise?"
He narrowed his eyes, his deep, pond-like gaze settling on Quinley. Besides Lauren, Quinley was the only other woman in the room. Easy to identify.
Quinley stood and raised her wine glass. "Mr. Davis, I didn't know what you liked, so I took the liberty of ordering a variety. I hope it's to your taste."
Jeremy's lips curved into a soundless smile. He drank the wine Quinley offered.
"Ms. Promise is very thoughtful. It seems Mr. Jennings has trained you well!"
Though he said this, he didn't touch his fork or pick up any food.
"Harold, don't you love liver? Have more today."
Jeremy's voice was neither light nor heavy, but it landed in everyone's hearts. The table was thick with tension—a showdown between masters.
Harold's eyes darkened. "I appreciate the thought, but I have high uric acid. Doctor's orders—no organ meats."
"Then you two eat it. You're young. Split it between you."
Jeremy's gaze shifted to Lauren and the sales director. Both looked uncomfortable but didn't dare refuse.
"Yes, sir."
Lauren followed Jeremy's instruction, slowly forcing half the liver into her mouth. Everyone at the table watched them.
Lauren desperately tried to swallow, but the food kept surging back up her throat.
"Ms. Morgan, you don't like it?"
Jeremy's eyes narrowed. Lauren quickly waved her hands, her face flushing red as she forced out a smile.
"I love it. I do."
She forced herself to swallow large mouthfuls. Jeremy's deep eyes casually glanced at Quinley. Just one glance, then a barely perceptible smile crept across his lips.
"Since Ms. Morgan loves it so much, bring her another serving."
Quinley sat directly across from Lauren. Inwardly, she cheered. Lauren's face went through shades of green and red. She wanted to refuse but didn't dare.
The server worked quickly, immediately bringing another identical plate of liver. Lauren was trapped. She couldn't eat it, but she had to act like she loved it.
When she'd gotten halfway through, she couldn't hold it in anymore. Everything came surging back up. She quickly covered her mouth and bolted from the table toward the restroom.
"Ms. Morgan must be pregnant, don't you think?"
Jeremy chuckled softly. He laughed, but no one else at the table did. Everyone held their breath.
Lauren was Harold's person. By making an example of Lauren, Jeremy was slapping Harold in the face. Throughout the meal, Harold's expression had been dark.
Jeremy barely acknowledged him, spending the entire time discussing the project with Zachary. Jeremy had spent years in government. He appeared refined and cultured, but he radiated a powerful, intimidating presence that struck fear into people.
Just as the meal was ending, Jeremy took a phone call and left first. The moment he left, Harold couldn't sit still. He let out a cold snort, stood, and walked out. Lauren quickly followed.
"What did you make of that dinner?"
On the drive back, Zachary spoke up. Lucas was driving. He'd been a transparent presence the whole time, but perhaps he'd seen things most clearly.
"Jeremy really seems to hate Harold. He didn't give him an ounce of respect all night. But I don't get it—if he hates him so much, why insist on bringing him into the project?"
Lucas was confused, but Quinley saw it clearly.
"He's putting on an act."
"Oh? What makes you say that?"
Zachary's interest was piqued.
"If the Davis brothers really had bad blood, they'd never let outsiders see it. Everyone knows they're half-brothers. When it comes to family interests, Jeremy wouldn't be that careless. He brought Harold in to keep Apex Global Group in check."
Lucas was even more confused. "He has no beef with Mr. Jennings. Why would he want to keep Apex Global Group in check?"
"Because he wants to prop up the Davis Group."
Quinley hit the nail on the head. Zachary looked at her with approval and nodded.
"You're exactly right. Which means we've got a tough fight ahead of us."
Quinley and Zachary had weathered countless battles like this during their three years together. But this time was different. The Davis Group and Apex Global Group had always competed. Now they had to try cooperating. Every step from here on out would require walking on thin ice.
Outside the South District apartment building, Zachary took Quinley's hand. His starlit eyes looked at her intently.
"If you're impatient in small matters, you'll ruin great plans. Don't show your hand so quickly."
Quinley understood. He was talking about the liver incident.
"Sometimes showing your hand feels pretty damn good."
Seeing Lauren forced to eat all that liver had genuinely made her happy.
"I'm worried Jeremy will set his sights on you."
"How would that happen? You're overthinking it."
Back then, Quinley was still too naive. She'd underestimated Jeremy's predatory nature.
A week later, the downtown redevelopment project officially launched. Zachary deliberately assigned external liaison work to Lucas, specifically to keep Quinley from dealing with the Davis Group.
But someone had secretly dug a trap for her. That day, Lucas accompanied Zachary to the project site for an inspection. Quinley unexpectedly received a call from Jeremy's secretary, saying there was an error in a document that needed someone to come verify it.
Quinley had handled that document. The other party was urgent, so Quinley didn't think twice and headed over. Only when she arrived did she realize how tricky this was.
Quinley followed the secretary to Jeremy's office.
"Ms. Promise is here."
He leaned back in his chair, eyes narrowed as he studied Quinley.
"Mr. Davis, your secretary just informed us there's a problem with the document. Where exactly is the issue?"
Quinley kept appropriate boundaries, sticking to business.
Jeremy smiled, stood up to pour himself coffee, then personally poured Quinley a cup.
"I'm not entirely clear on the specifics. Since you handled it, Ms. Promise, why don't you review it carefully with my secretary?"
Quinley left with the document and went to the reception room. The secretary explained the problems. Quinley made the requested changes, but when the document reached Jeremy, it still wasn't acceptable.
First revision. Second revision. Third revision... Quinley patiently revised it again and again. Jeremy was busy the whole time. She had no chance to communicate with him directly.
By the time she finished the final draft, it was dark outside. When Jeremy emerged from the conference room and saw Quinley still waiting, he looked apologetic.
"Ms. Promise, I'm so sorry. I was swamped today. I feel terrible keeping you waiting so long."
Quinley handed him the revised document. He took it, flipped through it, but didn't look carefully.
"Ms. Elikin, I have another dinner engagement tonight. If it's not too much trouble, ride in my car. You can brief me in detail on the way."
Quinley had no choice. She agreed. But once she got in the car, Jeremy changed his tune.