Chapter 174: A Coincidental Encounter
I quickly said, "Yes, I know you're not after my money, but I'm giving it to you willingly. You can't refuse it."
"Well, in that case, I'll reluctantly accept it then."
Watching York's smug expression, I almost couldn't help cursing out loud.
Near the end of the workday, Atlas called me, wanting to have dinner together. I happily agreed.
Arriving at the meeting place, there was wine and fine food already prepared, and Atlas in front of me, carefully dressed up. My mood instantly lifted.
We chatted while eating. I told him that Ivan had returned and might be coming to work at the company.
Hearing this, Atlas frowned disapprovingly. "Did your father agree to this?"
I nodded. "Yes, Dad probably still trusts John's family quite a bit, so you know how it is - there's nothing I can do to stop it."
At these words, Atlas's expression toward me turned considerably colder.
"I know. It's just hard on you."
I shook my head. "It's fine. I've already arranged for someone to keep an eye on him. If he does anything out of line, at least it'll help Dad see his true colors."
Atlas nodded. "That's all we can do then. What position are you arranging for him?"
I said, "He requested to go to the sales department as a basic salesperson."
Hearing this, Atlas frowned. "Sales department, and he requested it himself?"
He chuckled lightly. "Surely he doesn't really want to train himself?"
I shook my head. "Hard to say, but that's what he claimed - that he doesn't want any special treatment and wants to start from the bottom as a salesperson."
"Well then, let's grant his wish. But keep a close eye on every deal he handles, and watch out for any contracts that might involve fraud."
Atlas's words instantly made my heart skip a beat. I'd only been thinking about what trouble he might cause within the company, but had forgotten about the possibility of contracts being tampered with.
"I will."
I calculated in my mind that my audit department would need to find some more assistants, and every business deal at the company would need to be reviewed going forward.
Thinking of this, I sighed. There was just so much work to do - I really couldn't let my guard down for a moment.
Halfway through dinner, a woman's voice suddenly rang out.
"Atlas, you're eating here too?"
Hearing the voice, I looked up and saw that it was Nancy.
I felt somewhat helpless. I didn't know if Nancy was constantly tracking Atlas's movements, but whenever the two of us went out to eat, nine times out of ten we'd run into her. If all these were coincidences, they were way too coincidental.
"What a coincidence, Nancy. Are you here with your friend?"
Atlas said this while his gaze fell on the man Nancy had her arm linked with.
Seeing Atlas's gaze, Nancy quickly dropped her arm and explained, "This is my friend from abroad, just an ordinary friend. Don't misunderstand, Atlas."
Atlas seemed helpless. "I'm not misunderstanding. You're not young anymore - it's time you had your own boyfriend."
After saying this, Atlas smiled at the man. "Enjoy your meal."
The man bowed slightly to Atlas. "Thank you."
Then his gaze fell on Nancy. Anyone could see that this man had special feelings for Nancy.
Nancy seemed not to notice his look at all, only staring at Atlas. "Atlas, if you don't mind, how about we share a table?"
I glanced at the half-eaten steak on the table, feeling speechless. Did she really have to force herself into this?
I looked at Atlas discreetly. He was about to refuse when Nancy spoke again. "I haven't seen you in so many days, Atlas. You wouldn't forget about me as a friend just because you have a girlfriend now, would you?"
Hearing this, Atlas said helplessly, "Fine, come sit with us."
Instantly, what had been a table for two became a table for four.
Right after sitting down, Nancy pointed to the man beside her. "Paul Barnes, from Meridian. He's here visiting and doesn't know his way around, so I'm specially keeping him company and showing him around."
Paul politely greeted me and Atlas again.
Since he was an international friend, we should treat him well.
Atlas called over the waiter and asked about his preferences. While waiting for the food, hearing that Paul was very interested in shipbuilding, the two of them began chatting pleasantly.
Meanwhile, Nancy's gaze kept falling on me from time to time, with ill intent.
I frowned. "Excuse me, I need to use the restroom."
When I came out of the restroom, I was surprised to see Nancy touching up her makeup outside.
The moment she saw me, she unhurriedly put away her lipstick, glanced at me and said, "Among all the women who've been around Atlas, you've lasted the longest."
"Is that so? That just proves I'm Atlas's true love."
When it came to mental fortitude, I really wasn't afraid.
Seeing me so unconcerned, Nancy instantly exploded with anger. "What are you so proud of? You're just Atlas's plaything. Once Atlas gets tired of you, he'll break up with you sooner or later."
I calmly dried the water from my hands, turned to look at her, and said with a smile, "Some people would love to be played with by Atlas, but unfortunately they don't have the chance."
When it came to verbal sparring, I had specially learned from Quincy, and now I'd learned well.
Watching Nancy's face turn red with anger, I actually found it rather boring.
I tossed the paper towel into the trash. "Alright, for Atlas's sake as your friend, I'll kindly advise you - if there's someone suitable around you, look at others. Atlas doesn't like you. Even without me, there would be other women, but it won't be you."
"You're lying!"
Nancy was instantly pushed to the edge by my words. She shouted, "If it weren't for your interference, Atlas and I would have been together long ago! This is all because of you, Helena. If you know what's good for you, you'll leave soon, or else I won't let you off!"
Seeing her frantic state, I frowned. "Are you sure that as long as I leave, Atlas will fall for you?"
"He will, he definitely will!"
Seeing her so confident, I was speechless.
Atlas had made it clear long ago that he only saw Nancy as a friend. The funny thing was that only Nancy herself was immersed in this fantasy.
I couldn't bear to shatter her illusion, but I also couldn't bear to watch her sink deeper.
"Think about how many years you've known each other. If he had romantic feelings for you, he wouldn't have waited until now."
I directly exposed her fantasy. "If you don't believe me, you can ask him yourself. If he has even the slightest bit of love for you, I'll voluntarily step aside."
"Fine, you said it yourself. I'll make you step aside willingly!"
Nancy turned and strode away. When I returned to my seat, she and Paul had left at some point.
"Where are they?"
Seeing me look over, Atlas said, "Nancy said she had something to do and left. Let her be."