Chapter 24
This dinner had a wide variety of dishes. Watching them toast each other, I just kept my head down and ate quietly by myself.
"Ms. Wilson, I heard your company's office location has been finalized. I'm just wondering where you're planning to set up the factory?" Eugene asked me with a smile, looking past Oscar.
I calmly put down my utensils and acted inexperienced: "Actually, I haven't decided yet. We have our own factories abroad, as well as import and export trading companies. The main thing is that investments need to be a bit more careful these days, so I'm still thinking about the location."
Robert glanced over at me casually, and before Eugene could speak, quickly jumped in from across the table with a smile: "They're planning to stay in Lumaria long-term, so moving operations to Lumaria is inevitable, right Emily?"
I put on a slightly reluctant expression: "Mr. Robert Lopez has a point. I'll give it serious thought."
Eugene quickly said, "That's the right choice. By the way, our chamber of commerce is actively recruiting young entrepreneurs. If Ms. Wilson and Mr. Oscar Lopez are interested, I can directly recommend you for membership. What do you say?"
Robert smiled and nudged Oscar beside him: "Oscar, aren't you going to thank Eugene? The chamber has pretty high membership standards."
Oscar glanced at me. I immediately caught on and raised my glass along with him: "Thank you, Eugene. If we have any questions in the future, please give us your guidance."
Abigail smiled and stubbed out her cigarette directly in the cup: "This has been a pretty pleasant meal. I have to say, the future really does belong to young people. The policies above are now more relaxed and friendlier. Since you're coming back to develop in Lumaria, there are many support policies available. If you have any questions in the future, you can ask me directly."
Oscar stood up with his glass and thanked them with a smile: "Thank you for Mr. Rodriguez's recognition, and thank Mr. Cook and Mr. Bailey as well. I'll drink first as a sign of respect."
Robert's eyes crinkled with a smile: "Mr. Rodriguez is right - the future belongs to these young people. I'm already old and should have retired long ago. If the project gets resolved perfectly, I'll hand the company over to Oscar and William. The company's future path will be theirs to decide."
Abigail continued smiling: "Mr. Robert Lopez, you're the one people should envy - all your children are so capable. So there's no need to fixate on the project. Maybe this is the best arrangement. You know, even if that west city land gets approved, it'll need even more capital support later. Every cloud has a silver lining."
Robert's smile stiffened a bit, and his hand gripping the glass visibly tightened. He probably didn't expect that even after bringing both Oscar and me, they still didn't believe The Novagen Group had the capability.
Everyone sitting here is sharp as a tack - they all know the carrot-and-stick approach inside out. "Oscar, if your import-export trading company needs anything, just say the word. There's nothing I can't handle. The path is already paved for you - you just need to walk it with confidence."
Oscar smiled and raised his glass again: "I've said thank you so many times I've lost count. My fiancée and I appreciate the leadership's support."
Robert quickly added: "Right, right. Oscar brought back some fruit when he returned - nothing fancy. I left it all at the front desk. When we're done drinking, remember to take it with you. Please don't think it's too simple - it's just his gesture."
"Mr. Robert Lopez, you're too kind. Come on, cheers."
"We can't just keep drinking like this. How about we..." Eugene said halfway, then glanced in my direction.
I naturally understood what he meant - I seemed to be in the way here.
Typical - men are all the same everywhere. A few drinks and they're thinking with their other head.
I glanced at Oscar drinking with them. "I'm pretty much done eating. It's kind of boring just watching you all drink. I have to check out the company site tomorrow anyway, so I'll head out first. You guys continue."
Eugene smiled knowingly: "Oscar, your fiancée is great - capable and understanding. We all have each other's contact info. We'll probably be working together going forward. If you have things to do, go ahead. Don't worry, your fiancé won't get lost."
Leaving the smoky club, I looked back at the bright lights and took a deep breath, feeling a tightness in my chest.
I didn't want to admit this tightness was because of Oscar. But I quickly found a reason that made sense to me - since he's nominally my fiancé, even if it's an act, I should act like I care and I'm jealous.
So I picked up my phone and sent him a message: [If you dare come back smelling like another woman, don't bother coming back at all.]
After sending the message, I felt a bit better. But by the time I got home, I still hadn't received any response from Oscar.
Was his desire really that strong? With beautiful women around, he didn't even have time to send a reply?
"Emily, you're back? Can we talk?" As soon as I walked in, Gregory stood up from the living room sofa and blocked my path.
I didn't hide the disgust on my face: "You'd better call me Ms. Wilson, or you'll look really tacky."
Gregory quickly put on a smile and nodded: "Ms. Wilson, I want to talk to you about Lumina Trade Center."
I casually tossed my bag aside, glanced at him, then checked my watch: "There are only a few hours left. Instead of rushing to find a new place to rent, the Brown Group people still hope you'll plead for them? What makes you think you're qualified to negotiate with me?"
Gregory looked embarrassed and took a deep breath: "Actually, that's not it. I just want to explain to you - I really did mistake you for my wife that time. Your silhouettes looked so similar, and I... I was drunk and didn't know what I was doing."
I looked at him with a cold laugh: "Gregory, what's with the devoted husband act? If you really cared about your so-called wife, would you be messing around with Sophia? And how are you so sure your wife just ran away from home?"
Gregory quickly explained, "Qingqing and I have nothing going on. I've known my wife for over ten years. She's the smartest, kindest girl I've ever met. I know I shouldn't have left the wedding, but if her sister had really died because of that, not just me, she would have felt guilty for the rest of her life too. I've already explained it to her, I..."
I turned away irritably: "Why are you telling me all this? I don't want to hear it, and there's nothing to discuss with you. See yourself out."
Gregory blocked my path again, pleading: "Ms. Wilson, the Brown Group belongs to the Brown family, and you represent the Lopez family's position... Mr. Brown has already stated that as long as you'll agree, he'll accept any conditions - even just renewing for one more year to give them a smooth transition."
I turned around with a slight smile: "Then please tell Mr. Brown - no deal. Tomorrow morning at eight o'clock, I'll be there on time to take over the premises. Anything left inside will be considered trash."
Gently brushing past Gregory, I slowly walked upstairs. Since they didn't value the time I gave them, they could wait to be swept out tomorrow.
Maybe I should also notify some media outlets in advance to help the Brown Group trend on social media - consider it my gift.