Chapter 278 Wish You Good Luck

Chapter 278 Wish You Good Luck

She took out her phone from her pocket, lowered her head, and sent out a message.

[You can make your move now.]

She put down her phone and looked up, meeting Jacob's conflicted expression.

Catherine smiled slightly, "Mr. Foster, good projects naturally attract competition. That's normal. Since Mr. Frederick made a special trip here, there's no harm in meeting him."

Jacob visibly relaxed, his face breaking into a smile. "Ms. Montgomery is so gracious! Don't worry, I'm just meeting him to hear what he has to say. Our deal won't change!"

Catherine only smiled without responding.

Jacob had his secretary bring the person in.

Less than two minutes later, the conference room door was forcefully pushed open, and Frederick strode in.

He was dressed extremely over-the-top today. You could tell he really wanted to show off his current status, but unfortunately his taste was terrible—he radiated nouveau riche vibes from head to toe.

"Mr. Foster! Long time no see!" Frederick started making small talk loudly as soon as he entered, as if they were close friends.

Jacob stood up and shook hands with him politely, but his attitude was noticeably colder than it had been toward Catherine and Alexander. "Mr. Frederick, please have a seat."

Frederick plopped down in a chair carelessly, his gaze sweeping around the conference room before landing on Catherine, giving her what looked like a provocative smile.

"Oh, Ms. Montgomery is here too. Looks like it's really lively here today." He leaned back in his chair and crossed his legs.

"But that makes sense—everyone wants to grab a good project. I just wonder if Ms. Montgomery's proposal can satisfy Mr. Foster."

Alexander's face darkened immediately. Just as he was about to speak, Catherine lightly kicked him under the table, and he forced himself to swallow the words that were on the tip of his tongue.

Jacob coughed dryly. He'd obviously caught the hostility in Frederick's words, but out of politeness couldn't directly call him out. He could only say patiently, "Mr. Frederick, you said you have a proposal to discuss. Please go ahead."

Frederick immediately perked up. He took some materials from his assistant, slapped them on the table, and began talking non-stop.

He started with Aldridge Group's history, praising the Aldridge family across three generations, peppering his speech with countless "We Aldridge Group" and "as an industry leader" self-congratulations.

But when it came to the actual proposal, it boiled down to throwing more money at it and offering longer payment terms—nothing concrete or executable.

Finally, he suddenly turned his attack toward Catherine.

"Mr. Foster, I'm not trying to talk down anyone, but nowadays some companies look impressive with big operations and famous names, but in reality? The boss is some young person who came out of nowhere, with no real assets, just riding on their family's reputation. Working with companies like that is too risky. Aldridge Group is different—a hundred-year foundation, solid and steady. Partnering with us is what real peace of mind looks like."

Jacob's face was starting to turn green.

He instinctively looked toward Catherine, only to see her calmly sipping her coffee, as if Frederick wasn't talking about her at all.

Frederick, completely oblivious, continued his spiel. "Think about it—Montgomery Group does trading. What do they know about building materials? Professional work should be left to professionals. If you give us this project, I guarantee..."

"Mr. Frederick." Jacob finally couldn't help but interrupt him, the smile on his face now cold enough to freeze. "I've got a general understanding of your proposal. How about this—I'll think it over and get back to you."

Frederick paused, then his eyes lit up.

When he'd entered, he'd seen them about to sign a contract, but now Jacob was saying he'd think it over. That must mean he thought their proposal was good—otherwise he wouldn't say that.

So he immediately said smugly, "Sure, sure, Mr. Foster, take your time thinking it over. I'm confident you'll make the right choice. I'll wait for your good news!"

He turned toward the door, and when passing by Catherine, deliberately paused his steps and looked down at her.

"Ms. Montgomery, this project is probably going to Aldridge Group. You should go back to doing what you do best. Don't try to stick your fingers in every pie—be careful not to overreach."

Alexander jumped to his feet, fists clenched.

Catherine reached out and pressed down on Alexander's arm, then looked up at Frederick.

She wasn't angry, nor did she argue back. She just curved her lips slightly.

"Mr. Frederick, take care. Good luck to you."

Frederick snorted and strode out.

Catherine also stood up and said goodbye to Jacob.

Jacob walked her and Alexander all the way to the elevator, repeatedly assuring them he knew what he was doing and would absolutely not favor Aldridge Group, before reluctantly letting go.

Once outside the building, Alexander finally exploded with the anger he'd been holding in. "What the hell is that guy! Talking like that right in front of you! Cathy, why did you stop me? I should've punched him!"

"Punch him? If you punch him, how's he going to jump into the pit?" Catherine opened the car door and got in, saying lightly, "Alexander, just sit back and watch the show."

Alexander froze, then seemed to remember something, his eyes lighting up. "That message you sent just now... are you about to make your move?"

Catherine didn't answer, just curved her lips.

She didn't go back with Alexander. Instead, she got out and took a cab to the shopping center.

Charles was already waiting at the mall entrance. When he saw Catherine, he quickly walked up and handed her a coffee. "Perfect temperature, drink it while it's hot."

Catherine took the coffee and let him naturally take her other hand. The two of them walked into the mall side by side.

After the Nova Award, ECHO FASHION's orders had skyrocketed. She wanted to personally check out the market response to the high-end ready-to-wear line.

They had just reached the third floor, and Catherine was standing in front of a jewelry brand's window looking at the latest collection display, when she suddenly caught a familiar figure out of the corner of her eye.

She paused slightly and looked up.