Chapter 99
Chapter 99
Zoey frowned, looked over, and waited for Anna's answer.
"Cooperation."
After a long pause, Anna put down her cup, her gaze becoming deep and intense.
"You and I have the same goal - neither of us wants to see Teresa doing well. So why don't we join forces and completely destroy Teresa's reputation?"
"When that happens, Michael will see how good you are, and maybe Simon will have a change of heart too."
A few seconds after she finished speaking, Zoey fell silent.
She stared hard at those photos, then looked at Anna.
Reason told her that Anna was no easy person to deal with, and cooperating with her was like walking into danger.
But the burning jealousy and resentment made her lose the ability to think clearly.
Now, she had only one thought in her mind.
Destroy Teresa, make Michael see Teresa's true colors, and realize that Zoey was the one who was truly good for him, the woman who matched him.
Zoey closed her eyes and let out a heavy breath.
"What do you want to do?"
Anna's heart stirred, and a triumphant smile appeared at the corner of her mouth.
She leaned forward, lowered her voice, and whispered in Zoey's ear.
A few minutes later, Anna sat up straight and looked over meaningfully.
"Miss Reed, the success or failure of this whole thing depends entirely on you."
"I know."
Zoey lowered her eyes. On one hand, she was disgusted by how vicious Anna's plan was, but on the other hand, she couldn't control the thrill rising in her heart.
If the plan succeeded, then Michael would be completely hers.
No one would ever be able to take him away from her again.
Thinking of this, a smile appeared at the corner of Zoey's lips. She picked up the envelope full of photos and stood up.
Just as she was about to turn and leave, she suddenly seemed to remember something. She turned back, her voice carrying a warning.
"Anna, you'd better not play any tricks. If I find out you're using me, or if you dare to leak anything afterward, the Reed Family won't let you off."
"Don't worry, we're allies now."
Anna smiled sweetly, looking innocent: "Here's to our successful cooperation."
---
Three days after the final presentation for the Horizon Group project, news came from abroad that Sawyer's wife, the president of Horizon Group, had suddenly fallen seriously ill.
Upon receiving the news, Sawyer had no choice but to immediately cancel all his schedules and fly back home.
With Sawyer gone, the final evaluation and signing for the Horizon Group project had to be postponed indefinitely - it would take at least a month before it could restart.
When the news reached the Watson Group, the team that had been on edge for nearly a month instantly breathed a sigh of relief.
Although the project was still undecided, at least they had gained valuable breathing room.
The continuous high-intensity work had left everyone exhausted. Matthew gave the core team a week of paid leave to rest and recover.
Teresa could finally take a break from her busy schedule.
Looking at the video Samantha sent of Daisy playing in the mud at the suburban house, laughing happily, her heart melted, but she also felt deep guilt.
During this time, she had neglected Daisy too much.
Suddenly remembering how Michael had helped out when Daisy was sick last time, Teresa opened her chat with Michael.
After hesitating for a moment, she sent an invitation.
[Michael, are you free tonight? I'd like to treat you to dinner to thank you for your care and support during this time. You choose the place.]
The reply came quickly, and Michael agreed readily.
[I know a nice restaurant, pretty quiet. Should I pick you up at six?]
[No need to pick me up, I can get there myself. Just send me the address.]
Teresa didn't want to trouble him too much and replied immediately.
Michael didn't insist and sent the restaurant address directly.
In the evening, Teresa changed into a comfortable and presentable dress, put on light makeup, and took a taxi to the address Michael had sent.
There was some traffic on the way, and her phone rang. It was Michael.
"Teresa, sorry, I might be a bit late. Zoey just called, there's something going on."
Michael's voice carried a barely noticeable hint of helplessness.
"It's fine, you handle your business first. I'm almost there, I'll wait for you at the restaurant."
Teresa understood and quickly reassured him.
"Okay, I'll be as quick as I can."
Michael paused, his tone somewhat hesitant.
"Zoey said her grandfather's eightieth birthday is the day after tomorrow, the party is at Crystal Cascade Lodge, and she insists I attend. Mr. Reed helped me a lot in the past, so I can't really refuse."
"You should definitely go for his birthday."
Teresa agreed, understanding Zoey's little schemes but not caring about them.
"She also insists that I must bring a female companion."
Michael's voice dropped even lower, as if testing the waters.
"Teresa—"
"I won't go, Michael."
Teresa immediately cut in, declining repeatedly.
"That's the Reed Family's private party. It wouldn't be appropriate for an outsider like me to go. Besides, I'd like to spend more time with Daisy. Please give Mr. Reed my regards."
There was a moment of silence on the other end before Michael said, "I understand. Drive safely, I'll be there as soon as I can."
After hanging up, Teresa looked at the flowing traffic outside the window and let out a soft sigh.
She could feel that Michael's feelings for her went beyond ordinary friendship and colleagues.
But right now, she really didn't have the extra energy or mental space to think about romantic matters. There was Daisy's situation, Luke who could suddenly appear and threaten them at any time, and the entanglement with Simon.
And right now, there was still the unresolved Horizon Group project.
Each of these things left her mentally and physically exhausted.
Arriving at the restaurant, the environment was indeed as Michael had described - quiet and elegant.
Michael hadn't arrived yet, so the waiter led her to the reserved private room.
She had just sat down when her phone vibrated again. It was a voice message from Samantha.
"Teresa, let me tell you, Daisy was talking about Michael again just now. She even asked me when Michael would come take her to the amusement park again. I think Daisy is about to be completely won over by Michael. You, as her mother, better pay attention!"
Listening to Samantha's teasing words, Teresa smiled helplessly, but her heart felt a bit heavy.
Daisy's closeness to and fondness for Michael was obvious.
And Michael was indeed very good to Daisy.
Patient, gentle, always accommodating.
Teresa was lost in thought when the private room door was gently pushed open.
Michael walked in. He had changed into a casual light gray shirt that made him look refined and gentle, though there was a trace of lingering fatigue between his brows.
"Sorry, Teresa, have you been waiting long?"
Michael sat down across from her with an apologetic smile.
"No, I just got here too."
Teresa shook her head and pushed the menu over.
"See what you'd like to eat. I'm treating today."
Michael smiled: "Okay, whatever you say."
The meal was very comfortable.
They didn't discuss work or talk about those troublesome people and matters. They just chatted about recent interesting things, and most of the conversation revolved around Daisy.