Chapter 30
Jeffrey stood frozen in place, watching Ophelia's resolute retreating figure, his face deathly pale.
He clenched his fists, knuckles turning white, filled with regret and resentment.
If he had known Ophelia was the Smith family's daughter, he would never have dared treat her that way.
"Jeffrey? What are you doing here?"
Freya's voice suddenly rang out. She hurried over in her high heels, anxiety written all over her face.
She had just received a message from Ainsley saying the plan had changed, and was rushing to the Smith Group when she unexpectedly spotted Jeffrey at the entrance.
Jeffrey snapped back to reality, quickly hiding his disheveled expression and forcing out a smile. "I came to see Ophelia."
"See her?" Freya frowned, her eyes full of suspicion. "What do you want with her? She's the Smith family's daughter now. What right do we have to associate with her?"
Jeffrey's eyes flickered, not daring to tell the truth. "I just wanted to apologize to her. What I did before was wrong. I hope she won't hold it against me."
Freya pursed her lips, clearly not buying his story.
She knew Jeffrey too well. He only cared about profit. Now that Ophelia had made it big, he definitely wanted to get some benefits.
But she didn't call him out. Instead, she put on an understanding expression. "Jeffrey, it's good that you have that intention, but Ophelia's status is different now. She's probably surrounded by people. She doesn't have time for you."
"But it's not like there's no chance," she changed her tone, leaning closer to Jeffrey and lowering her voice. "Think about it—she just returned to the Smith family. She probably hasn't completely established herself there yet. If you could help her with something and make her owe you a favor, maybe she'll soften up."
Jeffrey's eyes lit up. "What do you have in mind?"
"What else could it be?" Freya rolled her eyes, her tone tinged with sourness. "She's now a project manager at the Smith Group, right? You've worked with plenty of companies before and have resources. Give her those resources, help her do well with the project, and she'll have to appreciate it."
"Then forget about just forgiving you—she might even help pull your company up."
She deliberately sighed. "Too bad I don't have anything useful to offer, otherwise I'd definitely put in a good word for you. After all, we're family."
Jeffrey was swayed by her words and nodded repeatedly. "You're right. I'll go back right now and organize my resources. I have to show her my sincerity!"
Watching Jeffrey's hurried departure, Freya's smile instantly vanished, her eyes filled with malice.
Ophelia returned to her desk, still thinking about Jeffrey's appearance earlier.
Truly, a leopard can't change its spots. Even at this point, he was still scheming against her.
She shook her head, pushing these messy thoughts aside and focusing on her work.
After the anniversary celebration ended successfully, her reputation at the Smith Group had improved considerably. Many colleagues now looked at her with admiration.
Jerry was especially impressed. A few days later, he called her to his office.
Jerry's face was all smiles as he handed her a document. "The Smith Group has a major project coming up—developing an integrated resort village. Mrs. Smith values this project highly."
"I think you're very capable, and the anniversary celebration went so well. I'm confident leaving this project in your hands."
Ophelia took the document, her heart stirring.
An integrated resort village—she had heard about this project before. It was large-scale with great potential.
If she could do it well, she'd definitely establish herself at the Smith Group.
"Thank you for your trust, Mr. Nelson. I'll do my best." Ophelia's tone was firm.
"Good. If you need any support, let me know anytime." Jerry nodded with a smile. "The information about the partner companies is also in there. Take a look first."
Ophelia took the document back to her desk and eagerly opened it.
When she saw the Brown Group listed as a partner, she froze.
The Brown Group?
William's face instantly flashed through her mind, and her feelings grew complicated.
"I understand." She pushed down her thoughts and nodded.
After Jerry left, Ophelia continued reviewing the project materials. The more she read, the more she felt this project had market potential.
She was absorbed in reading when Della from the next desk leaned over and whispered, "Ophelia, you're the Smith family's daughter now. Why are you still working so hard? Wouldn't it be better to find an easy position?"
Ophelia smiled. "What's the point of an easy position? I want to do work that shows my value, not coast by on my status."
Della gave her an admiring thumbs up. "Ophelia, you're amazing! I'm sticking with you from now on. There's definitely a future in that!"
Ophelia laughed. "Work hard, and you'll get your rewards later."
Meanwhile, at a Brown Group executive meeting, William was listening to his assistant's report.
"Mr. Brown, we've received word from the Smith Group that the project manager for the integrated resort village has been confirmed. It's Ms. Blake."
William's pen-holding hand paused. He looked up and asked, "Ophelia?"
"Yes, the same Ms. Blake who worked with us on the Moore Group project." Chase nodded. "The Smith Group has already sent over the preliminary project proposal. Would you like to review it?"
A faint smile played at the corner of William's lips. "No need. I'll handle this project personally."
"What?" Chase froze, thinking he'd misheard. "Mr. Brown, you'll handle it personally? This project is important, but having the project director handle it would be..."
"I said I'll handle it personally." William cut him off, his tone brooking no argument.
The other executives in the meeting room were also stunned.
Who was William? He never personally handled specific projects like this. Yet this time, he was making an exception for one project?
And it was a Smith Group project, with Ophelia as the manager.
Everyone was filled with questions, but no one dared ask.
"Notify the Smith Group. Tomorrow morning at ten, we'll discuss details at the café downstairs from the Brown Group building." William instructed.
"Yes, Mr. Brown." The assistant quickly agreed, but made a mental note of Ophelia's name, thinking he'd better look into her background later.
Freya soon learned that Ophelia was in charge of the resort village project, and jealousy consumed her.
She never imagined Ophelia would be so lucky—just as she'd established herself at the Smith Group, she landed such a great project.
No way. She absolutely couldn't let Ophelia succeed!
Freya pulled out her phone and sent Ainsley a message: "Ainsley, Ophelia is going to be in charge of that integrated resort village project. The Smith Group really values this project."