Chapter 30 Are You Teaching Me How to Do Things?
Sophia was both furious and shocked.
How could Olivia know someone like Daniel?
When they were abroad, she always kept tabs on Olivia and Michael.
Wasn't Olivia just a simpleton who only cared about her husband and kids?
When did she get the chance to meet Daniel?
The most infuriating part was Daniel's friendly attitude towards Olivia, while he treated her with indifference.
Thinking about how she had been left waiting all morning, Sophia finally understood.
Daniel must have done it on purpose.
Maybe Olivia even put him up to it!
Sophia was seething with anger.
'That bitch Olivia!' Sophia cursed in her head.
No wonder she didn't react much when her position was taken. Sophia had thought Olivia was helpless, but it turned out she had outside support!
Not even divorced yet, and already cozying up to another man.
The way she was flirting just now, how shameless!
After cursing Olivia in her mind, Sophia wanted to leave.
But remembering why she came here today, she wasn't willing to give up. She quickly caught up and said, "Mr. Wilson, I'm here representing the Johnson Group to discuss a partnership with you. I had an appointment with your assistant and have been waiting for over three hours. As a reputable businessman, surely you wouldn't mind giving me a few minutes? After all, I was here first!"
Daniel and Olivia were just about to enter the elevator when they were blocked. Both looked annoyed.
"Are you telling me how to do my job?" Daniel's voice was cold and commanding.
Sophia felt the pressure; her expression faltered, but she forced herself to speak, "No, I came with sincerity."
Daniel's face was full of impatience. "The Wilson Group's current projects are fully booked. We have no interest in new partnerships."
Sophia's face turned a bit pale.
Daniel was too arrogant!
Even after mentioning the Johnson Group, he still brushed her off!
Was it because of Olivia again?
Sophia's expression shifted, unable to hold back, she asked, "Mr. Wilson, may I ask if Ms. Smith has joined your company?"
Olivia's face darkened immediately, sensing the hostility directed towards her.
Daniel was equally displeased, his voice icy, "That's none of your business, Ms. Brown! I have no obligation to report the Wilson Group's hiring details to you!"
Sophia was taken aback, her face stiffening.
Daniel intended to leave without further engagement.
But then he thought about Olivia's current situation...
Was Michael here just to see her fail?
Daniel's eyes darkened, and he changed his mind. "If you're so keen on knowing, I can tell you that Ms. Smith is not an employee of the Johnson Group. She is my business partner!"
Sophia was stunned.
But no one paid attention to her shock.
Soon, Daniel and Olivia left.
After her setback at the Wilson Group, Sophia's first move was to go online and check the latest developments.
What she found shocked her.
The Wilson Group was investing heavily in expanding a new research lab and preparing to launch a new drug.
Their pharmaceutical brand was already well-known.
Especially a few years ago, they launched a drug that still dominated nearly 80% of the market.
And it sold at a high price, raking in massive profits.
Now, was Daniel recruiting Olivia to participate in the lab's research?
It was then that Sophia remembered Olivia's capabilities!
She started to panic.
She had worked hard to push Olivia out of the Johnson Group and would not allow her to rise again.
Even if Olivia had the Wilson Group's backing, she couldn't let her get ahead in pharmaceutical research.
Sophia quickly formed a plan and began researching how to establish a research institute.
Soon, it was time to leave work.
Her office door was suddenly knocked from the outside.
Distracted by her plan to undermine Olivia, she didn't look up and said, "Come in!"
Michael walked in with steady steps, his deep voice carrying a hint of warmth, "Still busy?"
Sophia was surprised but quickly put on a delighted smile, "Michael, what brings you here?"
Michael pointed to his watch, "It's after work. I came to take you to dinner. Are you still busy?"
Sophia's eyes lit up, "I went to the Wilson Group today to discuss a partnership, which took some time. I thought I'd stay late to finish up... You know, I don't like leaving work unfinished."
Michael nodded, his expression softening, "You've worked hard."
"Not at all. Working alongside you is never hard."
Sophia said sweetly, then seemed to remember something, "Oh, right, I'm glad you came. I have something to discuss with you."
Michael sat down, ready to listen.
Sophia poured him a glass of water and quickly got to the point, "I want to discuss the future plans for our R&D department. Currently, we're only focusing on medical systems, which is too narrow. AI is a long-term project that requires significant time and effort for validation...
I think it's not conducive to our growth. So, after much thought, I suggest we expand into pharmaceutical research!
AI treatment is the future, but pharmaceuticals are indispensable, especially with many rare diseases. If we develop new drugs, we could dominate the market and lead the industry!"
Michael listened thoughtfully, then looked at her with undisguised admiration, "Sophia, you've surprised me! I didn't expect you to have such insightful and long-term views!
You're right; focusing on a single area limits our growth. Developing AI medical systems is challenging and requires significant effort. Pharmaceutical research, on the other hand, might be simpler."
He praised her generously.
Meanwhile, he couldn't help but think of Olivia.
Why didn't she ever suggest something like this?
Clearly, her vision wasn't as broad as Sophia's, nor was her capability even a tenth of hers.
Now, her flaws were showing more than ever!
Sophia smiled softly, "You're too kind. Maybe being around you has made me bolder. That's probably why..."
Michael chuckled, "It has nothing to do with me. You're naturally smart. At least, Olivia never made such suggestions."
Sophia's eyes flickered.
She wouldn't tell Michael that these ideas came from Olivia.
Nor did she want Michael to see Olivia's good points.
Sophia's eyes darkened, then she suddenly said, "By the way, Michael, I saw Olivia at the Wilson Group today! Congratulations to her for finding a new career path. I was worried she'd be down after leaving the Johnson Group, but she's bounced back quickly...
Now I don't have to worry about her being upset over the position I took."
Michael frowned, "She went to the Wilson Group for a job?"
Sophia feigned surprise, "You didn't know?"
Michael's face darkened, "No, I didn't."
Sophia seemed more surprised, "She wasn't looking for a job but discussing a partnership with Daniel. They seemed quite familiar! Mr. Wilson even kept me waiting for three hours for her..."
She pretended to let something slip, then changed the topic, "Anyway, I'm genuinely happy for Olivia. With Mr. Wilson's support, she won't be bullied."
Michael felt a surge of inexplicable unease.
When did Olivia meet Daniel?
Daniel wasn't just anyone; he was almost on par with Michael.
Ordinary people wouldn't have access to him!
"You said they seemed familiar?" Michael asked coldly.
Sophia nodded, "Mr. Wilson even prepared her favorite dessert. They must have known each other for a while."
She then acted worried, "Michael, although I trust Olivia... she's about to partner with the Wilson Group. Do you think they might ask her to use some of our company's confidential information? Olivia was a core member of the R&D department, and her sudden recruitment by the Wilson Group must have a special reason..."
She didn't continue.
But her implication was clear: Olivia must have leaked company secrets.
Michael's face naturally darkened.