Chapter 46 The Second Humiliation
Michael's eyes darkened at the news.
He had heard from Sophia that Olivia and Daniel had an unusual relationship, but he hadn't expected Daniel to bring Olivia to an event like this.
That platinum card was actually given by Daniel?
Beside him, Chase and Sophia were equally shocked, not to mention the nearby guests.
"Mr. Wilson is here too?"
"He just said Mrs. Johnson is his partner? So she wasn't following them around from the start."
"To be Mr. Wilson's partner, she must be quite capable."
In Emerald City, Daniel was known for his rebellious nature and low-key demeanor, making him hard to approach. But no one could deny his status and ability.
Olivia had long been fed up with the event. Seeing Daniel, she said, "You made it?"
"Yeah."
Daniel nodded, looking at her. "You okay?"
Though he had just arrived and hadn't seen what happened, he could guess she had been wronged.
Olivia shook her head. "I'm fine. Just some lunatics. Ignore them. Let's focus on work."
With that, she didn't spare another glance at the people in front of her and headed to a corner.
Daniel, seeing this, didn't bother to confront Michael and quickly followed her. "Sorry, I forgot to check if they would be here..."
"It's not your fault." Olivia didn't want to dwell on what had just happened and didn't blame Daniel either.
Even if she had known Michael and the others would be here, she wouldn't have refused his help.
She just wanted to finish the work quickly and leave.
"Let's discuss the project before Ms. Miller arrives."
"Sure..."
Seeing her mood, Daniel was very cooperative.
They soon huddled together, discussing business.
Michael, watching from a distance, felt a surge of irritation seeing how familiar and close they seemed.
Chase, feeling awkward, couldn't help but sneer. "When did she start hooking up with Daniel? She's not even divorced yet and dares to be so blatant. She's really disgracing the Johnson family. Michael, when are you going to kick her out?"
In the past, Michael might have agreed.
But hearing the word 'divorce' now, he felt inexplicably irritated. "Instead of worrying about that, how about improving your business skills?"
Chase, scolded, muttered, "I was just angry for you."
Sophia noticed Michael's unusual reaction and felt a sense of crisis.
Why was Michael reacting so differently today?
Not wanting to think too deeply, she quickly changed the topic to business.
After a while, she confidently said, "I've prepared thoroughly for this project. It's definitely ours!"
Michael glanced at the two not far away. "Looks like Daniel is here for the project too."
Sophia realized it too.
No wonder Olivia was here!
So, she was a competitor tonight.
Realizing this, Sophia felt disdain.
What advantage did Olivia have to compete with her?
She had deliberately lowered the costs, sacrificing nearly seventy to eighty percent of the profit, just to collaborate with the Miller family.
Beatrix had no reason not to choose her!
Just as Sophia was thinking this, Beatrix made her grand entrance, dressed elegantly.
As soon as she appeared, the guests quickly flocked to her.
Beatrix handled them with grace.
Sophia seized the opportunity, linking arms with Michael, and approached her.
Beatrix was very polite and friendly towards them.
The Johnson Group's medical devices were well-known and advanced in the country.
So, this project was already on Beatrix's shortlist.
Sophia noticed this and promptly handed over the project proposal. "We're really serious about this. Ms. Miller, please take a close look at our terms. I'm sure you'll be very satisfied."
Beatrix casually opened the document and skimmed through it.
She nodded approvingly. "The terms are indeed generous, especially the price. Very tempting... I'll prioritize it, but the final decision rests with our board."
"Of course." Sophia replied calmly, but inside she was ecstatic.
She felt the project was basically in the bag.
Beatrix's satisfied expression was genuine.
Not far away, Olivia and Daniel also saw this.
Olivia frowned. "Looks like Ms. Miller is leaning towards the Johnson Group. Do we still have a shot?"
Daniel didn't hesitate. "Your drug research is top-notch. It's not certain who'll win. I believe in you! Go over there!"
Olivia was surprised. "You're not coming with me?"
Daniel smiled mysteriously. "The drug is your work. If I go, I'd steal your thunder. Besides, I want to see Beatrix's judgment."
Olivia was speechless for a few seconds, but didn't insist.
She quickly took her proposal and approached Beatrix.
On the way, she encountered Sophia.
Sophia, who had been watching her, approached and whispered smugly, "Ms. Miller is very satisfied with our proposal. Why bother? Losing all the time must be hard. Why can't you learn?"
Olivia gave her a cold glance. "Someone who relies on others' work, talking about winning and losing, isn't funny? Besides, nothing's decided yet. Don't be too confident."
With that, she ignored Sophia and approached Beatrix.
Beatrix, with her strong presence and short hair, looked even more imposing.
Most people would feel intimidated by her.
But Olivia remained composed, politely greeted her, and stated her purpose.
Beatrix accepted the proposal and glanced through it.
When she saw the price of Olivia's pharmaceutical brand, her expression changed slightly.
The drug's price was too high and far from her expectations.
Beatrix didn't look further and quickly closed the document. "I'll have my team review this proposal..."
Her tone was somewhat indifferent, not very enthusiastic.
Sophia, overhearing this, felt her pride swell.
Beatrix's response was clearly a polite rejection!
Her decision to offer discounts was indeed wise.
Just as Sophia was internally celebrating, there was a commotion at the entrance.
Everyone's attention was drawn to it.
An elderly man in a suit, seated in a wheelchair, was being pushed in.
The guests were stunned.
It was Joseph Miller!
He rarely appeared in public, but everyone knew the Miller family's success and prestige were his doing.
He was highly respected and influential.
Ordinary people rarely got to see him, let alone interact with him.
Beatrix was also surprised to see him and quickly went to greet him. "Grandpa, why aren't you resting? Why are you here?"
Joseph asked, "What? I'm not allowed to join the fun?"
"No, it's just that I'm worried you'll get tired. Your leg hasn't fully healed yet!"
Beatrix's demeanor softened, becoming gentle and caring.
Joseph said, "I wasn't planning to come, but I heard there's someone I know here..."
As he said this, he scanned the room.
The next moment, he spotted someone, and his stern face broke into a delighted smile. "Dr. Garcia, you're really here!"