Chapter 175 Do You Want to Come with Me?
Daniel naturally heard the protectiveness and warning in his words.
But would he be afraid?
He sneered and said, "Oh, but how come I remember that when the incident happened, the Johnson Group cut ties with Sophia? They even fired her, saying it was to make an example.
Now you're saying she's a staff member accompanying you.
Mr. Johnson, you're a CEO after all. Aren't your words contradicting themselves?
Or are you saying... the Johnson Group has actually been doing one thing and saying another all along? Could it be that the theft was also done with your tacit approval?"
Michael's expression turned fierce, his aura suddenly dropping, as if completely provoked. "Daniel, watch your words. Some false statements come with a price."
Daniel replied with a roguish look, "Sorry, can't be polite about this. When it comes to commercial crimes like theft, I'm sure no company can forget.
Besides, I'm not slandering or defaming anyone. I'm just telling the truth. Don't tell me, Mr. Johnson, you can't handle the truth..."
Daniel's words caused the surrounding guests to start discussing among themselves.
Everyone felt he had a point.
"Mr. Johnson's actions are indeed contradictory. Looks like Mr. Johnson really dotes on his mistress."
"Ha, I'd say it's disgusting, right? Bringing a homewrecker to flaunt in front of Ms. Smith—clearly trying to provoke her on purpose!"
"Really taking people for fools? The incident caused such a big stir back then, and pushing all the blame onto one person can absolve the real culprit?"
"They say it was someone else, but where would a small employee get the courage to commit commercial crime?"
"Exactly. How can someone with such poor character appear in the banquet hall? Can't they kick her out?"
The murmurs around them grew louder.
Sophia stood there, so angry she was almost grinding her teeth.
Her plan for tonight had been completely ruined by Daniel!
Just as the atmosphere grew tense, Nathan arrived.
Seeing everyone gathered together, he asked curiously, "What's going on here?"
"Nathan."
When everyone saw him, they quickly greeted him and briefly explained the situation.
After hearing this, Nathan understood what was happening.
He instinctively glanced at Michael, and out of respect for him, didn't make a move to kick anyone out.
He just smoothed things over, saying, "Today is a grand event. There's no need for everyone to spoil the mood over insignificant people. I had to handle something earlier and neglected you all. Next, I must have a proper drink with you...
Mr. Wilson, Ms. Smith, come, I have something important to discuss with you. Could you step aside with me?"
As he said this, Nathan's expression turned warm.
Daniel seemed to sense something and didn't continue his confrontation.
As for Olivia, who hadn't spoken the entire time, she had no intention of staying to tangle with Sophia either, so she said, "Of course, please lead the way."
Nathan enthusiastically led them away.
The remaining guests perked up at this sight.
Given Nathan's attitude, was he about to discuss the quota matter???
Everyone's attention shifted.
No one paid any more attention to Sophia and Michael.
People dispersed in small groups and began chatting about which companies might be selected.
Seeing this, Sophia felt it was even worse than being kicked out.
She could feel the indifference and contempt from everyone present. Everything made her feel like she was sitting on pins and needles...
Beatrix took it all in.
She chuckled softly. Nathan's move was brilliant.
One phrase—"insignificant people"—left Sophia hanging there. For someone who always cared about face like Sophia, this was worse than death.
Olivia wouldn't waste her energy on Sophia and the others.
She followed Daniel and walked with Nathan.
Once they were away from the crowd, Nathan said apologetically, "Today's event had lax screening, letting irrelevant people in and disturbing your enjoyment. I'm really sorry."
"It's nothing. As you said, they're just insignificant people."
Olivia shook her head lightly, not particularly bothered.
Daniel waved his hand. "Look at what you're saying. I should be grateful you don't blame me for disrupting the atmosphere."
"Mr. Wilson, you were just being loyal. How could I blame you? Alright, let's cut to the chase."
Nathan smiled and quickly got to the point, directly handing over a business card. "Congratulations, Nexora Tech has been included in the cooperation list.
After you return, relevant personnel will contact you, and the cooperation documents will be sent over."
Daniel and Olivia hadn't expected things to be settled so quickly. Both were energized.
Daniel smiled as he accepted the card. "Thank you, Mr. Evans. This is our honor."
Olivia also said happily, "Thank you, Mr. Evans, for giving us this opportunity."
Nathan waved his hand with a smile. "Ms. Smith and Mr. Wilson are both capable people. I believe you'll develop even more outstanding products in the future. You've earned this..."
After a pleasant conversation, both parties shook hands.
Afterward, Nathan spoke with several other people in succession, handing each a business card.
The guests at the event were all paying close attention to Nathan. Seeing this, they understood.
The business card was essentially a key to the door.
Those companies had received quotas. Those who didn't get cards were envious but not jealous.
After all, those companies truly had the capability.
Moreover, through their conversations with Nathan, everyone learned that such recruitment programs would continue.
This wasn't a one-time thing. As long as their products made breakthroughs, they'd have opportunities in the future.
So the banquet ended with everyone satisfied.
The only unhappy person at the entire event was probably Sophia, who'd been treated like she was invisible.
Though Michael wasn't in quite the same situation, after being exposed by Daniel tonight, he couldn't save face either.
And following that incident, he also felt the coldness from the crowd toward them.
Even some companies inferior to the Johnson Group received Nathan's business card.
Yet the Johnson Group got nothing.
Michael couldn't help but look toward Olivia.
The person he once looked down on was now the center of attention...
Not only were all the guests surrounding her, even Nathan treated her with courtesy and respect.
The stark contrast made Michael's feelings complicated!
Olivia didn't know what Michael was thinking. She couldn't even be bothered to glance at him.
Dealing with the guests tonight had already exhausted all her energy.
After all, these were valuable connections.
Later on, her head felt a bit dizzy from drinking.
Even though she'd taken hangover medicine beforehand, and Daniel and Beatrix had helped deflect drinks, the feeling of having drunk too much was still unbearable for Olivia.
"Excuse me, I need to use the restroom."
She quickly found an excuse to escape for a bit.
But she didn't expect that when she came out after washing her hands, she'd see an unexpected person.
It was... Andrew!
Olivia almost didn't dare believe it.
Without the dim lighting from the summit, she could now clearly see the man's appearance.
He wore a well-tailored black suit, his shirt buttoned all the way to the top, every inch of him impeccable, exuding a noble air through his perfection. He had less of his former cold demeanor, and looked so good she even lightened her breathing.
Behind him were David and bodyguards.
When he saw Olivia, the man's expression showed gentleness as he asked with concern, "Are you alright?"
Olivia blinked slowly, wondering if she was drunk and seeing things.
Seeing her silence, Andrew walked over and asked with a smile, "Drunk?"
Olivia's lips curved up happily as she shook her head. "Not drunk, just a bit dizzy. Mr. Hamilton, you haven't left yet?"
Andrew nodded. "I was about to leave, but knowing you were here, I thought I'd give you a ride back."
"Huh?"
Olivia hesitated. "But... the banquet isn't over yet."
Andrew said gently, "Just say goodbye. Want to come with me? Or go back and keep drinking?"
Hearing the word "drinking," Olivia reflexively shook her head. "Not going back. I don't want to drink. Alcohol doesn't taste good at all. Those people are so enthusiastic, it's a bit... overwhelming."
Andrew found her reaction a bit cute.
He smiled. "Then let's go. If you don't like it, you don't have to force yourself to adapt."
"Mm, you're right!"
Olivia nodded, as if truly convinced. She said without hesitation, "Then I'll go with you!"
"Alright."
Andrew nodded, and the two left the venue side by side.
As soon as they got outside, the cold wind hit, and Olivia couldn't help but shiver.
The alcohol that was already going to her head made her feel even more lightheaded.
Going down the steps, she almost missed a step.
"Careful!"
At the critical moment, a large hand wrapped around her waist, steadying her.
"Are you okay?"
Andrew asked with concern.
Olivia responded slowly with an "mm," then shook her head. "I'm fine..."
Though she said that, Andrew could see her eyes were clearly unfocused.
This was the look of being tipsy.
Andrew hesitated for a few seconds, then asked, "Can you still walk?"
Olivia nodded. "I can..."
After barely standing straight, she just stood there dazed without moving.
Seeing this, Andrew draped his coat over her.
Olivia felt the overwhelming warmth, and the faint cedar scent from Andrew's clothes. She smiled somewhat sweetly. "I'm not cold anymore..."
Andrew looked at her deeply, then finally withdrew his gaze and said, "Let's go. Hold onto my arm."
"Okay."
Olivia was incredibly obedient, holding onto his clothes with both hands as she followed.
But after just a few steps, another problem arose.
Her high heel got stuck in the gap of a drainage grate, and she couldn't pull her foot out.
Olivia looked at Andrew pitifully. "This time, I really can't walk... What should I do?"