Chapter 176

Chapter 176

The next day, Evelyn got up early.

When she came downstairs, she found Monica already busy in the kitchen.

"So early?" Evelyn was a bit surprised.

"Yep! Today I'm going to redeem myself and make a super luxurious breakfast!"

Monica's tone was full of energy.

"Babe, this is a good-luck breakfast I prepared for you." Monica handed her an elegant paper bag.

Evelyn took it and blew her a kiss. "Thanks."

"Don't be so polite! You're definitely winning today!"

"Absolutely." Evelyn made a V sign at her and headed out.



Henry sat at the dining table, chin propped on his hand, watching Monica bustle about, his eyes full of stars.

"Mrs. Phillips's breakfast looks so delicious!" Today he'd transformed into his wife's fanboy again, showering praise.

"Of course." Monica had a bit of uncontrollable pride, her chin lifting slightly.

"When I used to make these, Chloe and Caleb always thought they were delicious."

"Honey's amazing!" Henry tasted a bite and praised sincerely, his eyes curving into crescents.

"Smooth talker. Eat, eat." Monica smiled and handed him a glass of milk.

After breakfast, Henry went to the office while Monica went to the hospital to keep her grandmother company.

Since Evelyn had visited Amara last time, she'd resolved her inner conflict. Her condition had noticeably improved—she had color in her face and smiled more.

Seeing her grandmother like this made Monica happy too, and she couldn't help but think: Good thing I insisted on transferring hospitals!



Meanwhile, at Dairy Haven Group headquarters.

Evelyn's team had arrived early.

Everyone's faces showed nervous yet excited expressions.

Bidding alongside Zenith Enterprises Group this time, besides Sloane representing Limbo Inc., were two emerging small companies.

The hall held not just the bidding teams but also Dairy Haven Group shareholders, and even representatives from the municipal government and commerce department—showing how formal and important this bid was.

Seeing such a big scene, Evelyn didn't feel nervous, maintaining her usual calm.

"Miss Gray, you're here." Xander greeted her with a smile.

Evelyn was about to shake hands when a voice came from behind.

"Miss Gray, you look so nice today. You must have dressed up carefully, right?"

Evelyn turned to see Sloane in a knee-length skirt walking toward her.

"What I wear doesn't matter. What matters is how good the proposal is." Evelyn said lightly.

"True. I really admire the international project cases you've done before. I'm looking forward to your performance today." Sloane was rebuffed but kept her standard smile.

Evelyn smiled. "I hope I won't disappoint Miss Elikin."

People around them listening to this exchange found it privately amusing.

In the business world, people as straightforward as Evelyn were rare indeed.

Evelyn turned to Xander without much small talk. "Xander, we're going to test equipment. We'll head in first."

Xander nodded and watched her leave.

"Overseas teams really are different from domestic ones." Sloane added timely, her tone carrying subtle concern.

"Everything domestic emphasizes relationships and connections. I'm really a bit worried whether Miss Gray's proposal can actually be implemented in Novaria."

The surrounding shareholders, hearing this, developed some misgivings.

Sloane noticed their expressions and knew her words had worked.

She quit while ahead, said goodbye to Xander, and entered the venue.

This bid used a lottery to determine presentation order.

Sloane drew third. Evelyn drew fourth.

Sloane sneered inwardly: Competing with her, Adam was still too green.

This draw order was naturally something she'd arranged in advance, bribing someone at Dairy Haven Group.

All to create contrast and humiliation.

She wanted everyone to see what Adam could possibly present after she finished her proposal.

Soon, the first two companies finished their proposals.

Sloane was getting drowsy listening. She'd always looked down on such small companies and didn't even bother taking notes.

Evelyn listened very carefully, occasionally jotting things in her notebook.

During intermission, Sloane approached Evelyn.

"Miss Gray, I'm really curious how an overseas company like yours can create a locally implementable domestic proposal?"

Evelyn replied lightly, "You'll know soon enough." She stood and went outside for air, ignoring Sloane further.

Sloane felt like she'd punched cotton.

She turned to try cozying up to Xander but saw him anxiously leaving the venue.

Curious, Sloane followed.

The lobby elevator doors had just opened.

The person at the front was actually Matthew.

Seeing Matthew, Sloane's first reaction was joy.

But immediately after, it was like a bucket of cold water poured over her head: He definitely wasn't here for her.

Matthew's arrival caused quite a stir.

Xander waited at the elevator entrance, so excited his voice trembled. "Mr. Perkins, your presence at Dairy Haven Group is truly our honor!

I've already had someone arrange your seat with Zenith Enterprises. I'll take you there now."

"No need. This is a personal visit."

Xander froze. Personal visit? What personal visit?

Then he saw Matthew's previously expressionless face break into a smile.

Matthew walked quickly toward Evelyn in the hallway.

Everyone around them was stunned.

Seeing Matthew walking toward her, Evelyn's scalp prickled.

She quickly said in a low voice, "I'm bidding. Keep a low profile."

Matthew nodded but just stood quietly beside her.

Evelyn sighed inwardly: She was wrong.

Matthew being low-profile was simply impossible.

Forget it. She'd focus on the bid.

Evelyn walked into the venue. Matthew naturally followed and sat in Mira's original seat.

Mira came back from buying water to find Matthew in her seat, her eyes going wide.

After a stunned moment, she very perceptively moved back a row, even lightening her breathing so as not to disturb the two in front.



The second half began.

Sloane stood on stage, her nails digging deep into her palms.

The image she'd painstakingly built had shattered when Matthew walked toward Evelyn.

She felt like everyone below was laughing at her.

Stay calm!

Today she'd show Matthew how she'd defeat this Adam!

The countdown began.

Sloane raised her head, her face blooming with a confident, beautiful smile.

But as her presentation progressed, everyone from Zenith Enterprises Group grew increasingly serious.