Chapter 650 Samuel Is a Bit Strange

So, I decided to call Samuel to see if I could get Lucas to stay and work with me a bit longer. After all, I was the one paying his salary, and it would help Samuel save on staffing costs.

But when I brought it up, Samuel's attitude was terrible. He said, "Emily, from DreamBuild Group to Summit Innovations Group, my employees have been supporting you for too long. You should know that I'm not running a charity here. I need to make money too, and right now, I need my people back."

Hearing Samuel's words, I felt really guilty. From the moment I took over DreamBuild Group, Samuel had been helping me. Whenever I needed people, he would lend a hand. It had become so natural to use his employees that I forgot they originally belonged to QuantumWorks Group. If QuantumWorks Group needed them, they should go back because that was where they belonged.

"Everyone else can go back first, but Lucas, can he..."

Even though I knew I was in the wrong, Lucas was standing right in front of me, anxiously waiting for the outcome. Naturally, I had to try. But before I could finish, Samuel cut me off, "No discussion. I need all my people back."

With that, Samuel hung up, leaving me in an awkward position. I had been so confident when I made the call, but I hadn't managed to get anything done.

I sighed and said, "You heard him. Samuel said no, so you have to go back."

Lucas left my office looking dejected. Once I was alone, I furrowed my brows. Samuel's tone during the call was completely off. We were friends, and our conversations had always been smooth. But this time, I didn't hear any warmth in his voice. Instead, it felt like he saw me as an enemy. Yes, an enemy.

"Could something be wrong at QuantumWorks Group?" I muttered to myself. Then I picked up my phone and called Kimberly. When she answered, I said, "Check if there's any trouble at QuantumWorks Group. Quickly."

"Got it, Ms. Johnson," Kimberly replied.

By the time I hung up, it was already late. I remembered Matthew had said he would come find me in the evening. Worried he might be waiting for me downstairs at DreamBuild Group, I texted him to let him know I might be late getting back from Summit Innovations Group. But I waited a long time and didn't get a reply from Matthew.

I figured he was busy and didn't think much of it. But when all the employees at Summit Innovations Group had left for the day and I still hadn't heard from Matthew, I started to get worried. He had promised to come find me, and he was a man of his word. If he said he would come, he would. So it was strange that he hadn't shown up by now.

I called Matthew, and the phone was quickly answered. But before I could say anything, a familiar woman's voice came through the line, "Hello, Emily?"

I hesitantly said her name, "Victoria?"

"It's me. Surprised? You should have seen this coming. Matthew is just playing with you. I'm the one he truly loves. Otherwise, why would he let me answer your call?"

Honestly, my first reaction to Victoria's words was anger. I even snapped a pen in half. But I quickly calmed down. Matthew and I had been through so much together. I trusted him. So even though Victoria was answering his phone, I believed there had to be some misunderstanding.

"Cat got your tongue? Don't be sad. You lost the moment Matthew picked me up from the airport."

Victoria's voice was smug. Even though I trusted Matthew and knew he had picked up Victoria from the airport in front of me to make a point to her, I still felt down.