Chapter 22
After I finished reporting all my work, my mom finally spoke with some emotion. "You've grown up and become more sensible."
I looked up at her and noticed a few strands of gray hair at her temples, which made me feel a bit bitter inside.
All these years, the Smith Group had been managed by her.
I used to be so disobedient, constantly causing her trouble, yet she always patiently indulged me and cleaned up my messes.
Now that I had started taking over the company business, a lot of weight had been lifted off her shoulders.
But in my previous life, I kept acting out, chasing after John, and even foolishly told John company secrets.
My mom covered for me, taking all the blame on herself, and the company gradually headed toward ruin.
What was even more tragic was that she went to prison to take the fall for me and ended up dying miserably.
And without my mother's support, I didn't fare any better either.
Thinking about everything from my previous life made my heart ache.
I put down the project report in my hands, walked around the desk, and threw myself into my mom's arms.
Seeing me do this, she seemed at a loss, only clumsily patting my back to comfort me. "What's wrong, Nancy? Did someone upset you? I'm here, don't be scared, tell me everything."
I didn't say anything, just buried my head deeper, feeling my mother's embrace that I'd missed for so long.
Seeing this, she became even more worried and asked again. "Nancy, did someone bully you? Or do you not want to marry Michael? If you don't want to, I'll go to the Johnson family right now and call off the engagement. I don't want you to suffer."
Hearing this, my voice choked up a bit as I shook my head. "Mom, I'm fine. I just wanted to hug you. From now on, I'll definitely manage the company well and take some worries off your plate."
Hearing my words, my mom's eyes still held some doubt as she seriously stated, "If you're upset, you must tell me. If you don't want to marry someone, then don't. Don't be afraid, I've got your back. You'll always be my precious baby."
Feeling my mom's love made me realize even more how ridiculously foolish I was in my previous life.
I nodded firmly and explained to her, "Mom, you've got it wrong. Michael and I get along great. He treats me well, and I'm willing to marry him."
After getting a definite answer from me, my mom finally felt relieved.
After comforting my mom, I left her office.
As soon as I got back to my own office, Tom came in with tonight's schedule.
Tom handed me the organized itinerary, speaking with some difficulty. "Ms. Smith, there's a project tonight that needs to be discussed with Ryan Martin from Apex Holdings Group. He's asked to meet you at 6 PM at Evergreen Hotel. What do you think?"
I'd heard of Ryan that Tom mentioned - he loved arranging business meetings over drinks.
Previously, cooperation with Apex Holdings Group was always handled by my mom's assistant, but now that most of the company's authority had been transferred to me, this matter naturally fell to me.
"Got it. I'll be there on time."
The deal had to be discussed. No matter where it was, I would go.
At the appointed time, I took Tom to Evergreen Hotel.
After we sat down, Ryan looked me up and down, his eyes quite satisfied.
Then Ryan took the initiative to hand me a drink, pulling a smile as he said, "Ms. Smith, I've long heard you're quite attractive. Seeing you today, I believe it. Come, let me toast to you."
I took the glass from Ryan, gave him some face by taking a sip, then replied. "Mr. Martin, you're too kind. Let's talk business."
Hearing my words, Ryan changed the subject. "No rush. I'm here, the deal's not going anywhere. Ms. Smith, don't worry. Let's eat first."
Hearing this, I didn't insist further.
But during the meal, Ryan repeatedly toasted me, his intentions obvious.
Tom saw through his motives and helped me dodge several drinks.
But this action made Ryan unhappy.
Ryan stood up, poured a drink into my glass himself, and while handing it to me, deliberately brushed his fingers against mine.
He was clearly trying to take advantage of me.
I was disgusted by people with this kind of character. I swatted his hand away, giving him no face at all. "Mr. Martin, it would be great if we could reach a deal, but if we can't, it just means we're not meant to work together. The Smith Group doesn't promote drinking culture. We care more about ability. I'm not much of a drinker, so I'll pass on this one."
I really couldn't accept this kind of business partner.
If the project was going to move forward, either they needed to send someone else to handle it, or we needed to find another partner.
Ryan probably didn't expect me to have such a temper and said with displeasure, "Ms. Smith, are you refusing to show me respect?"
I ignored him and laid it all out. "Mr. Martin, if Apex Holdings Group still wants to work with us, either change your representative, or we'll find another partner. You decide. Our approaches don't align today, so I won't keep you company."
With that, I grabbed my bag and prepared to leave.
I'd embarrassed Ryan in public, so naturally he was unhappy and started cursing at me. "You're just a woman, why are you acting so high and mighty? You really think you're something special? Daring to threaten me - you just don't know what's good for you."
I didn't bother with him and walked straight out of the private room.
As soon as we left, Tom asked nervously, "Ms. Smith, if we've offended Ryan, the Apex Holdings Group project might not be so easy to secure."
I stopped walking and said seriously with a cold face, "Business partnerships are based on ability, not on who can drink more. If that's what it takes, I don't need this deal."
Seeing my firm attitude, Tom didn't say anything more.
But unexpectedly, before I could leave Evergreen Hotel, someone called out to me. "Nancy."
I looked toward the voice in confusion, and after seeing who it was, kept searching my mind for information about him.
After thinking carefully, I finally realized - the person calling me was Jack Wood.
When I was chasing after John, he was chasing after me, but I never paid him any attention, so I didn't really interact with him much.
When Jack saw me, his eyes showed undisguised delight. "Nancy, I can't believe it's really you. What a coincidence."
Then Jack started chatting with me on his own.
Seeing him like this, I didn't know what to say for a moment. According to the timeline, I had just rejected him not long ago.
I forced a smile, wanting to end the conversation. "What a coincidence. But I have things to do, so I can't stay."
With that, I started to leave.
But Jack wasn't going to let me go. Seeing me about to leave, he stepped sideways to block my way, his eyes showing some unwillingness. "Nancy, you know how I feel about you. I just have one question I want to ask."
Seeing him blocking me repeatedly, I had to stop. "Go ahead."
After struggling internally for a bit, Jack asked the question that had been buried in his heart. "Why did you choose Michael over me? His reputation isn't even as good as mine. How am I not as good as him?"