Normally, this kind of project would require an online bidding process. But Leah seemed to be pushing for a direct commission,
with other companies as mere formality, though she still wanted to negotiate the price down.
Revealing the base price wasn’t unheard of—many in this industry did it, considering the human connections involved. But there
were two problems: First, I wasn’t responsible for this project; second, I didn’t know Mr. Campbell well, and there had already been some friction between us. Plus, I didn’t trust his company completely. If I leaked the base price… well, what if something went wrong?
Not to mention, I still had no idea who had given the order for this direct commission.
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Chapter 5
If it was the big boss, the directive would have been clear from the start, and there wouldn’t be any need for all this extra
maneuvering.
I narrowed my eyes, thinking about the rumors I had overheard recently.
Was Leah trying to set me up?
I smiled politely. “Please give me a minute.”
Then I quickly messaged Benedict. [Is the recent investigation by the CEO’s office related to Leah?]
+15 BONUS
He replied quickly, [Yes. If she’s asking you to do anything shady, don’t get involved. Stay out of it and don’t let her drag you in.]
I briefed him on the situation, and Benedict advised me to deflect the blame.
I stepped outside to look for Leah, who was chatting and laughing with the engineering team.
“Ms. Stauder, they want me to report the market price and see if they can proceed with it.”
Leah replied, “Then just give them a quote.‘
I forced a smile. “This market inquiry wasn’t handled by me, and I don’t want to get involved. Maybe you should handle it
yourself.”
Leah fell silent. She seemed at a loss for words before finally giving a number. “Just tell them this is the price.”
I stood still, not moving.
She chatted a bit more, and when she noticed I hadn’t budged, she turned to me, grinding her teeth in frustration. “I’m so done
with you!”
After muttering under her breath, she stormed off, her high heels clicking loudly as she headed to the meeting room.
I stood there, frowning slightly. If I was right, Leah was targeting me. But why would she want me to handle this if she didn’t know she was under investigation? I didn’t understand her motives.
The price for the project still hadn’t been settled. After submitting a new price, the higher ups still found it too high. Just when I thought we might have to change contractors, Leah called me, saying that we needed to have dinner with Vincent–Mr. Campbell
-later that night.
I declined. “Sorry, Ms. Stauder, I have plans tonight.”
She didn’t seem surprised, instead smiling as she linked her arm with mine. “Oh, I know you. You’re probably just afraid of drinking tonight, right? Don’t worry. We won’t make you drink. Come on. Come with me!”
I gritted my teeth. “I really do have something to do. I’m not lying.”
She scowled. “Doesn’t matter. You’re coming with me tonight. No arguments!”
I finally gave in, agreeing reluctantly. Then I messaged Benedict. [Ms. Stauder insists I join her for dinner with the contractor. I
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Chapter 5
have a bad feeling about this. Can you find a restaurant nearby and stay on alert?]
That evening, I went with Leah, Vincent, and another unfamiliar person to dinner.
Throughout the meal, Leah kept pouring me drinks, acting as if she was genuinely apologizing for her previous behavior.
Reluctantly, I played along with the act.
+15 BONUS
After dinner, Vincent offered to drive me home. Just as I was about to refuse, Leah immediately interrupted. “Oh, well, then we’ll
just leave it to you. Thank you so much!”
I rejected the offer twice, but in the end, I was practically forced into Vincent’s car.
As soon as I got in, I shared my location with Benedict.
But something felt off. I could feel a strange warmth spreading through my body–not the kind of heat from a fever, but more like
an internal, restless heat, almost like a burning sensation.
I began to feel dizzy, and suddenly, it all clicked.
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