A Subtle Battle I was surprised to see him.


    Wasn’t he supposed to be in Operose for business? Why was he here now rather than in the arms of


    his mistress? I remained silent, observing him.


    He smiled softly and asked, “Honey, what should we have for lunch? “I haven’t decided yet!” I replied


    casually, showing no hint of surprise.


    He walked closer.


    “We talked until reallytest night.


    I rushed back this morning because I didn’t want you to worry.


    I didn’t even have time for breakfast.


    Let’s go for an early lunch, and we’ll have whatever you want.


    It’s on me!” I watched him act charmingly.


    Oddly enough, I couldn’t get angry.


    It was as if I were having a different pleasure, a sensation.


    Out of nowhere, I thought about As.


    “Did you drink?” He asked, probably noticing the scent around me.


    But he did not smell like alcohol himself, despite attending ate–night social gathering.


    “Yeah.” I said, “How about the Italian restaurant opposite Glenmarie za?” His eyes narrowed briefly,


    then he nodded, “Sure, whatever my wife wants!” Life was full of dramatic twists.


    I had not expected to see Lauren as soon as we entered the restaurant.


    When I saw her again, I paid close attention to her.


    She was dressed elegantly in a fashionable knit dress.


    She wasn’t an ordinarypetitor in this game.


    I had a secret satisfaction when I thought about Mnie’s shallowness.


    This game appeared to be stacked in my favor.


    Seeing her again today gave me a good feeling.


    She could be of use to me.


    Matthew was surprisingly open about introducing me, and I lowered my guard, politely greeting her.


    After we sat down, Imented to Matthew.


    “Ms.


    Burton seems to be a verypetent person.


    I’m quite impressed with her!” “Being overly cunning is not necessarily a good thing for a woman,”


    Matthew replied casually.


    “I prefer someone like my honey–understanding and virtuous.” Are you saying I’m foolish?” I addressed


    hisment.


    ghed, reaching out to pinch my nose.


    “Silly girl, who were you drinking withst night?” +15 BONUS “Who do you think?” I countered.


    “Besides, you stayed out too.


    I need to entertain myself when you’re away on business trips!” I spoke lightly, as if the topic wasn’t a


    big deal.


    However, my mind wandered to As.


    “I won’t be on business trips often.


    It was an exceptional situation yesterday!” he exined.


    “Where were you guys drinking?” “Ivanna’s ce!” I answered casually.


    “Did you go to the car dealership yesterday?” I “Huh? I didn’t.


    After I visited the construction site, I went straight to Operose.” Matthew rified.


    “Oh! There must’ve been a misunderstanding then!” I said it absentmindedly.


    Before we finished eating, Johnson called Matthew to let him know that ATL Empire was holding a


    meeting at 2 p.m.


    Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.


    Matthew nced at me and asked about the situation with ATL Empire.


    He didn’t invite me to apany him to the meeting.


    Instead, he went with Johnson.


    I received a document on my phone after picking up Ava.


    It was the ATL Empire’s meeting minutes.


    One key point stood out.


    All participatingpanies had to undergo a financial assessment by the end of the month.


    It would include a thorough evaluation of the entire organization.


    That includes projects, capital, assets, and even personal checks.


    This was because this contract covered ATL Empire’s coborative projects for three years.


    ATL Empire’s projects were s supposed to be all government–backed initiatives during that time.


    If we secured the contract, we’d significantly boost our business over the next three years.


    What surprised me was the emphasis on the new type of thermally broken steel windows, a Tanum


    Corporation patent My mind was racing with questions.


    What did this mean? I quickly looked up the document’s sender, which turned out to be As My heart


    raced even faster.


    Tanum Corporation had an opportunity to improve its reputation.


    Unfortunately, thepany was in Matthew’s hands.


    I knew we could be industry leaders if thepany truly capitalized on this opportunity.


    This could be a once–in–a–lifetime chance for rapid advancement.


    However, that would also mean losing control of Matthew.


    +15 BONUS I halled a taxi and rushed home with Ava.


    I put on cartoons on TV for her while I quickly prepared food.


    I needed to make time to look into ourpetitors‘ information.


    I had to take advantage of this opportunity.


    Before I could finish preparing the food, Matthew’s call came in.


    He told me to freshen up quickly, as he’d pick me up soon.


    We were attending a dinnerter this evening.