Something’s Brewing


    I didn’t rush back to thepany after leaving ATL Empire. Instead, I visited Ivanna. Since our


    schedules had been hectic, we had no time to meet. Ivanna looked surprised to see me. “What brings


    you here?”


    I nced at her and replied, “I don’t just drop by for no reason.


    “It’s hard to tell,” she replied mischievously, “I thought you forgot about me and only cared for your new


    lover.”


    “Stop with the sarcasm. If you have something to say, say it,” I retorted. I knew Ivanna’s expression she


    had something on me. Otherwise, she wouldn’t be so bold.


    sion meant


    did it


    Sure enough, she smirked and leaned in closer to me. She locked eyes with me and said, “You guys


    already, right?”


    I blushed and tried to avoid her probing gaze. “Mind your business! Don’t make things up!”


    “Am I? I saw how he escorted you back the other day. Am I still your best friend if I can’t tell you have


    something going on with him?” Ivanna teased, “If I didn’t have some evidence, would I interrogate you


    like


    this?”


    “I haven’t decided what to do yet. Stop talking about this. Why are you so nosy?” I shot back.


    “Is it nosy of me? You attract the most gossip as a divorcee. Don’t me me for not warning you.


    Ivanna’s tone turned serious, “Chlo, it’ll be your downfall if someone exposes anything about you at a


    time


    like this. I’m just looking out for you.”


    I fell silent when I realized Ivanna was right. I knew she had my best interests at heart.


    When I didn’t respond, Ivanna continued, “Remember, there were some loose ends during your divorce


    proceedings. He’s a prominent figure now, and countless people are watching him. I’m not against your


    rtionship; I’m just giving you a heads–up. Be careful!*


    I nodded, and Ivanna said, “All right, enough about that. What’s going on?”


    “Can you get me a list of Echelon Group’s clients? Preferably those rted to their currentnd deals in


    Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    the city?” I asked Ivanna.


    Ivanna eximed. “Chloe, what are you nning?! That’s a dangerous thought you have. Do you


    understand what you’re doing?” Then she said hushedly, “That counts as a business crime, do you


    know.


    that? It’s not as simple as investigating Matthew.”


    I sighed and exined, “I’ve also secured a contract with Echelon Group for a project. I just want some


    172


    Ivanna warned, “Can’t you ask Johnson? Besides, bigpanies like Echelon Group are meticulous. It


    would be bad for us if they catch wind of any investigation. You shouldy low!”


    “I’ll ask Johnson, then,” I reluctantly agreed.


    After leaving Ivanna’s ce, I pondered her words. She was correct; I needed to ensure the project’s


    sess and qualitypletion while minimizing risks. I pulled over to the side of the road and called


    Johnson.


    He didn’t answer, so I waited in my car, thinking it might be inconvenient for him to talk now. However, it


    didn’t take long for Johnson to call back. “Ms. Chloe, what’s up?”


    “I’ve signed the contract with Echelon Group,” I informed him.


    “You signed it? Did itnd in your basket just like that?” Johnson sounded surprised.


    “You didn’t know about this?” I asked.


    “Matthew has always eyed this contract. He put a lot of effort into getting it. I find it hard to believe he


    would let it go so quickly,” Johnson replied with a hint of skepticism, “That must be why I saw Mnie


    so


    furious in his office this morning. No one knows what happened.


    “Can you find out more for mean


    have to be cautious,” I requested. 1


    “That’s not a problem. I’ll try, but I can’t guarantee Matthew will reveal anything. He has be very


    cunningtely and seems determined to forge a close partnership with Echelon Group,” Johnson


    cautioned.


    “By the way, there seems to be hope for us for thend in Operose. I’m not sure what ATL Empire is up


    to. Well, maybe they’re just having some internal issues. Did you perhaps ask Mr. As about it?”


    I gave a faint smile. “I don’t want to ask too much about these things.”


    My answer was impable. On one hand, I didn’t deny my rtionship with As. On the other, I didn’t


    admit I couldn’t afford to make a wrong move. 1


    “All right, I’ll gather some information,” Johnson agreed, seemingly more enthusiastic now. “Wait for my


    update.”


    I revealed a faint smile as I hung up the call. I could sense something was brewing from Johnson’s


    response. I just had to make,someone go crazy to find out what it was.