I nodded. "I have no intention of making things difficult for you, Mr. Melvern. However, this is Tanum Corporation''s current situation. Since you''ve candidly assessed the situation, you must also know that this is


    the prerequisite for cooperation with Tanum Corporation."


    "I do." Melvern stared at my face, his emotions unclear. "Currently, there''s a pressing project. I would like Tanum Corporation to design a n for it, and I believe you will be interested."


    "Oh?" I intentionally expressed interest and asked, "Where is the project?"


    Melvern''s smile was intriguing. He paused briefly, then said, "In Rivendell."


    I felt a sudden chill. Without thinking, I asked, "Rivendell?"


    Melvern smiled triumphantly. "Yes, Rivendell! Have you heard of it, Ms. Chloe?"


    I suddenly felt that I had overreacted.


    "Yes," I responded to salvage myposure. "I heard rumors about a new development project in Rivendell but didn''t pay much attention. After all, our current projects are in the consolidation process, and some are about to start. So, it slipped my mind. Is it true?"


    I skillfully shifted the focus, turning the tables. Deep down, I felt a bit nervous. Could he be eyeing Rivendell because it belonged to Atticus?


    "If you trust Tanum Corporation, you can provide the relevant information to our General Manager, Mr. Ryan. Let him assess it. I can introduce you to Mr. Ryan. You canmunicate directly with him regarding the project. He''s more professional and authoritative."


    I delegated this responsibility to Ryan because he was undoubtedly more authoritative. Additionally, by doing so, I left myself a way out.


    I needed to talk to Atticus privately about this matter.


    Melvern nodded. "No problem. Thank you, Ms. Chloe."


    I stood up and said, "Please wait a moment, Mr. Melvern."


    Then, I pressed the inte button, and someone on the other end answered. I asked, "Is Mr. Ryan in his office?"


    "Yes."


    "I''ming over."


    After hanging up the phone, I smiled at Melvern, indicating him to follow me. Melvern stood up, buttoning his suit as he followed me closely.


    I led him to Ryan''s office.


    As I knocked on the door, Melvern stood beside me, very close. Suddenly, I caught a scent that felt familiar. I recognized it from somewhere in my memory.


    I took a deep breath, recalling where I had smelled this fragrance. When Ryan answered, I smiled at Melvern and then entered the office.


    He greeted me warmly as he saw


    me bringing a guest. I quickly introduced the two, and they shook hands politely. I gave them a brief overview of Melvern''s intentions and left them to negotiate.


    I had immense trust in Ryan, mainly since I had discussed my visit to Rivendell with him before. Therefore,


    letting him discuss the del


    matter with Melvern was more convenient for me in gathering information.


    I exchanged a nce with Ryan and then left his office.


    Back in my office, I called Atticus, but his phone rang without an answer.Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.


    I paced back and forth in my office, reminiscing about the conversation with Atticus in Rivendell. Could it be that he was right?


    There was one thing I couldn''t figure out.


    Why did Melvern invest in Liora but


    not let Liora take on this project? Was it because Atticus was Liora''s husband? Or did he disdain thepany she snatched forcking qualifications? Or did he genuinely value Tanum Corporation''s design and construction qualifications?


    This situation felt moreplicated than I initially thought.