?


    A flicker of annoyance crossed Gabriel''s eyes, but his voice remainedposed and gentle. "Jane, provoking Damon doesn''t help us. Our focus should be on securing the project we need. Once thepany''s crisis is resolved, we can address everything else."


    Jane sneered. "If you were as capable as Damon with apany like Prospectus Technology, do you think I''d have to endure his disdain?"


    In her mind, Gabriel''sck of sess was the root of her frustrations.


    Gabriel, however, seemed indifferent to her belittling remarks. His expression remained steady and unmoved. "Jane, don''t get worked up. We don''t want to bete for check-in or submission."


    With a cold huff, Jane fell silent, though she nced at Gabriel with veiled contempt. If it weren''t for Wilhelm, she would have left him for a husband more suited to her ambitions for the Wilkie Group.


    At the registration desk, she signed in and handed over the bidding documents.


    As they finished, her eyes briefly lingered on Prospectus Technology''s bidding folder, her gaze flickering with intent.


    Without a word, she turned and left with Gabriel.


    Once inside the venue, she suddenly released Gabriel''s arm and said, "I need to use the restroom. Go find a seat, and don''t embarrass the Wilkies." Gabriel''s reputation had taken a hit since losing his gamingpany.


    Gossip circted that he was a freeloader, entirely dependent on Jane for support. If the gossips weren''t so careful not to offend the Wilkies, they might have already said as much to his face.


    "Shall I go with you?" Gabriel asked.


    "That won''t be necessary," Jane replied curtly, striding off.


    As she walked away, Gabriel smirked.


    Moments earlier, when Jane had signed in, he had noticed her subtle reaction to Prospectus Technology''s folder. Years together had made him an expert in reading her intentions, and he was certain she was nning to tamper with their bid.


    W


    If she intended to y dirty at the venue, she would only dig her own grave.


    He wasn''t about to stop her, though. After all, the Wilkie Group''s downfall would only hasten his own ns.


    Jane returned 15 minutester,


    comining, "This venue is huget


    took


    e forever to find the


    I


    swnoveline


    restroom. Did I miss a


    "No," Gabriel replied with a smile, "The bid opening is about to start. Let''s find our seats."


    They settled in just as the host stepped onto the stage.


    "Good evening, esteemed guests and representatives! Wee to the bidding session for the Mosaic Date Mall project. My name is Waylon Muir, and I''m honored to kickoff this significant event..."


    After a long series of opening remarks, Waylon finally transitioned to the bid opening. "We will now begin the opening of bids."


    He picked up the first folder, showcasing its intact seal before moving to the next.


    Jane watched intently, clutching her purse. Her knuckles whitened, but her eyes gleamed with anticipation.


    When it was Prospectus Technology''s turn, Waylon''s expression changed the moment he picked up the folder.