Chapter 451 Play A Few Rounds With Me
Caroline's POV:
"Elena, the project on the east bank has officially begun, right? Follow up on the progress for me and keep me posted," I requested.
Looking embarrassed, Elena replied, "I don't know if you've heard, but Vanessa Lewis wants to cancel the partnership. Without the blueprint, the project can't begin as scheduled."
"What? How could that be?" My eyes widened in astonishment.
A glaring problem had happened to the project, and nobody informed me about it.
"Mr. Felix is already trying to negotiate with her. He didn't tell you because he didn't want you to worry about it," Elena explained.All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.
I bit my lower lip, feeling worried about the project's outcome.
"Why did Vanessa suddenly cancel the partnership?"
"Because of the negative news that have been circulating lately. She's not the only one who intends to cancel the partnership with our company, ma'am. A few of our partners have expressed their intention to sever ties with us."
"Tell the project manager to talk to these partners and see if there's room for negotiation," I said with a sullen expression.
The sharp fall of the Wilson Group's stock price would certainly cause dissatisfaction among our shareholders.
If I failed to stabilize the situation as soon as possible, the company would suffer heavy losses. And by then, I wouldn't be able to keep my position as the CEO.
"Yes, ma'am." Elena nodded and added, "Mr. Wilson said that he'd be back before your birthday next week."
"Got it. I'll try to solve this problem before my dad's return." I rubbed my temples irritably.
"Don't try to solve everything by yourself. Mr. Felix and I are here to help you when you need us." Elena patted me on the shoulder to comfort me.
Upon hearing that, I smiled and went back to my room to rest.
My body was covered in bruises and I could feel them aching.
Every step I took was torturous.
When I remembered how Charles carried me in his arms, the tip of my nose felt stuffy and sadness overcame my heart.
I even began to miss his strong, warm embrace.
I had been alone for so long that I had forgotten that I also needed protection.
Realizing what I was thinking, I shook my head to cast aside such flights of fancy.
These thoughts made me despise myself.
After returning to my room, I sent some messages to Dad and Nina, informing them that
I was safe.
Then, I turned off my phone and lay on the bed.
As soon as I closed my eyes, the bloody scene at the warehouse appeared in my mind.
Horrified, I opened my eyes again. Beads of cold sweat formed on my forehead.
Fear lingered in my heart. I patted my chest, intending to drink some water to calm myself down.
But then, I found that my hand was still trembling and I accidentally knocked the glass to the ground.
The sound of the glass breaking was particularly harsh in the quietness of my room.
In a trance, I seemed to hear the gunshot once again.
I covered my ears and screamed in absolute terror.
Fear and panic filled my heart, and I could feel my entire body trembling.
Soon, my eyes turned bloodshot.
Elena rushed in, visibly worried. "Caroline, what happened?"
I waved my hand weakly. "It's... fine. I accidentally broke the glass."
"I hate to tell you this, but your psychological state is in bad shape lately. I've arranged a psychologist for you. The least you can do is try to receive treatment."
Elena embraced me and patted me on the back.
"No, it's just that I haven't recovered from the shock yet. I'll be fine after a few days of rest," I replied with a smile.
"If you go on like this, Caroline, you're bound to break down. Your children are still waiting for you. How are you supposed to take care of them in your current condition?" After a moment of hesitation, I nodded.
"You're right. Set up an appointment with the psychologist for me, please."
The only way I could fight for my children's custody and take care of them was to get better soon.
Simon's POV:
After finishing up with work, I went to Vanessa's home by following the address that Leah sent me.
Once there, I knocked on the door.
It was a maid who opened it.
"Good evening, I'm Simon Felix. I'm here to discuss business with Miss Lewis," I greeted her politely.
The maid nodded and smiled at me before escorting me in.
"Miss Lewis is currently resting. Please, wait here for a moment."
Having said that, the maid left.
I waited in the living room patiently. It took two hours before Vanessa finally showed up.
"Simon? To what do I owe the pleasure?" Vanessa asked, knitting her brows together.
"Vanessa, I heard that you enjoy playing CSGO, so I got this gift for you."
I handed her a box with a warm smile on my face.
Vanessa just glanced at it listlessly and didn't even take it.
"Come with me upstairs."
She then turned around and went upstairs.
Confused, I followed her.
Vanessa took me to her gaming room.
The decoration of the room was simple, and its dim lighting was perfect for the room's atmosphere.
My eyes lit up at once.
"Care to play a few rounds with me, Simon?" Vanessa asked, smirking at me.
"I'm not very good at this game," I replied.
"If you can win three consecutive matches against me, I'll consider working with the Wilson Group again. But if you don't take the
challenge, then there's nothing for
us to talk about."
Vanessa pulled out a chair, gesturing me to sit in front of the computer.
"Are you serious?" I asked suspiciously.
"Dead serious! I'm a woman of my word." The smile on Vanessa's face became brighter.
I pondered on it for a moment and eventually agreed.
"Do your best. If you score sixteen kills, you win one round. Let's begin."
I had never played a game like this before, so I was rather bad at it.
Vanessa, on the other hand, was quite skilled. She sat next to me
disciplined manner. Every move inst
made was quick and decisive.
she
The first round ended soon after. I had lost the battle miserably.
When I saw Vanessa's taunting gaze, I felt embarrassed of myself.
"This is my first time playing the game. I'm not used to it yet. Give me one more chance. Please."
Vanessa turned her chair and moved towards me.
"I can give you ten more tries, but there's no way you'll win against me.
"How will we know that if we don't give it a try?" I asked.
Vanessa stroked her chin and smirked at me.
I felt uncomfortable with her the way she was looking at me, so I avoided her gaze.
The next second, I felt something soft touching my face.
A faint yet pleasant aroma wafted into my nose.
My face suddenly turned red.
'She just kissed me!'
"You should go now. In exchange for playing games with me, I'll seriously consider giving the Wilson Group another chance." Vanessa sat back in her chair.
I sprang to my feet, apologized, and strode out of the room.
I could hear her sweet laughter from behind me. Because I was absent-minded, I almost tripped myself.
On the drive home, I rolled down the window of my car.
The cold wind seeped into my skin, and the heat on my face finally faded.
The thought of Vanessa's indecent behavior got on my nerves.