Chapter 394 Delight
A smile was curling her lips. She thought Nicholas would refuse her, but instead, he had agreed to let her in, and that made her ecstatic. She went into his office and called him gently, “Nicholas…”
Nicholas looked at her as she came in, his face deadpan. “What’s the deal with Jeremiah’s company? I thought your family doesn’t dabble in tech.” He cut to the chase right away. “When did you guys start dabbling in this field?”
Hayley’s smile froze. She didn’t expect him to ask her that question right away. Did he notice something? She lied, “Our company has never dealt with tech before, but I’m trying to find a breakthrough here. You know my family’s company deals with the more traditional fields, and the market isn’t exactly nice to us, so I need some new business.”
“Even if that’s true, tech is risky for Stone Enterprise. If something were to happen, you’d lose money, and then you’re going to have to use more money to cover that hole. That’ll hurt the collaboration.” Nicholas pointed out Stone Enterprise’s flaw immediately.
Hayley’s eyes glinted, and she felt uneasy. Even so, she remained calm. “I’ve taken that risk into consideration, but it’s different this time. Jeremiah is my friend. We know each other well. There’s no need to worry.”
Nicholas looked at her coldly. He knew she was lying, but he wouldn’t point it out.
Hayley pretended that she didn’t see his look. She asked on purpose, “Do you have plans to work with him? I can give you the deal if you want.”
“No,” he refused her without hesitating.
Hayley knew he would refuse her. “I see. Then I’ll be going into this field then.” She smiled, but it was a fake one.
Looks like I can sabotage Tessa’s brother openly now. We are competitors after all. Even if Nicholas finds out, I have an excuse ready.
Unbeknownst to her, Nicholas had seen through her. Nicholas only used to dislike Hayley, but now he was disgusted. He didn’t hate smart women, but he loathed those who would use little tricks and schemes to get what they wanted. “What do you want?” He cut the earlier topic off and tried to send her away.
She noticed his impatience, and she felt sad. She couldn’t understand why Nicholas hated her so much. Which part of Tessa is better than me? She clenched her fists and held her displeasure down, then she smiled. “My grandfather is back, so he wants to have dinner with you guys. Your parents will be there too, so do come as well, Nicholas.”
Nicholas frowned. Maxwell and Remus were friends, and he was also one of those who were pushing for the marriage between him and Hayley. If I go, they’ll bring that up again. He refused quickly, “I have some software testing to do tonight. I can’t go.”
Hayley panicked. If he isn’t going, then my plan won’t work. “It’s just dinner. It won’t take too long,” she said softly, trying to persuade Nicholas, but that only made his patience run thinner.
“I said I don’t have time.”
