Chapter 140
On the other hand, Anastasia never thought about what the person on stage was saying. She instead wanted to ask Elliot what he was doing here, but with her father there, she had no way of chatting with Elliot.
“Do we have hope, Dad?” she asked her father softly.
Francis shook his head in reply. “Beats me.”
At any rate, his company was also participating in the bid. While it wasn’t clear whether they had any chance to win, Lady Luck was recently smiling on him. Every time he felt like there was no hope, his company would ultimately be chosen.
It meant that Francis had to give it a try, no matter what.
Meanwhile, Elliot was staring at the long, flowing hair that covered the woman’s attractive back.
The persistent gaze on the back of her head made Anastasia feel extremely uncomfortable.
There were four projects up for bidding today and the one that Francis had his eye on was the second one. After the company that won the first bid was announced, the second bid quickly followed and he couldn’t help clenching his fists in anticipation. Upon hearing the name of her father’s company among the bidders for the second project, Anastasia had also tensed up as she hoped that her father would win the bid.
On second thought, she shouldn’t have too much hope.
“After extensive investigation and comprehensive consideration, we have decided to award the bid for this magnificent project to the following company-Tillman Constructions! Congratulations!” the host onstage announced loudly.
As Anastasia’s head spun, Francis slapped his thighs. “We got it!”
Sure enough, his luck was fantastic!
On the other hand, she could see several conflicted, incredulous, and even unreadable glances aimed at them.
At this moment, someone in front of them harrumphed loudly, “How could such a small company win such a large bid? They must have used their connections to get someone strong to back them up!”
As Francis’ expression turned ugly, Anastasia had to swallow her resentment on her father’s behalf as well. What was that person talking about?!
“Look at how good my luck has been recently, Anastasia. We have won the tender for such a large project!” Francis happily told her.
Anastasia was happy for her father as well, but it was at that moment when her mind screeched to a halt as she couldn’t help looking over her shoulder at Elliot.
Elliot coincidentally met her gaze while she stared at him curiously, doubtfully, and with
surprise. After glancing at her, he stood up and walked away with Rey following behind him.
By that point, Anastasia’s speculation was much clearer as she hurriedly stood up and left the room through a side door, after which she jogged toward the main entrance.
In the lobby, Elliot was quickly heading off with Rey. Making a mad dash after them, Anastasia stopped at the lobby doors and reached out to block their path of retreat.
“Was it you, Elliot?” she questioned loudly. “Did my dad win the bid because of you?”
Her mind was buzzing. Why does this man show up everywhere? Why does everything have to do with him?
Staring indifferently at her, he answered, “It has nothing to do with me.”
“I don’t believe you. Why did you come to the bid, then?” Anastasia persisted.
“I have no need to explain myself to you.” Elliot narrowed his eyes like he was looking at a stranger.
“It was you, wasn’t it? My father’s company wouldn’t be strong enough to win the bid otherwise! Tell me whether it was you!” There was only one answer that Anastasia wanted.
“Please stop making things difficult for President Presgrave, Miss Elliot.” Rey was finding it difficult to watch the interaction.
“What are you hiding? Why don’t you dare to tell the truth?” With bright eyes, Anastasia glared at Elliot, not letting him go. “I don’t need your interference with my family matters, Elliot Presgrave. Don’t you understand that?” She was truly shocked. How could it be so difficult for her to refuse his repayment?
Rey suddenly interrupted, “Your father’s company wouldn’t have been able to survive all these years without the help of President Presgrave, Miss Tillman.”
“Shut up,” Elliot warned Rey.
Nevertheless, Anastasia lost all of her strength to fight. Did that mean that Tillman Constructions had always needed Elliot’s help? Did that also mean that the expansion of Tillman Constructions in these few short years was not because of her father’s luck and hard work, but because there had always been someone aiding Francis behind the scenes?
