Seeing Bruce Aleen bring over so many cups of coffee, Mr. Aleen raised an eyebrow.
What was he doing?
Bruce Aleen presented all the coffee cups to Janelle. "Miss Rovella, I wasn't sure of your preference, so please try them all." His father had excellent coffee here; he could give her some if she liked any.
"..."
Janelle hadn't expected Bruce Aleen to be this... attentive.
"Alright, sit down over there. Miss Rovella and I still have a few points to discuss." Mr. Aleen couldn't stand watching anymore. Was his son interested in this young woman? Honestly, despite the rumors swirling around Janelle in Graham City, meeting her today, Mr. Aleen was genuinely impressed. Her abilities were outstanding. His son simply wasn't good enough for her.
Bruce Aleen was displeased but had to sit quietly. He couldn't disrupt her doing what she needed to do.
Mr. Aleen was an old hand, having come from Imperial Capital. His insight and methods were top-tier; the Aleen Group's current success was built under his leadership. Yet, no matter what Mr. Aleen asked, Janelle answered clearly and logically. By the end of the discussion, Mr. Aleen was thoroughly satisfied.
"Here's my card, Mr. Aleen. Please feel free to call me anytime if you have further questions," Janelle said, handing over her business card.
Mr. Aleen was still engrossed. "Actually, it's almost lunchtime. Let me treat everyone to a simple meal!" He immediately instructed his secretary to book a restaurant. Unable to refuse such warm hospitality, Janelle agreed, bringing Linda and Kevin along.
On their way out, Manager Xue and the secretary were still waiting outside. Bruce Aleen whispered something in his father's ear. Mr. Aleen glanced at the two.
Daring to scheme under his nose? Manager Xue couldn't stay. "You two, stay at the company. Come to my office when I return," Mr. Aleen ordered before leading Janelle and her team to lunch.
"I apologize for my subordinates' misconduct. I hope you won't hold it against them, Miss Rovella," Mr. Aleen said.
Bruce Aleen offered a toast. Janelle couldn't easily refuse. In these circles, showing face often smoothed the path for cooperation.
"Not at all, Mr. Aleen. As long as we have the chance to work with the Aleen Group, our efforts won't be in vain."
"Speaking of cooperation, your proposal is indeed excellent. However, several other corporations also have strong submissions. Here's what we'll do: you'll all participate in the Aleen Group's formal bidding session. The final outcome will depend on your own merits." While he admired Janelle, the company wasn't solely his. The final partnership decision required consensus among senior leadership.
"Dad, Miss Rovella is so capable! Why not just partner with her directly?" Bruce interjected.
"Shut up! If you want to get involved in company affairs, you can start by reporting to the office properly."
"Mr. Aleen, thank you for this opportunity. We will definitely participate in the bidding session on time," Janelle stated. Her goal today was simply securing a chance. A project of this scale naturally required a formal bidding process. Mr. Aleen, a man of principle, wouldn't arbitrarily change that.
After lunch, Bruce Aleen wanted to drive Janelle back, but she declined. Seeing his son's crestfallen look, Mr. Aleen could only shake his head.
"Bruce, you like Miss Rovella, don't you? Look at her – so young, yet she produced such a project. If you truly like her, you need to step up your own game. Otherwise, a girl like that won't look twice at someone like you."
"..."
Bruce Aleen was speechless. But remembering the confident spark in her eyes when discussing the project, his heart palpitated with excitement.
"Dad, I'll report to the company this afternoon!"
"But I have one condition: I want to be in charge of this project." That way, he could have more opportunities to interact with her.
Janelle and her team headed back to Blue Whale Co., Ltd., with Linda driving. From a distance, she spotted Erik's Cullinan parked nearby. She hadn't checked her phone during lunch with Mr. Aleen. Erik had sent several messages; she hadn't had time to reply. It was already past 2 PM. How long had he been waiting?
"Linda, pull over up ahead."
Linda parked by the curb. Janelle got out. "Head back to the company first. I'll be there shortly." She walked over, opened the passenger door of the Cullinan, and got in.
"How long have you been waiting?"
"Two hours, thirteen minutes, and forty-eight seconds," Erik replied, his voice tinged with grievance. Where had she been? Didn't she say they'd have lunch together?
"..."
He was counting the seconds? And this was Erik! How could the seemingly omnipotent Mr. Lorenz from the border sound so... wronged?!
"I didn't ask you to wait, and I never agreed to have lunch with you," Janelle frowned. This man was too clingy.
"Erik, I don't like overly clingy men. We're just fuck buddies. You don't need to go this far." Their compatibility was purely physical; there was no need for excessive investment.
"..."
Erik felt like he might explode from her words. Fuck buddies? After all the care he'd shown? In bed, his primary concern had been her pleasure.
"You should go back. I need to work." She had secured the spot in the Aleen Group's bidding session; winning it was crucial now.
Janelle reached for the door handle, but Erik grabbed her arm.
"Your medicine."
He was furious, but he restrained himself. This was just her nature. He had to indulge her. Fuck buddies it was, then. As long as he was the only one. He was the only one she could have as a fuck buddy.
Erik produced a thermos containing the bitter Chinese medicine.
Janelle didn't want to say another word. What was wrong with him? Was this medicine absolutely non-negotiable?
"Erik, why do you always do things I hate?"
"I'll stop making you drink it once your stomach is fully healed," Erik coaxed.
Janelle took the thermos and forced herself to drink the concoction. Seeing her face contort in disgust, Erik felt a pang of heartache. But enduring this short-term pain would prevent long-term suffering. Only a complete cure would stop her future discomfort.
After she finished, Erik popped a candy into her mouth. "Eat this. It won't taste bitter anymore."
Janelle was exasperated. Was he treating her like a child? Although... the candy was delicious. She liked the flavor.
"Oh, didn't you say you wanted to watch a racing match? There's one tonight." Knowing her interest in racing, and with Bryan competing that evening, he could take her.
"Mm." Janelle pushed the car door open and got out.
Before she even reached the building entrance, Linda and Kevin came running out, their faces pale.
"Miss Rovella! Something terrible has happened!" Kevin blurted out urgently.
"What is it? Calm down. Explain slowly."
"The other four members of our project team... Mrs. Evans fired them!" The proposal was done, but winning the bid required further refinement. With their team gone, how could they proceed?