Right Person, Wrong Time

"Did something happen to Nicole?" Kendrick blurted out without considering his own status, caught up in his worry.

Chloe was slightly taken aback by Kendrick's anxious demeanor. Had I misread his expression?

"Mr. Hofstead, you…" Chloe began to speak, but Kendrick quickly regained his composure, coughing lightly as he said, "Please, go ahead and speak, Miss Yelton."

After a pause, he added, "I was just concerned about Miss Anderson. If something happened to her, it might impact the research center."

Chloe's expression shifted slightly, but she maintained her composure as her gaze remained on Kendrick. She had come in with confidence, but now his words were making her second-guess herself. It looked like he was concerned about Nicole's presence at the research center. If she were to tell Kendrick that Nicole couldn't come to the research center for a while, would he cancel the cooperation in a fit of anger?

The research center couldn't afford any further disruptions.

"It's like this, Mr. Hofstead. As you know, Nicole is currently pregnant and approaching her sixth month. She doesn't have the energy to come to the research center at the moment," Chloe explained calmly, making sure her tone was steady.

If she projected enough confidence and provided both reasons and solutions, Kendrick might find a reason to agree. There could still be room to salvage the situation.

"I see," Kendrick responded, almost as if he had anticipated what Chloe was about to say. His expression darkened.

Seeing Kendrick's reaction, Chloe unconsciously gulped out of nervousness. "I'd like to request a leave for Nicole. For the remainder of her pregnancy and maternity period, she will work from our apartment. Of course, this won't affect her responsibilities at the research center. She'll review the reports from the research team daily."

Chloe enunciated each word with poise. Just then, the secretary who had entered to deliver files overheard her words. The secretary wasn't oblivious to the implications. Her face changed, and her gaze toward Chloe turned more sinister.

"Mr. Hofstead, that might not be feasible. The contract explicitly states that Miss Anderson is required to oversee personally due to her exceptional skills," the secretary interjected hastily, seemingly unable to hold back.

Kendrick's gaze turned stern as he glared at the secretary. The secretary immediately closed her mouth, not daring to speak further. On the other hand, Chloe's complexion stiffened at the secretary's words. She had anticipated a potential rejection, but she hadn't expected to be turned down by a mere secretary.

"Miss Yelton, since you've already brought this up, I have no reason to object. After all, your proposal is well thought out. I'm not heartless either. Since Miss Anderson is pregnant, she should take care of herself," Kendrick said, retracting his gaze and turning to Chloe.

She looked up at Kendrick in surprise, not expecting him to agree to her proposal.

"However, as your business partner, I have a stake in this as well. Given that Miss Anderson is now pregnant, it's only natural for me to visit her. I hope you'll grant me that opportunity," Kendrick continued before Chloe could respond. Kendrick's ability to navigate conversations was quite impressive. In just a few sentences, he had gained the upper hand in the discussion.