When There Is Nothing Left But Love

“That’s too kind of you, Mr. Watson. I’m just a common staff member here. What would you like to know?”

He sat back on the chair and smiled at me, indicating for me to do the same.

Then, I sat down in front of him and made sure to keep my manners in check.

“How much will you profit from this project?” He asked without beating around the bush.

I smiled and placed my drink down. “Are you perhaps concerned about my wellbeing, Mr. Watson?”

He chuckled casually and replied, “You’re quite the jokester, Ms. Stovall.”

I maintained my smile, staying silent.

After a while, he stopped chuckling and said, “If things go well, what do you think about becoming business partners for life?”

about my share of the earnings first, Mr. Watson? That would make our discussion go

pressed his lips together tightly. His smile was starting to become so deep it was almost fake. “I

smile glinting in his eyes. “There’s two hundred thousand in here. Of course, this must seem like a small sum to you. This two hundred thousand is just to treat you to tea, but if you’re willing to sweet talk Mr. Fuller into working together with me, I’ll top up another five hundred thousand. Of course, you’re

leaned my elbow on the tabletop and cupped my chin in one hand. “So, Mr. Watson, you want me to give up on this bid and also put in a good word for you with Mr. Fuller?” Was I hearing

How I enjoy working with smart people such as yourself.

with his sleazy smile as he continued pushing the card toward me, clearly wanting me

and said lightly, “Two hundred thousand. That’s quite a sum. I could put a down payment on a place in A City if

it felt like I had to return his smile, so I did. “That’s not exactly how things work around here, though. You probably don’t understand how the Murphy Corporation settles profits. I’d say they’re especially generous as the project manager will always receive twenty percent of all earnings made. Ashton invested about ten million into this project, and twenty percent of that will already be far more than just a down payment. Dare I say –

“Asking for two million right off the bat? Do you know what

will also get to earn more money. If I do take your two hundred thousand, I would be giving myself the short

on my face. “Next time you try and bribe someone, please do your research. This is rather

so I stood up and walked into the bidding room without another

stood out among the other people in the room. I walked toward

looked at me. “Shouldn’t I be asking