Chapter 67
“Projects should be based on competence, Gwyneth replied. “Zachary and I have personal history, but business is business. It’s all written in black and white. If he wants to breach the contract, then he’ll pay for it. Jenkins Group and I won’t lose anything”
Quentin was at a loss for words.
Melanie slammed her hand on the table. “Gwyneth, you’re really ungrateful. Don’t forget it was Dad who bent the rules to promote you into your current position.”
“And don’t forget, the only reason Jenkins Group still exists is because my mom saved it,” Gwyneth shot back. “Any position I hold here is rightfully mine. You’re just a bastard daughter hiding behind the Jenkins name. Don’t talk to me like that
Gwyneth’s icy stare cut into Melanie like a blade. Melanie sucked in a sharp breath, the pain real and deep
Just then the door opened again. Melanie had no choice but to swallow her rage. Her chest heaved with barely contained anger.
Zachary stepped back in and instantly picked up on the tense atmosphere. Td like to speak with Gwyneth alone,” he said.
“But this project is mine–Melanie started, her voice trembling with hurt.
make the decisions, Zachary snapped coldly, showing her no warmth at all.
Quentin quickly stepped in and pulled Melanie toward the meeting room next door. She jerked her arm free and shouted, “Dad! You’re just going to stand there and let Gwyneth mock me while Zachary bullies me?”
The project comes first. Once we sign the deal, Ill take care of it,” Quentin promised her.
He turned his eyes toward the wall separating them from the other room, staring hard at the plain white surface like he could see through it
Inside that room were Zachary and Gwyneth–and Quentin was already thinking how best to use those thirteen years between them to his advantage
In the meeting room next door, Zachary sat down across from Gwyneth. Their eyes met.
They’re really hostile toward you,” he said. “They don’t want you here.”
“I know,” Gwyneth replied flatly, completely unfazed.
Her blunt honesty made Zachary pause for a second. Then he continued, “If you’re willing to forgive everything Eve done, Ill name you as the lead on the entire project.
“That way, you’ll have a solid footing at Jenkins Group and can do more of what you really want”
“I’m not interested, Gwyneth said carelessly.
She leaned back lazily in her chair, chin lifted slightly as she looked at him. “Flynn Group’s project isn’t nearly enough for me to gain footing here. Don’t overestimate yourself. Even without your deal. I’ve got my own ways to stand firm at Jenkins Group.”
“Ways?” Zachary suddenly let out a cold laugh, then pushed his lit–up phone across the table with a frosty look. “You mean clinging to a married
man?”
On the phone screen was a photo of Harrison leaning down to speak with another woman,
The woman’s face wasn’t visible–only her graceful back as she held a wine glass, speaking to Harrison in a relaxed pose. Harrison kept his usual stern expression, his eyes fixed on her in what looked like a vaguely intimate moment.
Gwyneth narrowed her eyes, confused
To her, Harrison’s face in the photo didn’t show anything remotely flirtatious. In fact, he looked more relaxed when talking to her than in that montent Nothing in the picture suggested–true intimacy,
But Zachary kept talking, his tone full of mock concern. That’s Harrison’s wife. Mr. Lopez has a big reputation, and his new bride surely comes from high society too. If she finds out he’s keeping a mistress like you, she won’t let you off easy.
“Gwyneth, I’m telling you this because of our past. Walk away while you still can. If his wife comes after you, a cold–hearted man like Harrison won’t protect you.
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Chapter 67
“But me! I’m different. If you come back to me, let go of everything in the past. We can even talk about getting married again.”
