Chapter 16
For this signing. Brightview Group showed up with three people. Even Jacob Wells, the project manager, was present.
In the conference room, Jacob frowned a bit as he noticed Eliza and Albert sitting across. So, where’s Ms. Rhodes?” he asked.
Eliza’s expression soured for a moment upon hearing Audrey’s name, but she quickly composed herself and explained, “Tll be taking over this project from now on. Audrey is about to leave Rhodes Enterprises, and I’ll be stepping into her role.”
Her tone suggested she expected this change to be a given.
Jacob raised his eyebrows, not fully convinced. What he valued was Audrey’s skills and commitment, not just the title someone
held.
But with Albert also present in the meeting, Jacob recognized Rhodes Enterprises‘ solid intent. After two months of work on everything from site selection to final approvals, it was crucial to get the contract signed today.
Thinking for a moment, Jacob grabbed the documents from his assistant and said, “Let’s get this contract started. He signed his name and pushed the document toward Eliza.
Eliza felt a rush of excitement. Once she signed, the project would officially be hers.
Eagerly, she reached for the pen, but it felt a bit stuck. After shaking it a little, she tried again, but the first stroke didn’t come out Just then, the conference room door swung open, and someone walked in.
Dressed in a sleek white suit and sporting a low ponytail with chic champagne–colored heels, Audrey strolled in confidently. “Sorry I’m late,” she said with a smile as she greeted Jacob, then took a seat beside Eliza.
Flustered, Eliza shot her an awkward glance. “Audrey, what brings you here?” she asked, a bit on edge. Did no one inform her about the change in responsibilities?‘ she wondered.
Audrey caught her gaze and, with a playful smile, reached for the contract in Eliza’s hand. “This is my project, so of course, I should be the one signing the contract. I wouldn’t want to let anyone else handle it for me.”
Eliza’s face paled, and she looked over at Albert, silently seeking help
Albert’s expression was anything but pleasant as he shot a glare at Audrey, simmering with resentment. “Who let you in? You’re making a mockery of this situation–just get out!”
Audrey raised an eyebrow and let out a light laugh. Glancing around the room, she replied, “Oh, don’t worry about it. Mr. Rhodes. I know Mr. Wells well. He won’t mind bending a few rules. Right, Mr. Wells?”
Jacob sat there, taken aback. He didn’t expect so much drama at a signing ceremony. It made him think of the rumors he’d heard about how Audrey wasn’t actually a Rhodes by blood. It looked like he was involved in some sort of family feud.
Jacob wasn’t keen on getting mixed up in that mess. He turned directly to Albert and asked, “Mr. Rhodes, who’s handling this project? Who do we need to connect with going forward? If your company hasn’t finalized things yet, we can always push the signing to another day.”
That wasn’t an option. Delaying could cost them, especially since they weren’t the only ones in the running for Brightview Group’s business.
To cut to the chase, Albert declared, “Mr. Wells, Audrey’s been let go. She’s out of the loop on this project. He shot Audrey another fierce look, a silent warning for her to stay quiet
He knew Audrey well enough. Sure, she could be a little temperamental, but deep down, she always prioritized the bigger picture. She wouldn’t jeopardize Rhodes Enterprses interests just to save face.
Audrey’s heart dropped, and she smirked, “Since Eliza’s getting the project, can I ask a couple of questions? She didn’t want to make a scene with Albert in the conference room, but letting Eliza off the hook wasn’t an option.
“Sure,” Eliza jumped in eagerly, not even waiting for Albert to respond
Audrey chuckled lightly and asked, “So, which decoration materials in the design plan are our responsibility, and which ones do we need to get from Brightview Group?”
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Chapter 16
Eliza looked momentarily stunned, her eyes darting with panic. What kind of question was that? Shouldn’t Brightview Group provide all the materials? she wondered.
Not surprised by Eliza’s silence, Audrey pressed on, “Okay, second question: what’s the total floor area of the building center, and what’s the coverage? What’s the capacity ratio!”
Eliza’s palms started sweating, and her lips pressed into a thin line. It was clear that Audrey was deliberately putting her in a tough spot.
“You don’t know that either. Let’s try something simpler. What’s this project really about” Audrey asked again.
*1–I… Eliza stammered, struggling to form a coherent thought.
Before coming here, her only focus was on stealing the project from Audrey and proving herself to Albert, who had promised her the gig. She hadn’t even bothered to read through any project details.
She didn’t expect Audrey to call her out in front of everyone. A mix of embarrassment, shame, and frustration swirled in
Eliza’s chest,
Jacob shook his head in disappointment, stood up, and straightened his suit, her tone icy. It looks like you’re just throwing a newbie into this project. That shows a lack of commitment on your part to collaborate. With that, the cooperation is off”
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