Chapter 559 Office Romance Becomes Gossip
Bianca finished reading the news on her screen, glanced at her watch, and then closed the webpage.
Almost at the same moment, she shut down her computer, and her secretary knocked on the office door twice. "Ms. Gomez, it's time for the meeting."
Bianca nodded. "Got it. Make sure the meeting materials are ready and everyone has a copy. Also, let Peregrine from the tech department know to join us."
"Yes, Ms. Gomez."
After giving her instructions, Bianca organized her own materials, reviewed them once more, and then left her office.
The meeting went smoothly. Brandon, who usually liked to challenge Bianca during project discussions, was surprisingly cooperative. He backed everything Bianca said, creating an unusually harmonious atmosphere in the conference room.
Even the other department heads, who were used to their bickering, were taken aback.
What? Brandon and Bianca were not arguing? This was the biggest office news of the year!
Wait, if Brandon and Bianca didn't argue, wouldn't the meetings be less interesting? They might even get boring.
But then again, without their arguments, the meetings were shorter and more efficient. That was actually a good thing.
During the meeting, Brandon and Bianca exchanged glances. The emotions and sparks in their eyes were fleeting but didn't escape the notice of the dozen or so people in the room. There had to be a story behind their sudden truce.
As a result, some people at the table couldn't resist their curiosity and started whispering during breaks. Bianca occasionally caught snippets of hushed conversations about how Bianca had finally been tamed, which made her uncomfortable.
"Everyone, if you have extra time, I suggest you start focusing on the upcoming acquisition project. This project is crucial, and we need to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the Turner Group. Over the next three months, you might not be able to leave work on time and may even have to work weekends. I hope you can maintain your current enthusiasm."
Someone raised an objection. "Ms. Gomez, the Turner Group hasn't announced any plans to sell. Aren't we jumping the gun?"
"Mr. Moore, we live in peacetime, but why do we still have a military? Are you suggesting we disband the army?"
Hearing that, the man awkwardly adjusted his glasses and fell silent.
Brandon clapped his hands, partly to applaud Bianca's retort and partly to quiet the room. Everyone understood it as the former.
"The evaluation involves the Turner Group's headquarters, branches, subsidiaries, and other factories. It's a massive project, and every department needs to be prepared. Especially the finance department, I'll be forming a dedicated evaluation team soon..." Brandon immediately responded to Bianca's call to action, quickly bringing the meeting back to its usual pace with his professional and organized approach.
Bianca silently smirked. Who knew that the usually unserious Brandon had this side to him?
Bianca specifically mentioned Peregrine. "Come to my office after the meeting."
Then she added, "Mr. Hernandez, you too."
The onlookers speculated that Bianca calling Brandon to her office was inappropriate, and she was using Peregrine as a cover. Clever move!
After the meeting, some executives commented, "Our company is just starting to improve, and now we're trying to swallow the Turner Group. I'm worried about the financial strain."
"Don't worry about that. Although it looks like our company is acquiring the Turner Group, it's actually Mr. Kingsley funding it. Haven't you noticed? Mr. Kingsley is giving the Turner Group to his wife as a gift. Remember how the Turner Group's heiress used to suppress our chairman?"
That made sense.
In Bianca's office, Brandon and Peregrine sat across from her, and the three began a deep discussion.
"Our goal is to acquire the Turner Group at a low price and prevent Lawrence from making a comeback. This is Mr. Kingsley's directive. Understood?" Bianca handed them a document. "Review this and tell me your thoughts."
Brandon and Peregrine carefully read through each page. "Understood. Before the acquisition, we need to undermine the Turner Group, driving its value to an all-time low, then buy it at a low price. This strategy is perfect for dealing with someone like Lawrence."
Bianca nodded. "So, our tech department needs to infiltrate their systems." Bianca shared Sebastian's customized plan with Peregrine, who understood.
Brandon added, "I know what to do next. Leave it to me."
After the meeting, Peregrine left the office, but Brandon lingered, leisurely sipping his coffee on the sofa.
Bianca looked up and saw him still there, frowning. "Why aren't you leaving? Waiting for me to reprimand you? Or do you want to explain your behavior in the meeting? Were you putting on a show for me?"
"Bianca, I'm genuinely looking out for you. You're my girlfriend. If I don't support you, who will?" Brandon reached out to hug Bianca, but she sidestepped, leaving him empty-handed.
Bianca crossed her arms, maintaining a safe distance. "Mr. Hernandez, in the office, I expect you to remember your role. You're the CFO, and I'm the CEO. If rumors about us spread, it will have a very negative impact. I hope you continue your usual behavior. If anyone suspects our relationship, we'll end it immediately."
Brandon's eyes widened in disbelief, spreading his arms in a helpless gesture. "Why? The Mitchell Group doesn't prohibit office romances. Why can't we date?"
"If you want to continue, keep it a secret. If not, feel free to make a scene. Your choice."
"Oh my God, I finally get to date someone, and you're going to torture me like this?" Brandon dramatically lamented, feeling heartbroken.
Bianca smirked, leaned in, and gave Brandon a light kiss on the cheek. "Alright, we'll discuss this after the Turner Group acquisition is complete."
Surprised and delighted by the sudden kiss, Brandon took it a step further, wrapping his arms around Bianca's waist and pressing her against the desk. Leaning in close, he whispered, "You need to compromise, too. Outside, you're the CEO, and I'm the CFO. But behind closed doors, you're my woman."
Bianca tried to push him away, but Brandon lowered his body, pinning her hands. "Right now, you're talking to your boyfriend. Just go along with it."
With that, he captured her lips in a long, passionate kiss.
After a while, Brandon released her, savoring the moment. "Sweetheart, let's have dinner together after work. I'll wait for you."
With that, he left the office, leaving Bianca staring after him, shaking her head with a smile.
Back at her desk, Bianca's phone rang.
It was an unlisted but familiar number, belonging to someone important.
Bianca made sure the office door was locked before answering. "What is it?"
"The person who met with Jennifer last time showed up again. They went into a private room at a restaurant and stayed for over an hour. When they left, Grace looked upset and put on sunglasses before getting into a car. The man seemed pleased, probably got something from Jennifer."
Bianca rubbed her forehead. "This is the third time he's met with Jennifer alone. The first two times, she gave him something. Knowing Jennifer, she wouldn't do that without a reason. I'll investigate his identity. Send me his photo and license plate number."
"Got it."
Jennifer got out of the car and walked alone to a secluded garden, her large sunglasses covering half her face. She loosely draped a scarf over her head, glancing around cautiously before sitting among a dense cluster of camellias.
Once she was sure no one was around, Jennifer took out her phone, took a deep breath, and dialed a number.
The call was quickly answered. "Hello?"
Hearing the voice, Jennifer closed her eyes briefly, gripping the phone tightly. "It's me, Jennifer."
The person on the other end was clearly shocked, taking a moment to recover. Their voice trembled slightly. "Jennifer? Why are you contacting me?"
Jennifer took a few deep breaths. "I need your help with something. If you succeed, I'll give you a large sum of money, enough for you to live comfortably. And I won't bother you again. For old times' sake, I hope you'll agree."
There was a long silence, followed by a mocking laugh. "Old times' sake... Mrs. Kingsley, let's not talk about that. Let's talk money. What do you want me to do?"
Jennifer's palms were sweaty, and she squinted behind her sunglasses. "I need you to kill someone. This person knows too much and is becoming a bigger threat. I don't want to leave a loose end, so help me get rid of him."
"Is it about what happened back then?"
"Yes. I'll give you his information. Take care of it within three days."
The person on the other end laughed loudly. "Jennifer, he once said your hands were clean, and he didn't want them stained with blood. Who would've thought..."
Jennifer's back and face tensed, her voice cold and emotionless. "For my son, I'll do anything. Anyone who tries to harm him will be stopped at any cost."
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