Chapter 746 Grabbed and Kissed
"I think I'd rather not," Juniper shook her head. "I don't have time for a relationship right now."
"Sounds like I've been rejected," Brice said with a hint of regret. "But I think pursuing a girl requires patience."
"The harder it is to get, the more you'll cherish it, right?" he smiled.
Although Juniper thought this idea was quite wrong, she couldn't deny that most people were like that.
"I've said before, I prefer relationships that start from friendship. I enjoy spending time with you, and if possible, I'd love to be your boyfriend. If not, having another friend is great too," Brice said sincerely.
Juniper smiled and let it slide.
When the bill came, it was over five hundred dollars, and Juniper's hand trembled as she took out her card.
In the past, relying on her family, she wouldn't blink an eye at spending even fifty thousand dollars on a meal.
Now that she was earning her own money, she realized how hard it was to make money and felt particularly pained when spending it.
"I got this," Brice handed over his card.
"No need, I said I'd treat you."
"And I said earlier, I don't have the habit of letting a lady pay," Brice insisted, and Juniper didn't want to make a scene by arguing.
As they left the restaurant, Juniper said, "Next time, it's definitely on me."
"Okay. Then you can buy me a drink."
So next time, it would still be him treating to a big meal? Juniper felt a bit helpless.
But he was quite the gentleman, better than those men who quibbled over every penny with women.
"Alright."
The next morning, she returned to the office and honestly reported the dire situation to Jack.
Jack frowned and sighed.
"I'm sorry," Juniper said apologetically.
"What are you apologizing for? I know you did your best. I'm the one who should apologize for sending you to gather information."
"Even if we can't collaborate with KD this time, there might be better projects in the future. This might not necessarily be a bad thing."
"Let's hope so, but we can only think that way," Jack nodded. "Although the chances are slim, we still need to attend the bidding this afternoon and make a final effort."
"Of course."
Actually, Juniper privately didn't really hope for this collaboration. Although she had let go, she still wanted to avoid contact with Anthony as much as possible.
In the afternoon, representatives from a dozen major companies attended the bidding.
Apparently having received some advance news, StellarTech's representatives were arrogant, looking very confident and walking with pride.
Anthony was also present, sitting in a corner. He had always been a low-key person.
Their eyes met from a distance, and Juniper nodded and smiled slightly, while Anthony nodded back.
He was once again captivated by her professional attire and poised demeanor.
Her pencil skirt accentuated her curves, and many men were discussing her figure, clearly interested.
Some bold ones even directly approached her for contact information under the guise of work, and Juniper didn't refuse. She handled it all gracefully and with ease.
She must be used to men's advances by now.
Being her boyfriend would probably be quite worrisome.
Anthony thought of Ronnie. When did they break up? Did she initiate it? And then she took a liking to Brice?
One after another, never a vacancy. So, to her, he was just one of the many men she found interesting? Once the interest faded, she moved on to the next.
Thinking of this, Anthony felt a bit annoyed.
"Mr. Eilish," Joey came over and sat next to him. "It's all set. We will officially announce that StellarTech has won the bid."
"Alright," Anthony replied impassively.
Seeing her busy chatting with the men, she probably didn't care about the result.
He told himself, 'Anthony, this is a hell. Stay away from her, don't let yourself fall into it again.'
Two hours later, company representatives took turns speaking.
When it was time to announce the result, Anthony whispered a few words to Joey.
Joey's face changed, and he instinctively glanced at Juniper. Without delay, he stood up.
"The final winner is—MG Company!"
Jack was overjoyed, while Juniper was stunned.
StellarTech's people were dumbfounded, unable to believe their ears.
The room erupted in applause.
"Thank you, Mr. Eilish, for choosing our company. We will give it our all and not let you down," Jack said excitedly.
Juniper's mind was in turmoil, constantly guessing whether Anthony's decision had anything to do with her.
Hopefully not, no, definitely not.
It had been painful enough before; she didn't want to get entangled with this married man again!
Anthony shook hands with Jack and then glanced at Juniper, but only briefly, not lingering on her for more than a couple of seconds.
They stood together for a group photo, and Juniper maintained her composure, hiding her various speculations.
'Don't overthink it; it's just a business relationship, nothing more,' she thought.
After the photo, representatives from other companies came forward, insincerely offering their congratulations.
Juniper's phone vibrated. It was a message from Brice: [Congratulations.]
This was probably the only genuine congratulation she had received.
Juniper smiled slightly.
Anthony saw her smile and felt uncomfortable. He could guess who had sent the message.
Juniper replied: [How did you get the news so quickly?]
Brice: [Of course, I bribed my good friend, the project manager, with a box of cigars. When are you treating me to dinner?]
Juniper replied: [I might be busy for a while.]
Brice: [I'll wait for you.]
Juniper: [Okay.]
Juniper had just typed this word when she looked up and saw Anthony standing in front of her, startling her. She clutched her chest.
"What? Am I that scary?"
"No," Juniper put away her phone. Suddenly seeing someone standing in front of her would startle anyone.
"Is your business very busy?"
What was he implying?
Why did Juniper feel a hint of sarcasm?
"Not too bad, just handling work matters."
"Really?" Anthony's tone was meaningful, clearly not believing her.
Juniper didn't care what he thought and said calmly, "Thank you, Mr. Eilish, for giving our company this opportunity. We will do our best not to disappoint your expectations."
Expectations? What expectations could he have for a small company?
Then what did he have expectations for? Her? Their relationship?
The ring on his finger felt like it was burning, reminding Anthony to stop this terrible mistake immediately.
But he couldn't quit. Knowing it was wrong, he still plunged in headfirst.
Back then, she had clung to him relentlessly, and now, it seemed he was the one clinging to her unreasonably.
When did he fall to this point?
He was tormented by her, while she seemed indifferent, her clear eyes showing no concern.
Anthony really wanted to grab this tormenting Juniper and give her a good beating!
No, a good kiss.
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