Chapter 110 Do I Seem Like Someone without Principles?
Everyone nodded in agreement. Michael started off, "So, this new energy tech is our R&D department's latest breakthrough. It's got tons of uses, boosts industrial efficiency big time, and the best part? It's eco-friendly."
He went on, "The big shots have noticed this tech. To keep Smith Corporation from hogging it all, I brought you here to pick five partners to share it with."
Rachel suddenly got it. "Oh, that's what's going on," she muttered.
When she first received the proposal from Frank, she couldn't figure out why they didn't use such advanced tech themselves. It turned out it was to avoid a monopoly. Indeed, one company ruling the market would mess up the economy, and the higher-ups wouldn't let that slide.
"Mr. Smith, we get what you're saying, but I have a question," Ethan suddenly spoke up.
Michael looked at him. "What is it?"
Ethan's eyes zeroed in on Rachel. Rachel frowned, knowing he was about to come at her again.
Ethan pointed at Rachel and asked sharply, "You said you'd only invite the top twenty companies in Summit Ridge District and pick five for cooperation. So, Mr. Smith, what's the deal with Skyline Corporation?" Everyone gave Rachel knowing looks.
Rachel clenched her fists, her face going pale. It hit her then that Michael had only invited the top twenty companies. Frank didn't tell her about this, clearly aiming to have those people publicly humiliate her. Rachel was so mad she was shaking.
Seeing this, Michael felt a pang of heartache, but kept his expression cold. He explained, "I had David set up an extra slot. Some medium-sized companies got in through a lottery, giving them a chance."
"I've never heard of extra slots, and Skyline Corporation just happened to get picked? Michael, did you do this on purpose?" Ethan asked suspiciously.
Michael's face darkened. "Mr. Brown, if you have doubts, investigate all you want. Now, let's get back to the meeting."
Sensing his irritation, Ethan snorted and shut up. Even though he was Michael's future father-in-law, Michael and Mandy weren't married yet. Best not to push it.
"Mr. Brown already said I'll pick the best partners based on the cooperation plans," Michael said, his gaze sweeping over everyone, lingering a bit longer on Rachel. "Each of you should prepare a proposal, including the application, value, and pros and cons of the new energy tech. Bring it to Smith Corporation next Monday. I'll decide who to cooperate with based on the quality of the proposals."
"Sounds good," everyone agreed.
Ethan, still not giving up, challenged again, "Mr. Smith, you won't team up with Ms. Williams just because she's your ex-wife, right?"
Michael's face turned cold, ready to snap back. Rachel quickly cut in, smiling, "Mr. Brown, Mr. Smith and I have been divorced for a while. Why would he be biased toward me? Even when we were married, he wouldn't have been. But Mr. Brown, as the father of Mr. Smith's fiancée, you're more likely to get a cooperation opportunity."
She looked at Michael and said with a knowing smile, "As long as you ask, Mr. Smith will definitely save a spot for you, even if your proposal isn't up to par. After all, you're his future father-in-law."
Everyone turned their eyes to Michael and Ethan, their gazes filled with subtle judgment. Toward Ethan, there was even more hostility. It made sense, but it was hard to swallow. Ethan could easily win the competition through connections, which was unfair.
Feeling the resentment around him, Ethan's face turned red with anger. Rachel had deliberately stirred the pot, messing up his plan. He had indeed planned to have Michael hand him the cooperation opportunity, but now, thanks to her words, everyone was watching him. If he did, it would be like making enemies with many companies.
Thinking of this, Ethan swallowed his anger and said, "Rest assured, everyone, I won't do that."
"You might not, but Miss Brown might," Rachel said persistently, resting her chin on her hand and smiling. "As long as she mentions it to Mr. Smith, he'll surely agree."
Michael clenched his fists and said coldly, "Do I seem like someone without principles?"
Rachel smiled faintly. "Aren't you?" For Mandy, Michael was willing to give everything without limits. Just one tear from Mandy could turn him into an all-powerful guardian, ready to give his life.
Michael was deeply hurt by the coldness in Rachel's eyes. So, in her eyes, he was that despicable. Michael's face darkened as he stood up with one hand in his pocket. He declared, "Everyone, regarding the fairness issue Ms. Williams just mentioned, I can assure you that this cooperation will be transparent and fair, with no favoritism. Please rest assured."
"Mr. Smith, since you have said so, we are naturally at ease," everyone said with smiles.
Only Ethan forced a smile, saying nothing, his heart filled with regret. After several arguments, he should have realized that Rachel was not easy to deal with. But every time, he impulsively initiated a conflict, only to end up in a miserable defeat.
Michael said, "Thank you all for your trust. Today's meeting is over. You can go back and carefully prepare your proposals."
With that, Michael stood up and left the private room with David. As he walked out, everyone else also got up and left in groups.
When Ethan walked past Rachel, he stopped and said in a low, cold voice, "Rachel, don't get too complacent."
"How dare I be complacent? You haven't fallen yet. How could I be arrogant?" Rachel turned her head, smiling brightly.
Ethan was once again in a daze. He wondered, 'It's almost identical. Why does Rachel's smile look so much like my mother's when she was young?'
Seeing Ethan staring at her in a daze again, Rachel raised an eyebrow. "Mr. Brown?"
Ethan was snapped out of his trance by Rachel's call, a hint of awkwardness flashing in his eyes. He coughed lightly and said coldly, "Let's see if you have the ability to bring me down!"
Ethan left, leaving Rachel alone in the conference room. Only then did Rachel leisurely pack up her things, preparing to leave. At that moment, her phone rang abruptly.
Rachel put down what she was holding and took out her phone. She answered, "Hello."
"Rachel, is the meeting over?" John's voice was filled with concern.
Rachel nodded slightly. "It's over."
"How did it go? Did you secure the cooperation slot?" John asked anxiously.
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