Chapter 225 Cooperation
"Dad, what are you doing here?" David looked genuinely shocked, and I was just as surprised.
"It's not just Dad and me. There's someone else important here too," Lanny said, his voice sharp.
He stepped aside, and Edward appeared from behind him.
The moment I saw Edward, my heart sank. I never expected Edward to be with Daniel and Lanny. If Daniel and Lanny's presence wasn't enough to make things clear, Edward's appearance certainly was. I knew there was no hiding my relationship with David anymore.
David held my hand tightly, the warmth of his palm giving me strength.
"David," Daniel's voice carried an authority that demanded respect.
At this, David immediately looked down like a kid caught doing something wrong, and I nervously watched the people across from us.
Daniel's voice wasn't loud, but every word was a reprimand directed at David. "Everyone in the project team is looking for you. What are you doing here?"
David lifted his head and tried to argue. "I've already taken care of the project."
Yet Daniel snorted, "Leaving her alone and running off, is that what you call taking care of things? Do you know she's been waiting for you?"
Hearing this, David lowered his head and said timidly, "I'm not going."
As he spoke, David gripped my hand even tighter.
Daniel, angered by David's words, raised his voice. "Not going? This isn't up to you. You need to grasp what's at stake!"
I looked at David, searching for answers. "Who's waiting for you?" I asked.
David didn't answer, and the silence around us was almost palpable.
Edward stepped forward and patted David's shoulder. "David, we've known each other since we were kids. Let me give you some advice: a man should prioritize his career. You can't let a woman hold you back. Besides, succeeding in your career benefits both you and the Wilson family, doesn't it?"
Edward then turned to me and said, "Diana, a good woman shouldn't hinder a man's progress, don't you think?"
I stared coldly at Edward, unsure of his true intentions. I knew he wasn't just trying to convince David to focus on his career.
Sensing that I wasn't swayed, Edward spoke more earnestly. "I heard from Mr. Wilson that David's career is at a critical point. I'm sure you want to see David succeed as much as we do, right?"
Indeed, David had always been carefree, even though he had taken on some projects for the Wilson Group. He had never stepped out of his comfort zone to face new challenges. This time, David chose to challenge himself for me. How could I stand in his way?
I glanced at David, who was also looking at me. Finally, he slowly let go of my hand.
"Go on," Daniel's voice still held a hint of sternness.
At this, David turned abruptly and walked away. After a few steps, he suddenly ran back to me, looking at me with determination. He said, "Diana, trust me. I'll come back."
Seeing me nod, David finally left.
Once David was gone, Daniel's tone softened. "Edward, I couldn't have found him without you today." With that, he stepped forward and patted Edward's shoulder.
Edward turned to Daniel and said, "Mr. Wilson, you're too kind. The Howard Group and the Wilson Group have been fierce competitors in the market, but things have changed. Our cooperation is mutually beneficial and necessary."
When I heard this, my heart sank. I knew all too well the entanglements between the Howard Group and the Wilson Group. They had been at each other's throats over several projects, but now they were close partners. What kind of schemes were hidden behind this?
Daniel smiled and said, "Of course. My two sons aren't very capable. In the future, they might need your guidance in business."
"Mr. Wilson, you flatter me too much," Edward replied humbly.
"I won't keep you any longer today," Daniel said, extending his hand politely. Edward gave it a brief shake before letting go.
As Daniel and Lanny left, the row of bodyguards disappeared as well. In an instant, it was just Edward and me.
Edward placed his hand on my shoulder and said softly, "Let's go. We should head home."
I shook off Edward's hand forcefully and said resolutely, "We don't have a home anymore."
Edward's eyes darkened slightly, and he said helplessly, "Alright, I'll take you home."
I waved the train ticket I had booked in advance and said, "No need, Mr. Howard. I have a negotiation tomorrow, and then I'll head back to Wind City."
Edward looked at the ticket in my hand and laughed. "Who would've thought you are both masters of time management, not forgetting work even on a date."
He gently took the ticket from my hand, glanced at the time, and continued, "I'll be at the station at this time tomorrow."
He then handed the ticket back to me and walked away.
After Edward left, I wandered aimlessly through the streets, my mind replaying Daniel and David's conversation. Who was the mysterious "she"?
Edward's cooperation with the Wilson Group was like a fog clouding my mind. The more I thought about it, the more uneasy I felt, and my steps grew heavier as I walked.
Remembering the negotiation the next morning, I returned to the hotel.
However, lying in bed, I couldn't sleep. Edward's appearance made me feel uneasy. I couldn't understand why someone as proud as Edward would lower himself to cooperate with the Wilson Group.
Fortunately, the negotiation the next day went smoothly. It was the first major project I secured for Stellar Legal Advisors after appearing on the TV show. As soon as I got the contract, I called Lila to share the good news.
Lila was thrilled. "That's great! Our law firm can reach new heights."
After a brief pause, she continued, "Now that things at the firm are back on track, I'm finding it difficult to manage such a large law firm on my own. Besides, Edward isn't targeting you anymore, so why don't you come back to the firm? We can continue to build Stellar Legal Advisors together and make it even bigger and stronger."
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