Chapter 264 The Research Project Handed Over to Clara?
After hashing things out with Theo, our plans were set, so I decided to call Clara and ask her to swing by my office.
The second Clara walked in, she gave me an impatient look and said, "Diana, I'm super busy right now. What's up?"
I thought to myself, you were just busy shopping and flaunting your wealth. But I kept a friendly smile and gestured for her to take a seat. "No rush, please, have a seat."
Once she was settled on the couch, I got straight to the point. "I've been going over the financial reports, and it looks like you're now the biggest investor in our research project."
I spoke with a touch of curiosity. Clara's face lit up with pride, and she nodded, holding her head high. She said, "That's right, Diana. This research project is fantastic. I knew it would be a big moneymaker when I invested. One needs to have money in hand to feel secure; that's when life truly feels comfortable." With that, she casually raised her hand, showing off a large ring.
Seeing this, I pretended to be interested and leaned in to admire it. "That ring is stunning. Must be a top-quality gemstone?"
Clara's lips curled into a slight smile. "You have a good eye. It is a top-tier gem. When I see something I like, I don't hesitate to buy it. Spending money isn't an issue as long as it brings me joy," she said.
Her demeanor was a stark contrast to when she had previously stormed into my office, crying and causing a scene. I played along and said casually, "I noticed you got Anne to invest in this project, too. You really think about her a lot."
Clara chuckled, a sly glint in her eye. She said, "Of course. Even though she hasn't always treated me well, she's still my daughter. I couldn't leave her out of a good opportunity to make money."
I frowned slightly, puzzled. "But I heard she made money at the Howard Group and didn't share any with you. How can you still bring her into this project?"
Hearing this, Clara scoffed, a hint of smugness in her voice. "I could see through her little intentions, but I'm not like her. I'm someone who deals with big matters; I can't afford to think on her level. Besides, more investors mean more security for the project and potentially more profit."
I gave her a thumbs up, filled with admiration. "It's no surprise you're so successful in investing. Most people would have severed ties with her by now." Hearing this, Clara straightened up, her smile growing even brighter, as if she truly believed she was the most magnanimous and visionary person in the world.
Noticing the timing was right, I asked, "Are you looking to make even more money?"
"Do you have a new project?" Clara's eyes lit up with anticipation.At this, I sighed and said, "Yeah, there are new projects, but I've had someone crunch the numbers. The returns on these new ones just don't stack up to the research project you're already in. They can't match its profit potential."
Clara waved it off. "Then don't bother telling me. I'm not interested in unprofitable ventures. What a waste of time."
She stood up, stretching like she was ready to leave. I nodded slightly, tapping my fingers on the table, pretending to be deep in thought.
Then, I put on a concerned look and asked, "You've invested so much in this research project and are now its biggest investor. Haven't you ever thought about starting a project of your own?"
Clara looked puzzled. "Start my own project?"
I nodded sincerely, gently rubbing my noticeably rounded belly, my face full of helplessness and pain. "My pregnancy is progressing, and my health isn't what it used to be. Managing both the company and the project can be overwhelming. That's why I've decided to delegate part of the project. Since you're the biggest investor and the person I trust the most, I think it would be best to hand over the reins to you."
"Really? You'd give me the project?" Clara's eyes widened in surprise.
I forced a smile and said reluctantly, "Honestly, I am a bit reluctant. But I have no choice. I'm about to have a baby, and I'll need to focus on that."
With that, I glanced toward Theo's office and lowered my voice. "Better you make more money than handing it to an outsider."
Clara's expression changed, but she quickly looked like she understood. Realizing she was hooked, I continued, "And..."
I paused to catch her attention before continuing. "Even though you and Anne are investors, the project is still under the Cooper Group. This isn't the best way for you to maximize your profits."
"How can we make the most money?" Clara was getting impatient.
I slowed my speech deliberately. "Take Anne, for example. Despite holding a high position at the Howard Group, she's still an employee. The profits go to the Howard Group, but how much actually ends up in her pocket?"
Hearing this, Clara paused, a look of suspicion crossing her face. She then lowered her head, deep in thought, calculating her options.
Before she could overthink it, I pressed on, "But if you had your own company, it would be a whole different story. All the profits would belong to you—no one else would take a cut. Wouldn't it be amazing to be your own boss?"
Clara's eyes sparkled with excitement at the thought of making more money. She said, "Alright, give me the project."
Hearing this, I smiled inwardly, knowing my plan had worked.
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