Chapter 36 The Interesting Car Journey
Haley opened the car door and sat in the driver's seat. Just as she was about to start the engine, the door on the passenger side was opened. Ivan bent over and sat in the car, his expression leisurely and carefree, as if it was his own car.
Haley sarcastically raised an eyebrow, "Mr. Winston, what's the meaning of this?"
"My car broke down, and you're giving me a ride back," Ivan leaned back in the seat, nonchalantly saying, "You won't be wasting your time."
Haley loosened her grip on the steering wheel and calmly said, "I believe someone from the DeRoss family would be happy to give Mr. Winston a ride. How about I call Emily?"
"You're afraid to be alone with me?" Ivan suddenly leaned forward, his cold face coming closer to Haley's.
Their breaths intertwined, and the air inexplicably became ambiguous. Haley's heartbeat suddenly became erratic.
She pretended to remain calm and turned her head, gripping the steering wheel, and said indifferently, "At the last Martínez family banquet, Mr. Winston saved my daughter. So this time, let's consider it as me returning the favor to Mr. Winston."
She started the engine, and the car smoothly drove on the street. Ivan noticed that she habitually drove on the left side, indicating that she had indeed lived abroad before.
Suddenly, he became interested in her life over the past four years. However, this woman was too guarded against him. No matter what he asked, she probably wouldn't answer.
Leaning back in his seat, he calmly said, "The reason I came to find you this time, is to talk about collaboration."
Haley continued driving without looking at him, "Mr. Winston, feel free to tell me. What kind of collaboration do you want with me?"
"The Winston Group has a wide range of involvement, and in recent years, it has targeted the automotive industry. I have always wanted, to embed intelligence chips in cars, to truly achieve smart vehicles."
Ivan's cool voice echoed in the car, "however, there are very few people in this country who can develop such chips. My idea has been formed for two years, but I haven't been able to put it into practice. Mrs. DeRoss, are you interested?"
Haley squinted her eyes, "Mr. Winston, did you investigate me?"
Only the Martínez family knew about her chip development capabilities. Even if Barbara didn't know the severity of the situation, she wouldn't disclose this kind of business secret. Therefore, it was only possible that this man had secretly investigated her.
"Mrs. DeRoss, are you overthinking? Why would I investigate you?" Ivan scrutinized her with a keen gaze. "Although you are beautiful, I wouldn't go as far as to investigate you."
Haley pursed her crimson lips. If he didn't investigate her, then how did he know about her chip development talents?
"The Winston Group recruited programming talents overseas, and a professor from Harvard University recommended a student named Haley to me," Ivan eloquently explained. "Haley, a programming prodigy, that was the professor's praise for you. It must be you, right?"
Haley felt a little embarrassed. She really did overthink things. Was she suffering from persecution delusions?
In a dry tone, she said, "Mr. Winston, I find your idea quite interesting. I'll have to look at the relevant documents before I can determine whether we can collaborate."
She had been busy, setting up her studio these past two days. Having a collaborative opportunity come knocking on her door, naturally, was a good thing, but for some reason, she felt that this man was extremely dangerous.
Ever since she had two children, she had grown accustomed to being cautious in everything she did, fearing that one misstep would lead to a complete loss. She couldn't afford to lose.
"The Winston Group is like a giant ship, with an extremely mature business system. Collaborating with the Winston Group, you basically, become part of the business family. There's no need to worry.” Ivan continued, "Of course, if Mrs. DeRoss has any concerns and refuses to cooperate, I will respect her decision."
Haley held the steering wheel and drove in silence. All the while, her mind was racing. She had already researched the business situation in Cuenca and knew that the Winston Group was dominant.
To be able to collaborate with the Winston Group was like boarding a safe giant ship and waiting to count the money. But why did Ivan choose her? Just because Professor Haver recommended her?
There were other students with chip design talent besides her; at best, she could rank third. Lost in her thoughts, Haley finally arrived at the Winston Group's mansion.
Located halfway up the mountain, the three-story detached villa was not large, but the surrounding swimming pool, garden, and amusement park covered at least a thousand square meters. This was the true mansion.
"Mr. Winston, I will consider the collaboration and give you an answer within three days." Haley curved her lips, showing a polite smile.
Ivan opened the car door and nodded. "Then I will wait for Mrs. DeRoss's good news."
He strode towards the villa. Just as Haley was about to drive, she saw a black men's wallet fall onto the passenger seat. Only Ivan had sat in her car before.
She picked up the wallet and got out of the car, shouting loudly, "Mr. Winston, you dropped your wallet!"
Owen was reading upstairs when suddenly, a clear and familiar voice pierced through his eardrums. His eyes widened, and he rushed to the balcony in one swift motion.
At the entrance of the villa on the ground floor, a woman in a beige suit stood there. A bright smile adorned her face, radiating in the sunlight. In an instant, Owen’s gloomy heart cleared up. He disregarded everything and ran downstairs.
Alfred hurriedly followed, "Owen, don't run away, come back! Mr. Winston is back, he'll be angry if you rush out like this."
But Alfred, being older, couldn't catch up with the sprinting child. Owen no longer cared if his father would be angry. All he knew is that he really wanted to see this woman. He didn't want to miss this opportunity.
Just as Haley handed the wallet to Ivan, a boy ran towards her, hugged her leg, and then used both his arms and legs to climb into her embrace, wrapping his arms around her neck.
"Haley, you finally came to see me!" Owen hugged her, sobbing and choking.
Haley was stunned for several seconds before she reacted. She looked up at Ivan and mouthed, "What's wrong with your son?"
"Sir, I apologize. I didn't look after Owen, I'll take him upstairs now!" Alfred arrived late and walked over to pick up Owen.
The little guy, however, clung tightly to Haley's neck and refused to let go. Alfred was afraid of hurting Owen, so he didn't dare to use force. He became so anxious that he was covered in sweat.
"Owen, you've got a hold of my hair," Haley said calmly. The little guy, as if shocked, let go of her hand and looked at her remorsefully.
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