Chapter 254 You Will Pay the Price
When James took out Montgomery, Sarah was busy leading a crew into TG Company.
She rocked a black suit, non-prescription glasses, and a $3 million watch. She had this powerful yet undeniably sexy vibe going on.
The receptionist and security tried to stop her, but The Howard's bodyguards shoved them aside, radiating a cold, deadly aura throughout the place.
Without even glancing at the crowd, Sarah zeroed in on the CEO's office and barged right in.
Mary, who was buried in documents, looked up with a slight frown at the unexpected guest. "Miss Howard?"
"Miss Smith, you're getting pretty bold," Sarah sneered. "Not only did you ignore my order to go to Peach Blossom Villa No. 3, but you also had your secretary block my calls."
Her eyebrows were furrowed with anger as she realized Mary, usually so obedient, was being unexpectedly defiant.
If Simon hadn't actually coughed up blood this afternoon and they didn't need James in the future, Sarah would've slapped her to snap her out of it.
"Miss Howard, if this is about business, I'm all ears and ready to cooperate," Mary said, standing her ground against Sarah's aggressive stance. "But if you're asking me to convince James to treat Mr. Howard, I'm sorry, I can't help you. Even if it means ending our partnership. I personally wish Mr. Howard a speedy recovery, but I can't make James do it. I don't have that kind of influence over him."
"So if you want him to treat Mr. Howard, you'll have to go to the clinic and ask him yourself," Mary added, not forgetting to remind her, "And of course, when asking for help, you should have the right attitude."
"Enough with the useless talk," Sarah snapped, cutting Mary off. "Just tell me, what will it take for you to get James to come?"
Seeing Sarah's attitude, Mary smiled helplessly and shrugged. "I really can't help."
"We're all businesspeople here, no need for pretense," Sarah said with a mocking smile. She snapped her fingers, took a contract from Alexa, and tossed it on Mary's desk.
"I've signed and stamped a $140 million, three-year cooperation contract for you, with a 20% discount. As long as you agree to get James, you can take it anytime. TG Company only has $450 million in assets. This contract will boost their production capacity and give you peace of mind for two years.
From what I hear, the Smith Clan is putting a lot of pressure on you this year. With TG Company's current growth rate, you won't pass the year-end assessment. In other words, you can only hold this position for another four months." Sarah knew Mary's situation inside out, and every word was meant to sway her.
She was confident Mary would change her stubborn stance in the face of this temptation.
"$140 million?" Mary looked at the contract on the desk, a glimmer of interest in her eyes, but she didn't reach out to touch it. "Miss Howard, to be honest, this contract is very tempting. It would be a huge help to me. With it, and the buzz of deep cooperation with The Howard family, I could easily operate for the next three years and even expand."
"But, sorry..." Mary shook her head regretfully. "I really can't persuade James, so I have to decline your offer."
She pushed the contract back.
Alexa couldn't hold back and shouted, "Mary, do you know what you're doing? You're going against The Howard family..."
Sarah waved her hand to stop Alexa, then leaned over the desk, staring daggers at Mary. "Are you sure you want to refuse?"
Mary sighed softly. "It's not that I want to refuse, but I can't do what you're asking."
"Have you thought about the consequences?" Sarah's eyes narrowed. ""Good intentions can turn into bad ones real quick. A $140 million contract can make you, but it can also break you."
"I'll give you three minutes to think it over. If you still refuse, I'll hand this contract to Jane. You know how much she wants this opportunity. In the Smith Clan, with so many nieces and nephews, this contract could help her rise fast." She gave one last chance. "Think about it."
Mary's face tightened as she looked at the contract, fully aware of the damage Jane could do if she got it. It would leave her with no chance to fight back.
"No need to think about it." Mary's eyes dimmed, but her voice was firm. "Give the contract to Jane."
"Fine!" Sarah snapped, pointing at Mary. "I gave you a chance, and you blew it. Now, get ready to be humiliated. I'll not only give this contract to Jane but also report your extreme rudeness to The Howard family to the Smith Clan. Prepare for their wrath."
"And if I don't see James treating my father by sunset tomorrow, I'll have his clinic shut down and even get him arrested," Sarah threatened. "Alexa's injuries are the perfect evidence."
Mary's face changed. "Miss Howard, you can't be this unreasonable. It was Alexa who started it."
Sarah sneered, looking at Mary with contempt. "Are you a child? Reason? In this world, power and money are all that matter. You have eighteen hours. Make the best of it."
After issuing her final warning, Sarah stormed out of the office with a grim face. She had done all she could. If James and Mary still refused, they could face their doom.
Alexa wore a mocking, gloating expression. She couldn't wait for James to disobey so she could take it out on him.
Mary didn't say anything, just watched Sarah leave with a hint of worry in her eyes. She no longer cared about herself or TG Company; she was only worried that James would be targeted by Sarah.
Although Olivia was powerful too, compared to The Howard family, there were still too many uncertainties.
Mary dropped the documents in her hand, picked up her phone, and called James, but no one answered. She tried three times in a row without success.
"That bastard is definitely with Olivia again," Mary muttered, frowning. She grabbed her car keys and left the office.
Five minutes later, Mary drove a red BMW out of the underground parking lot. As she turned towards JZL Medical Clinic, a business car suddenly rushed out and slammed into the rear of her BMW.
With a loud crash, the red BMW was pushed two feet off course, rear-ended a Maserati, and then spun half a circle before hitting the road barrier.
Mary's body shook, her head hit the steering wheel, leaving a trace of blood. She felt suffocated, dizzy, and couldn't even speak.
"How are you driving?" A head popped out of the Maserati, angrily shouting at Mary. "Do you know who I am? I am—"
Before he could finish, he saw several burly men in black suits get out of the business car, open the BMW door, and drag Mary out.
Seeing this, the head quickly retracted.
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