Chapter 585 Do You Think I Am an Idiot?
Harold didn't see it coming—Desiree being this sharp. But she had the chops. The real question was, what was she really after?
And was Desiree's skill set just what she showed in the interview? The secretary for Oscar had to be top-notch, no room for slip-ups.
"Your past? Doesn't matter to me. The Brown Group's all about what you can do. If you've got the skills, handling a simple contract should be a breeze, right?" Harold said, grinning. "Plus, you're not flying solo. I'll be there too."
With Harold around, even if Desiree stumbled, he'd have her back.
Desiree replied, "Since you've got a plan, I'll roll with it."
James, Quincy, and Nathaniel were all close with Oscar, and this project was a government gig. Oscar, who hadn't seen the crew in ages, saw this as a good opportunity to earn some money together. They were more focused on socializing than on the actual business aspect.
However, instead of Oscar, they were surprised to see Harold and Desiree walk in.
Desiree rocked a pink suit, and she was a head shorter than Harold. Together, they turned heads.
James Roberts joked, "Harold, is this your girl?"
"Fiancée?" Quincy cut to the chase.
Nathaniel chimed in, "What are you guys on about? At Harold's age, a girlfriend's nothing. A wife, now that's something."
Harold kept his cool.
These guys were getting wild.
Harold introduced Desiree. "This is Desiree Sandvik, she's the new secretary Mr. Brown hired, and she'll be my partner from now on."
James raised an eyebrow.
Quincy added, "For such a small project, why all the fuss? Did you really think we were here to talk business?"
"We're here to chill. But since Oscar sent you, he's not showing up, right?" Nathaniel called it.
James, always the matchmaker, poured some wine, saying, "Forget the no-shows. Let's have a good time. Mr. Sandvik's new to the crew. Let's toast to Mr. Sandvik."
James shot Harold a look.
Harold handed Desiree a glass and said, "Just sip a bit. They're all Mr. Brown's buddies."
Desiree nodded.
She downed her drink and mingled. But they still had to talk shop. After hearing her out, James gave her a thumbs up.
"Harold, you scored a solid partner. Too bad Oscar's not here. I think I'll call him to see this." James grabbed his phone and dialed Oscar.
James, stubborn as ever, called again when Oscar didn't pick up.
Oscar, not in the mood for interruptions, just hung up.
Pearl was surprised Oscar still had that kind of energy at his age.
During a break, she nudged him, "Aren't you worried it might be something important?"
"Harold can handle anything big. Right now, nothing's more important than us." And with that, Oscar shut her up with a kiss.
After Oscar hung up twice and then turned off his phone, James got the hint—Oscar was busy with the lady and wasn't picking up.
What a bummer.
Harold said, "She's new, and while she's handling some projects, I still need to test her. Can you chill? Not everyone is like you!"
"What's wrong with me?" James shrugged it off.
Quincy laughed, "Do you need a play-by-play?"
James still didn't have a steady girlfriend. He had a revolving door of people around him, and while he wasn't committed, he wasn't heartless either. "You're working yourself into a frenzy! At your age, shouldn't you be chasing something? Harold, do you really want to turn into a workaholic like them?" he retorted.
James never lacked women, unlike these guys who were all about work, gatherings, and drinking.
Life wasn't just about work and career; it was also about family and love. But for Harold, love came after career. Even if he were to consider a relationship, it wouldn't be with Desiree.
After all, Harold had just met Desiree, and he hadn't fully tested her or understood her background.
"Alright, if there are no problems with the collaboration, we will head out to work," Harold said.
He had come with a mission, but now, rather than being teased further, he decided to take Desiree away.
James was frustrated and said, "Such an excellent woman, and she can discuss work with you. What's your problem?"
"I don't want to discuss it with her." That was Harold's firm stance.
Then, he took Desiree away.
On the way back, Desiree laid it out. "You really don't need to test me. My family may not be as powerful as the Brown family, but it's not like I'm here as a spy. Besides, even if someone were to use seduction, it would be for Oscar, not you."
Desiree was blunt with that last bit.
She didn't even look at Harold as she said it, which ticked him off. "I may not be as good as Mr. Brown, but I'm not as bad as you make me out to be."
"I'm not saying you're bad, and you don't need to think I mean you any harm. After all, there's no bad blood between us," Desiree spoke calmly, her voice carrying a hint of coldness.
Harold was still miffed.
"You say I'm assuming things. If you're so capable, why did you come to the Brown Group for an interview instead of another company? Do you really think everyone is an idiot?" Harold squinted, his gaze fixed on Desiree.
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
