Chapter 18 Caught in the Act
The office was bustling as everyone prepared for the arrival of the "big shot." Finally, Henry received a call—it was probably him. Instead of going downstairs to greet, he instructed the sales team to stand up neatly to welcome the imposing figure.
Amelia couldn't help but give a wry smile at the pompous display—like it was some high-level executive inspection. Just then, a pair of leather shoes entered her field of vision.
As Lauren's gaze tracked up from the man's feet, she found herself looking at a face she knew all too well, yet felt strangely distant from.
Quentin's face was as cold as ice, staring down at Lauren with a frosty glare.
Lauren, what is she doing here?
Quentin was taken aback, but he hadn't forgotten the purpose of his visit. His emotions were always well-concealed, so no one noticed his surprise.
Lauren's face flushed red—she hadn't expected to encounter Quentin here and now. She felt like a child caught misbehaving, wishing she could disappear into the floor.
However, she quickly questioned her reaction—why did she feel this way? She had no intention of hiding her job from Quentin. Even if he saw her, everything she engaged in was legitimate and transparent, so why did she feel like she'd been caught red-handed?
Lauren averted her eyes from his indifferent face, pretending not to recognize Quentin. She also knew that he wouldn't call her out here—she had always been insignificant to him.
"Quentin, welcome! We hadn't expected you to be able to make time to visit our company, and your presence has brightened up the place immediately!" Henry said effusively, his face crinkling with a fawning smile.
Quentin's expression remained frigid, "Oh, please. If we can collaborate in the future, we'll be one and the same."
Henry was electric with excitement at Quentin's words. A partnership with the powerful Robinson Conglomerate could mean a brighter future for their own company.
Clasping his hands together nervously, Henry replied, "Quentin, please, come over to my office where we can discuss our potential collaboration in detail?"
Quentin's attention stayed fixed on Lauren, seemingly indifferent to Henry's words, his interest piqued more by her than anything else.
Abigail noticed Quentin's intentions toward Lauren, and she couldn't help but feel slighted. Lauren was just a pretty young thing; how could she compare to her own seductive charms?
"Quentin, I wonder if you remember me? I'm Abigail. We've met before. Henry has arranged for me to introduce you to our company's services. Would you care to join me in Henry's office so I can give you a detailed rundown?" Abigail stepped in smoothly to save Henry from his awkwardness.
She was seasoned in business and social matters—a fact Henry greatly appreciated.
Quentin shifted his gaze from Lauren, "Hmm, I remember. I've noticed your company is doing well, hiring many new employees. But I'm curious about the abilities of your regular staff."
With an insinuating look at Lauren, he pointed and said, "Let's put her to the test, see if your average employee can convince me to partner up with you. What do you think, Henry?"
Sweat beaded on Henry's forehead. After all, Amelia—known as Lauren—was new; how could she adequately pitch the company's strengths? But Quentin's confident expression left Henry no room to object; he could only meekly nod.
"No problem at all, Quentin. You'll see the quality of our employees. I guarantee you'll be pleased," Henry said, his voice strained.
Abigail upset that the task of briefing Quentin had been passed to Amelia, had no choice but to follow Henry and Quentin's decision.
Lauren knew Quentin's challenge was intentional. Why was he doing this? Was he upset because she had been looking for jobs behind his back?
Upset? Was there really a need for that? She hadn't been using the name Lauren, nor had she tried to hide anything from him. It seemed petty for him to be so vindictive.
Lauren tugged on Abigail's clothes and whispered apprehensively, "Abigail, I can't do this. I have no experience. What if I fail?"
Abigail had been angry with Lauren over this issue but seeing her look so terrified made the anger fade. Perhaps Quentin was merely seeking an easy target?
"It's okay, Amelia, I believe in you. Just bring the same energy you have when dealing with clients, and I'm sure you can win Quentin over."
"I'm just a rookie..."
Lauren paced like a cat on a hot tin roof, her anxiety peaking as she pondered whether Quentin might spurn a collaboration with her company out of spite for her. And what scared her even more was the possibility of losing her job over this mess.
Would Quentin really stoop to such petty tactics? Lauren prayed silently, hoping her judgment of him hadn't been so flawed, dreading that she might have fallen for the wrong person.
With a heart filled with trepidation, Lauren entered Henry's office. Henry, all smiles, took her by the arm and led her over to Quentin.
"Quentin, this is Amelia, a rising star we're grooming in the company," Henry introduced her.
"Amelia?" Quentin pressed the name through his thin lips, his face twisted with disdain.
Henry caught the brief sneer on Quentin's face before he wiped his glasses beneath his eyes, hoping for a clearer view. By then, Quentin had already composed himself.
"Hello, Quentin," Lauren greeted him with a poker face. At this point, her nerves were pointless, as was the fear.
"Let's get started," Quentin stated bluntly, disregarding Lauren's greeting.
Lauren powered up the projector and computer, then delved into the well-prepared materials with a keen focus.
"Our company's sales figures are top-tier in our industry, especially our tele sales representatives, who boast a success rate a whole eight percent higher than our competitors. It may not sound like much, but it solidifies our stronghold in the market."
"And we're committed to nurturing talent. Whether you're green or not, if you're willing to put in the effort and the sacrifice, we'll take you in and give you a chance to try, to hone your skills..."
"Like you?" Quentin cut in abruptly.
Lauren paused for a moment, then responded, "Yes, I'm a testament to the new recruits. Henry is truly a great leader, and I'm grateful to him."
At Lauren's remark, Quentin cast a steely glance at Henry. So, Lauren admired this slick, old man? Laughable!
Henry, basking in the praise, rubbed his balding pate and sent an approving look Lauren's way. Perhaps Lauren's presence could turn the tide for this potential cooperation.
