Chapter 19 Sealing the Deal
Lauren continued with her presentation, while Quentin remained as detached as ever. Henry's gaze kept darting between the two, his intuition suggesting that Lauren and Quentin might already be acquainted.
"I've just checked out Robinson Conglomerate online and noticed that your main business involves investment, research and development, construction, and sales. From what I understand, Robinson Conglomerate has recently ventured into tele sales, but it's still in its infancy, so achieving significant results is going to be tough in the short term. My company excels in sales, and I believe that a partnership could be mutually beneficial. With our combined strengths, I'm convinced that Robinson Conglomerate could reach even broader markets."
Lauren finished her analysis with a sense of trepidation, but Quentin was unresponsive.
Impatient, she spoke up, "Quentin, I've said what I needed to."
Quentin seemed to hear her, rhythmically tapping his fingers on the desk, but he kept silent.
Henry, listening to Lauren's analysis, was surprised at how much this newcomer understood and couldn't help but admire Lauren's ingenuity. He cast an approving glance her way.
"Quentin, Amelia is still green. Her analysis wasn't all that professional or insightful, just scratching the surface. But I suppose you've got at least a rough idea about our company now, right?" Henry tried to lighten the mood.
Quentin ceased his finger tapping, "Hmm, indeed not to be underestimated."
Oh, Lauren. Did she really think changing her name would allow her to slip through his grip? Quite the fantasy.
Quentin made a subtle comment. Henry wasn't sure what Quentin meant by 'not to be underestimated'— his company, or Lauren?
Not dwelling on it, Henry chuckled, "Quentin, about our companies partnering up..."
Quentin stood, straightening his suit with his hands, saying, "With such an impressive and unassuming employee in your ranks, you've piqued my interest."
At that, Henry beamed with delight, "Ha ha ha, Quentin, you're too kind to Amelia. Amelia, it's rare to earn such high praise from Quentin."
Henry caught the subtext—all about Lauren—so he naturally went with the flow.
"Then Amelia, you'll be in charge of the collaboration with Robinson Conglomerate from now on."
Lauren tried to decline, "Henry, I've just arrived at the company, I'm not up to the task. Maybe someone more capable should take it on, how about Abigail?"
Henry patted Lauren on the shoulder with a grin, "Don't be so modest. If Quentin's singing your praises, it shows you've got some serious chops. Keep learning from him, and you'll do even greater things for the company. Alright, that settles it. Quentin, let's knock back a few tonight to celebrate our successful partnership!"
Quentin nodded, giving Lauren a profound look before turning to leave.
Lauren, downcast, shuffled out of the office. Abigail thought she had failed and came over, curious about the details. Before she could speak up, a beaming Henry emerged from his office, eager to share the news with everyone.
"Everyone, I've got great news! Quentin's secretary from Robinson Conglomerate just called. They want me to come over this afternoon to sign a partnership agreement, which means we've clinched the deal today!"
Everyone in the office, except Lauren and Abigail, cheered.
"Awesome job, Henry! You've got to take us out for dinner to celebrate tonight!" someone shouted.
"Yeah, Henry, how about throwing in a bonus as well?" another chimed in.
Excited banter filled the room, everyone basking in joy.
Abigail's gaze toward Lauren shifted, tinged with surprise and envy. She couldn't believe that Quentin had been wrapped around the finger of this newcomer. She was irate, burning with jealousy.
"Alright, I'll indulge you this time. Bonuses will come, but let me tell you, you all need to learn from Amelia. Just look at her. New as she is, her sales tactics are right on par with you seasoned pros. Amelia, from today on, you're officially one of us," Henry declared.
All eyes turned to Lauren. "Wow, Amelia, you've been here just over ten days and now you're going permanent, and it's Henry giving the green light himself. You're incredible!"
Lauren blushed, laughing awkwardly, "Henry's overestimating me. I'm still a newbie, not as impressive as you think."
Abigail stepped forward, her face stern, "Cut the false modesty. If you could handle Quentin, you must be someone special."
Lauren sensed Abigail's hostility and wanted to argue but found herself at a loss for words. She suddenly remembered how she cut her finger earlier that morning, a sign that today was indeed a day of misfortunes...
Quentin left Patrick Sales Group, where Lauren worked, with a heavy heart.
Was Lauren so in need of money that she had to work behind his back?
He felt upset, troubled by the idea that his woman had slipped out of his control, or rather, that Lauren had surprised him with her competence today, making her seem like a stranger to him.
To Quentin, Lauren seemed as straightforward as a blank page, despite his regular claims that she was a scheming woman. Aside from using a few tricks to marry him, he hadn't really noticed any cunning in her. Plus, he had meticulously researched her background before they married and found nothing, which led to the gradual easing of his guard over the past two years.
Returning to the office, Quentin instructed his secretary to draft up a collaboration contract with Patrick's sales group for signing that afternoon. He turned down an offer to celebrate together afterward, heading straight back to the villa instead—there were some things he needed to discuss with Lauren personally.
Meanwhile, because Quentin brushed off the victory dinner with Henry, Henry decided to treat the entire Sales Department to a meal. As the rookie and the key player behind the successful deal, Lauren was obligated to attend.
Truth be told, she had no desire to go. These so-called parties were nothing but eating and drinking, but she couldn't be careless now, especially, pregnant as she was—unable to drink alcohol or eat just anything.
In the end, Lauren had no choice but to join everyone at the hotel.
Back at the villa, Quentin returned to find the place empty. By nine at night, Lauren still hadn't come home.
Lauren was bold, not only changing her name to work but also staying out so late! Did she even care about this home or have any sense of her duty as a wife?
Fuming, Quentin clenched the cigarette in his hand so hard it crumbled to pieces.
"F*ck!" Quentin cursed, irked by the feeling of being stood up.
The butler hesitated, wondering whether he should step in and defend Lauren. He knew about her job but feared that Quentin was in the dark.
Finally, the butler approached as if facing his own execution.
"Quentin, the madam took a job and might have to work overtime tonight. That's why she's late," the butler explained with good intentions.
Upon hearing this, Quentin was struck by the revelation that even the butler knew about Lauren's work, yet he was clueless. Did Lauren really disregard him to this extent?
---
