Chapter 204 Encountering Difficulties
After the KS WORLD incident, Debra dressed up carefully to meet Ada the next day.
Ada wasn't surprised by her visit and looked down on her. She thought Debra was nowhere near Evelyn in terms of style, demeanor, and speech. If Debra weren't a Wellington, Ada wouldn't bother with her.
"Ms. Smith, KS WORLD's breach of contract delayed your wedding, and I'm really upset about it. They handled it poorly and unprofessionally. Exposing client info is unacceptable," Debra ranted, not noticing Ada's darkening expression. "If you had chosen us, none of this would have happened."
"Are you suggesting I misjudged?" Ada smirked.
"That's not what I meant," Debra replied, her face stiffening.
"Miss Wellington, just because I'm not working with KS WORLD anymore doesn't mean I have to choose you. Ms. Taylor is a great manager. This breach might have other reasons, maybe even sabotage. We don't know yet."
Debra's heart sank. "But didn't you cancel your deal with KS?"
"We signed a contract, and we have to honor it," Ada said coldly. "There's a saying: 'Idle talk shouldn't discuss others' faults.' I think someone of your standing should understand that. The Wellington Group shouldn't need to put others down to elevate itself."
Debra felt increasingly uncomfortable, thinking, 'I thought Evelyn and Ada had fallen out over the leaked photos, but Ada's still defending her.'
"Ms. Smith, your wedding is soon. It's too late to change hotels and re-plan," Debra said, trying to recover. "If you choose our hotel now, we won't delay your wedding. We can set up the venue immediately and finish on time!"
"I'll work with the Wellington Group, but I have one condition," Ada said, flicking her short hair. "I want Edward to handle everything personally. He's the only one I trust in your group."
Debra left the hotel fuming. Ada's words, "I only trust Edward," felt like a slap in the face.
"Tiffany, what do I do now?" Debra called, tearful.
"Ada thinks she's all that because she's getting married? How dare she ignore you? I hope she has to get married again next year!" Tiffany snapped. "For now, get Patrick to pressure Edward. For the hotel's sake, Edward will step in."
Debra followed Tiffany's advice and rushed to the Wellington Group.
In the chairman's office, Debra leaned against Patrick, sobbing about Ada's cold reception.
"Debra, you're too naive. Tiffany and I have protected you too much. You don't know how tricky people can be," Patrick said, rubbing her neck. "You're new to this and still learning. Consider this a lesson. Next time, remember that your expressions and eyes reveal your thoughts. Don't let others read you. It's dangerous."
"I understand, Patrick," Debra nodded.
Patrick pulled out his phone and made a video call to Edward. When Edward's stern face appeared, Debra clung tighter to Patrick, trying to show affection in front of Edward.
Edward ignored it and asked coldly, "What do you need?"
"Ada's been negotiated with by Debra. Now, it's up to you to finalize it," Patrick commanded. "Go see her and sign the contract."
"If it's already negotiated, there's no need for me to step in," Edward replied, curling his lips. "Congrats to Debra for snagging such a promising project from Ms. Taylor. Since she's so capable, she should complete the signing herself. I won't steal her thunder."
Debra was furious, her eyes red with anger. 'But without Edward's help, how can we break this stalemate?' she thought.
"Edward, Debra is your sister. She's pushed things this far. Can't you help her out?" Patrick's voice was low, his eyes angry.
"Whether this succeeds or fails is Debra's responsibility. There's no free lunch. With difficulties, we must face them together, but blessings aren't always shared," Edward said.
Patrick's anger flared. "Edward!"
"If you really want to resolve this, why not handle it yourself? As the chairman of the Wellington Group, can't you manage a celebrity?" Edward said, then hung up.
Meanwhile, the Clark family had their own troubles. Sophia had been competing with Helen from the Alexander family for a charity jewelry auction event. She almost secured it with Vincent's people, but yesterday she found out Vincent chose the Alexanders!
Sophia's efforts were wasted, and she was depressed all day. Seeing this, Jessica was filled with hatred. She knew Vincent changed his mind to support Evelyn.
Jessica, pacing angrily in her room, called Debra. "I'm in a bad mood. I'm hosting a drinking party at Alahle Club tonight. Come join me."
"Jessica, don't mention it. I'm in a bad mood too," Debra said, explaining Ada's refusal to sign the contract. "We ruined Evelyn and Ada's cooperation, but I didn't gain anything. It's infuriating!"
"Don't worry. Ada's just too proud to admit failure. She'll come around in a few days," Jessica said, sifting through her luxury clothes. "A lot has happened, and I've been holding in frustration. Debra, can you come up with something fun to cheer me up?"
Debra paused, then smiled playfully, understanding Jessica's deeper meaning. "Don't worry, tonight will be a blast!"
