Chapter 642 Looking Forward to Our Collaboration
After a moment, Darwin and Annie settled into the guest area.
"My assistant got a bit too eager about this meeting and ended up here an hour early, causing you some inconvenience," Annie apologized.
Annie, the eldest daughter and half-sister of Hathaway, took after their respective mothers in appearance, making them look quite different.
"No worries," Darwin replied casually. "It's been a while since we last caught up. Nice to see you."
"I didn't avoid meeting you intentionally. My father felt my previous missteps almost soured relations between the Ross family and the Solomons. He barred me from Armie's affairs for the past few years," Annie explained. "I owe you and Fiona an apology. Hathaway's behavior was out of line before."
Darwin's gaze narrowed slightly. He had little interest in small talk now.
"Have some tea," he offered, gesturing to the cup in front of Annie.
Annie smiled lightly, lifting the teacup to her lips.
"But you know, two years back, I nearly had a collaboration opportunity with Miss Chelsea. Monsoon Investment, however, abruptly withdrew from the deal before signing. I regretted it deeply," she chuckled. "My assistant later revealed that Miss Chelsea was your former secretary. Seems she wasn't keen on working with our family."
"Unlikely," Darwin's lips quirked. His demeanor softened involuntarily when Fiona was mentioned. "She had other reasons, I'm sure."
Amusement danced in Annie's eyes. "I've heard about her remarkable abilities as your secretary. Surprised you never introduced her to me. After all these years, finally meeting Fiona."
Darwin's expression turned chilly. When he had met Annie previously, discussions revolved around a potential family merger, a topic he hadn't wanted Fiona involved in. It was only when media speculation arose that he informed her.
"When Fiona arrives, Miss Annie, let's leave the past behind," Darwin said, meeting Annie's gaze. "It wasn't a proud moment for me."
Annie's smile faltered briefly. She composed herself. "I apologize for overstepping. Let's focus on the project."
"Agreed," Darwin replied.
As far as Darwin was concerned, there was no debt owed to the Ross family from the past. It was business, pure and simple. Both families sought profit. Darwin had even sacrificed significant earnings during the split. If there were any debts, he had settled them.
Regarding Hathaway, Darwin had warned her about Fiona from the start. Her persistence led to consequences.
Thirty minutes later, Fiona arrived at the Solomon Building with her team from Solomon Energy. The festive decorations outside caught her off guard.
"Welcome back, Fiona!" Henry, accompanied by a group of seniors, greeted her with a bouquet.
Fiona accepted it with a sheepish smile. "Henry, you're too kind," she remarked.
Henry felt a surge of pride. "In just a few years, Secretary Woods becomes Fiona, and I get a promotion," he said with a grin.
"That's wonderful! We've both come a long way," Fiona replied, introducing Henry to Laura, who stood nearby.
Their exchange was interrupted when Henry turned serious. "Miss Annie arrived half an hour ago," he informed.
"So early?"
"Her assistant messed up the time, arrived an hour ahead. She's in Mr. Solomon's office, having tea," Henry clarified.
"Got it." Fiona nodded. "Let's head up then."
"Sure thing!"
Fifteen minutes later, a knock sounded on Darwin's office door in the CEO's suite.
"Mr. Solomon, the energy company folks are here," Darwin's assistant announced calmly. A smile crossed Darwin's face instantly. Rising from his seat, he gestured for Miss Annie to follow suit. Soon after, Henry and Fiona entered the president's office.
"Miss Annie, pleasure to meet you," Fiona greeted confidently, extending her hand. Miss Annie smiled, giving Fiona a quick once-over before shaking hands. "Chelsea, pleasure's mine."
"Now that we're all here, let's kick off the meeting early," Darwin suggested, glancing at his assistant, who nodded and went to prepare the conference room.
They aimed to wrap up swiftly. Darwin and Fiona were eager to return home to Charles and Chicago. The pending Christmas break promised precious family time.
As they walked to the conference room, Darwin and Fiona trailed behind. Fiona's hands were chilled from the cold outside, prompting Darwin to casually take her hand in his.
"Behave," Fiona teased, nudging Darwin's side gently.
"Nope."
Despite Annie leading the way, the glass walls partially reflected their intimate gesture.
Annie's assistant, noticing, muttered through clenched teeth, "Miss Hathaway's tragic demise, all because of Darwin..."
Annie's icy stare silenced him instantly.
Upon reaching the conference room, the three parties engaged in a lengthy negotiation primarily focused on their interests. The Ross family members maintained politeness with the Solomon headquarters team, but negotiations with the energy company turned aggressive, targeting Fiona. Henry, sitting beside Darwin, looked concerned, casting glances at his boss.
Darwin shared his displeasure. "She's got this," he assured Henry.
They seemed intent on testing Fiona's mettle, doubting her grasp of their domain. Little did they know, Fiona never entered a battlefield unprepared.
After rounds of debate, Fiona calmly sipped her coffee. The Ross family members grew increasingly displeased, except for Miss Annie.
"Chelsea truly lives up to her reputation," she remarked, surveying the room. "I've said it before, all your worries are unfounded. Chelsea's a Wall Street star. With her onboard, this project's potential skyrockets."
"Agreed," murmured the others.
"Miss Annie, your praise flatters me. So, can I take it the contract's settled?" Fiona inquired.
Miss Annie's assistant frowned, itching to speak.
However, his boss intervened. "Absolutely. Looking forward to fruitful collaboration with Chelsea."
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