Chapter 531 Unseemly Thoughts About Ms. Miller
At Harrison Enterprises, Sarah arrived to find James and Bob waiting at the office door.
"Ms. Miller."
"Ms. Miller!"
Bob's eyes lit up the moment he saw Sarah. He moved closer instinctively, his smile radiant and youthful.
Sarah nodded at him and took the briefing book from James.
The first time she met Bob was right after she had the mix-up involving Antonio and Serene. She had been wandering the streets, distraught, when he bumped into her.
Later on, when Bob was job hunting, he applied to Valencia Inc., only to discover that the new CEO was none other than the woman he had instantly fallen for—and who had slipped away!
Sarah hadn't anticipated such a coincidence either. Nonetheless, given his standout performance among other candidates, it underscored his capabilities, prompting her to refrain from making a fuss about it.
Bob wholeheartedly committed himself to his work, ensuring his presence was unmistakable to Sarah. This dedication bore fruit when he earned a promotion to become her right-hand man. He was a cheerful and outgoing young man whose presence in the executive office could potentially alleviate the otherwise tense atmosphere.
The trio made their way into the office, with James breaking the silence first. “Ms. Miller, we’ve hit a snag with the Pine Mountain project.”
“What’s the problem?”
Pine Mountain was a project heavily backed by upper management for the following year. With negligible competition, it was practically in Valencia Inc.'s pocket.
They’d wined and dined the big shots five times over; how could there possibly be an issue out of the blue?
Bob picked up where James left off, “This morning, we got word that the Harringtons from Marshall City have set their sights on this project, and they’ve already arrived in the capital.”
“The Harringtons... from Marshall City?” Sarah's actions paused, and she looked up. “If I'm not mistaken, the Harringtons are leading figures along the southern coast, focusing mainly on AI and manufacturing. They've never before set foot in the capital.”
Large groups seldom relocate without cause, especially not the Harringtons, who reigned supreme down south. Why would they suddenly make a move on the capital?
“You’re right, which is why this is both surprising and concerning,” replied Bob, nodding and handing over a brief history of the Harrington family.
Known as a centennial dynasty of power and prosperity, they were expansive yet invariably discreet. Mr. Harrington Sr. hardly even made the news.
Sarah pondered over the information. "This initiative denotes ambition that's out of character for their traditionally understated approach. Has there been a change in their family?"
Bob nodded gravely in agreement. "Exactly. Mr. Harrington Jr. has returned; this time, he has come to the capital. It looks like he's gearing up for a showdown with us."
Sarah had never paid much attention to the Harringtons, separated as they were by thousands of miles, north to south, with no overlapping business interests.
“Did Mr. Harrington Jr. just graduate?”
If it was a matter of youthful bravado, wanting to make a grand entrance and a name for himself, it would make sense.
"No, from what I found, he's 28 this year. He was in charge of the international market before, only recently returned stateside. Like his father, he kept a low profile."
Sarah felt a flicker of doubt in her mind. If both father and son were known to be discreet in the past, what was the reason for the change this time?
Bob, the office gossip, chimed in, "Ms. Miller, you wouldn't believe the stories circulating about Mr. Harrington Jr. Folks are touting him as some sort of miracle worker, saying there’s no project he can’t pull off! This competition we’re up against... it won't be an easy win. That's for sure."
While Sarah pieced together details about the Harrington family, a wave of pressure washed over her. "Let's not panic. We’ll put in some extra hours tonight. Go through our proposal again and fine-tune anything that can be improved."
James was quick to respond, "You got it, Ms. Miller."
"You can head out now."
Upon hearing the acknowledgment, Sarah issued the dismissal without looking up. She propped her forehead in her hands, her brows furrowed deeply as if tangled in unresolved sorrows. Clearly suffering from a severe headache, she pressed at her temples.
James intended to leave, but Bob remained, his gaze fixed on Sarah with no sign of movement.
Frowning, James tapped Bob on the shoulder and then tilted his head in a telling glance. The message was clear: it was time to leave.
Bob shot James a look of annoyance at the interruption, concern etched on his face for Sarah. "Ms. Miller, we can handle the revisions here. Maybe you should go home and rest? I worry about you pushing yourself too far."
Without raising her head, Sarah dismissed the concern, "I'm fine."
James was growing increasingly displeased. He wasn't blind—it was obvious to anyone with eyes that this young upstart harbored intentions toward Sarah!
'She may be too caught up in work to notice, but everyone else can see it clearly! And despite Mr. Valencia's... Well, Ms. Miller is still wearing the ring, and it is clear she is still in love with Mr. Valencia!
'Only three months since... and here is Bob, ready to make his move? Over my dead body!'
James scoffed silently. "If you're really concerned for Mrs. Valencia's well-being, better to go home and brainstorm some solid strategies instead of wasting time here."
An unspoken rivalry was brewing between them.
Just as Bob was about to retort, Sarah lowered her hands and said resignedly, "I am keenly aware of my own condition. So, could you please step out now?"
She just wanted some peace and quiet.
Bob, his unspoken words stifled, shot James an irritated glare.
With a scoff, James walked out of the office alongside Bob, his eyes reflecting scorn for the young man's audacity.
Peace finally graced Sarah's ears, and inevitably, she found herself growing more curious about the enigmatic Mr. Harrington Jr.
The following day…
The presidential suite of the Grandview Hotel's top floor was bathed in the soft glow of crystal chandeliers reflecting off marble floors, the European decor exuding opulence. Eight maids stood in two neat rows at the entrance, their synchronized movements clearly the result of professional training.
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