Female Novel
Chapter 39
Chapter 39
The document was a mess, stained and reeking of something foul.
Ian had a notorious obsession for cleanliness. He would have a fit if this file landed on his desk. Itdidn’t take a genius to predict the ensuing drama.
Clara’s fingers whitened as she pinched the papers.
Heidl, the pampered heiress of the Campbell clan, had stooped to play assistant at HayesCorporation. Clara wasn’t born yesterday; she knew exactly what the play was here. She’d even bether last dollar that this kind of sabotage was going to become a regular
Occurrence.
A dark smirk played on Clara’s lips.
Fifteen minutes ticked by before Clara stepped back into the boardroom, empty–handed. Heidi’sface lit up with smug satisfaction, which vanished as quickly as it appeared. Pretending to be thegood Samaritan, she implored, “lan, this contract hiccup might cost us a pretty penny, but I’m sureMs. Clara’s slip wasn’t intentional. Could you possibly not punish her for my sake? I’ll cover thelosses.” novelbin
lan’s expression was unreadable. “With what exactly?”
Heidi, undeterred, smiled brightly. “The Campbell family’s launching a resort development on theoutskirts. It’s a multi–billion dollar project with a bright future. It’s highly sought after. I could talk tomy father and reserve this opportunity for you.”
lan’s icy gaze cut to Clara, his voice devoid of warmth. “What do you think?”
Clara offered a thin smile. “Mr. Hayes, our team has researched that project. The last developerclashed with the local government and absconded with the funds. They’re re–tendering to find asucker to fill the hole. I’d rather we not be that sucker. Besides, the project involves displacing localfarmers–it’s a headache we don’t need.”
As she spoke, Clara cast the investigative report onto the big screen. The shareholders nodded inagreement with her analysis.
A clenched fist was Heidi’s only response. Was Clara insinuating that the Campbell family would bethe fools?
Heidi, trying to maintain composure, pressed, “Since my offer doesn’t appeal to you, Ms. Clara, howdo you propose we mitigate the loss of this contract?”
lan’s gaze lingered on Clara, filled with curious anticipation. If Clara played her cards right, showeda little vulnerability, he might let her off the hook.
Unruffled, Clara pulled out a USB drive from her pocket, her demeanor steady. “The contract endedup in a bathroom trash can, not exactly presentable for the boardroom. I’ve scanned the documentsonto this drive for our discussion. Also, I’ve arranged for a
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Chapter 39
fresh copy to be delivered. It should be here within half an hour, so there’s no delay in signing.”
As the scanned contract appeared on the computer, a fleeting smile crossed lan’s face. Yet his toneremained cool as he addressed Clara, “I don’t want a repeat of this mistake.
Clara nodded firmly. “Mr. Hayes, I’ll be more vigilant against the snakes in our midst.”
With that, she cast a glance at Heidi, offering a smile that was more a polished blade than a gestureof goodwill..
It was a clear signal, and the seasoned shareholders caught on without a word. Respect for Heidi’sstatus as the Campbell heiress was the only thing keeping their mouths shut.
Anger flashed through Heidi, her fists so tight her nails dug into her palms, yet she felt no pain.