Lucy didn’t know what to say to comfort him, "Two people are together for happiness and joy. I still think if being together isn’t joyful, it’s best not to force each other. Since it’s over between you two, look forward. There are more beautiful landscapes ahead waiting for you."
"I heard you were the girlfriend of Nathaniel Green, Jacob Green’s subordinate?"
"Not really." She smiled lightly, "But I know him and Mr. Green."
"You’re also friends with Jacob Green?"
"What do you think of him?"
Lucy’s lips curled into a smile, "A very outstanding and remarkable man. In general, you wealthy and handsome young entrepreneurs are quite popular with women, many women’s dream lovers."
"Does that include you?" His eyes peered with curiosity.
"If we’re talking about ’dream lover’, I understand it as someone you deeply desire. Honestly, no man makes my heart yearn nowadays because once bitten, twice shy."
"Have you felt that way before?"
"Of course." She readily admitted, "I once deeply loved a man blessed by heaven. Unfortunately, no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t earn his special regard. He only had deep-seated aversion toward me. Later, I realized why it was so—because the misunderstanding about me took root from the beginning. So eventually, I gave up. I could marry a man I don’t love but who loves me, but I won’t marry someone I love who doesn’t love me. Of course, it’s best if we both love each other; that’s the kind of love and marriage everyone desires, right? But often, finding a perfect relationship requires both parties to make efforts."
Charles nodded, "What do you foresee for me next?"
"When you have time, privately inspect your company’s electronics contract manufacturing factory. From May to August on the lunar calendar, a series of scandals will erupt, involving illegal child labor, employees working over 15 hours routinely, illegal sales of waste batteries, conflicts between security and employees leading to two employee deaths. The factory clears the scene, and the deceased are taken to the crematorium urgently, where even their families don’t get to see them one last time. All these issues will erupt consecutively in these three months."
After hearing all this, Charles’s brow furrowed, "I will privately verify and handle what you’ve mentioned, striving to resolve everything internally before any scandals break out, avoiding what’s yet to happen."
"You’re far away from the mountain and the emperor, as the saying goes, when the cat’s away, the mice will play. Currently, the labor agencies around the factory gate are quite unscrupulous. I think big corporations like yours should establish a dedicated channel for recruiting new employees so that those who come to work hard and earn money don’t waste unnecessary expenses. Also, give them a raise; it’s hard-earned money, not easy to come by."
Lucy’s words sparked new plans for Charles, "Alright, I will handle these properly."
"From now on, you don’t need to pay me. I’ll tell you everything of concern to you proactively, as long as you promise me one thing."
"No project collaboration with the Quinn Group for five consecutive years, just this one is enough."
Charles knew from her words that she had grievances with the Quinn Family, but he didn’t pry into details.
"Sure, I promise you."
Lucy’s eyes curved with a smile, "Then thank you. It’s an honor to become friends with Mr. Sharp."
"Since we’re friends, there’s no need to continue such distant formality by calling me Mr. Sharp, just call me by my name from now on."
"It’s a deal then." She stood up, "It’s getting late, I should head back."
As they headed downstairs, it was as lively as ever below.
Jacob Green, who was originally sitting next to James Foster, was nowhere to be seen.
Charles escorted the two to the door, offering to send them off with a car, but Lucy politely declined.
Noticing she was wearing a dress, he said, "Please wait a moment."
Lucy was confused until he went inside and quickly returned with a red women’s long coat in hand.
He put it over her shoulders, "The night is cold; stay warm."
Lucy smiled with pursed lips, "Thank you."
She turned and playfully hit James Foster, "Look at him, learn something."
James clutched his heart where he was hit, "You said you weren’t cold, and now you’re blaming me."
Seeing a taxi approaching, Lucy nodded to Charles, "Charles, we’re heading back now."
"Alright, take care on the way."
As the car stopped, Charles opened the door for her to get in and then closed it.
Once the car moved, James Foster remarked leisurely, "My, oh my, something big is going to happen."
"What’s going to happen?"
"That one left early out of anger."
"You know exactly who."
Lucy didn’t respond, seemingly imagining Jacob Green’s sour expression, which inexplicably uplifted her mood.
Back at the hospital, she got out of the car alone, as James continued to his residence.
In the ward, she found it empty; Robert Langley was surely with his wife, but where did Mia Townsend go?
She took off her coat, and just as she changed into her hospital gown, the door opened. It was not Mia, but Jacob Green who came in.
Seeing his dark expression, Lucy laughed more joyfully, "Who upset you?"
"I’m just sitting in a hospital, being blamed from nowhere. How could I upset you? I’m not even someone to you. Since you’re here, I won’t bother calling, I’ll tell you about what we previously discussed tonight."
Jacob saw her calm expression, feeling a tightness in his heart.
He couldn’t help but feel she was about to say the word ’rejection’.
"Do you think that Charles can give you what I can’t?"
Lucy inwardly held back laughter, asking seriously, "Do you think I would be with him just because he’s no longer in a relationship?" This update is available on novᴇlfire.net
"Why do you think that? Do you lack confidence in yourself in front of Charles?"
Jacob’s mood eased a bit, "Of course I have confidence."
"If you’re confident, then why did you leave in anger?"
Her question rendered him speechless.
"He and I are just friends." Lucy continued, "As for your proposal, I’ve come to a decision, and I’ll tell you now..."
Before she finished, he hastily said, "If you’re willing, say so. If not, you don’t have to say anything more. I’ll know the answer."
"Seems like you’re nervous." She tilted her head, smiling at him.
"I’m not nervous, I just think it’s unnecessary to say it if you’re unwilling."
This stubborn denial made her question herself. Was this really the Jacob she knew for so long?
Looking at him made Lucy want to laugh.