I chuckled and nodded.

"I'm eager to get the hang of the company's business as soon as possible.

",

"Got it, but you're here way too early. You know we don't do overtime pay, right?

" Grant joked., I smiled lightly,

"I'm here on my own volition.

",

"That's why you're in line for a promotion. If everyone was as dedicated as you, our Future Tech Solutions Ltd. would be skyrocketing in no time,

" Grant's compliment made me want to laugh., He always had a way of mixing truth with jest, but I never took it to heart.,

"Still, we can't just rely on you alone. Director Hudson's efforts have been noted, and I've reported them to the big boss. He said you're not to overdo it anymore. If anything happened to you, the company would take a big hit,

" Grant was essentially telling me I couldn't come in early anymore., But that was okay. It meant I didn't have to avoid Ernest anymore., Because Ernest had stopped leaving breakfast at my door for the past few days. He must've gotten the message.,

"Speaking of which, I heard you have a big client coming in today?

" Grant changed the subject.,

"Yes, they're arriving at ten, so I have another hour,

" I said, smiling.

"If there's nothing else, Mr. Smith, I'll get ready.

",

"Sure, good luck, Director Hudson,

" Grant raised his coffee mug to me., I went back to my office and double-checked the documents I needed to prepare, then headed to the meeting room early at 9:50 to check the setup., This client was crucial because securing their business could not only recover the losses from Conrad poaching our clients but also boost our performance by a couple of points., At ten o'clock, the client arrived., But when I saw who it was, my face darkened., It was Conrad., But the company I was supposed to be working with wasn't the Wagner Group, so he was obviously incognito., He caught my expression and smiled, extending a hand,

"Pleasure to meet you, Director Hudson.

", I didn't grab his hand, looking at him with a face screaming 'this is all your show', my anger brewing but kept under wraps., Instead, I asked coldly,

"Is Mr. Wagner here for a genuine partnership, or is this some kind of joke?

",

"Of course, it's for partnership. What else would it be?

" Conrad had a roguish, slightly wicked look., Such a departure from the aloofness he used to show me.,

"Alright, let's discuss the partnership proposal then,

" I knew he had ulterior motives, but I proceeded as necessary., I had reviewed his EcoVolt Innovations company, and it looked promising, showing impressive growth since it was founded two years ago., It seemed Conrad wasn't just focusing on the Wagner Group, which made sense since it was his father's legacy, shared with Dustin., Conrad was surprisingly cooperative, agreeing to all my terms smoothly., But his eagerness made me uneasy. Conrad was for sure not here just for some business deal., Sure enough, when it was time to sign the contract, he pulled me aside and whispered,

"Felicia, what future do you see here as a minor director in this small company?

", I remained silent, just pursing my lips at him.,

"Just drop the act, and I can make you your own boss. New Horizons would be yours,

" Conrad boasted.,

"It seems Mr. Wagner is not here to partner but to poach,

" I retorted sarcastically.,

"Felicia, I just want you back by my side,

" Conrad showed a rare moment of sincerity., Looking at his thin lips, there's a saying that men with thin lips are fickle, which seemed somewhat true.,

"Conrad, there are things I don't wish to repeat. You should understand it's over between us,

" I made my stance clear again., Conrad's face fell,

"After all I've done for you, what more do you want?

",

"I want... you to let go of the past and stop this endless pursuit,

" my words made Conrad's forced smile falter., Before he could respond, Grant came over, giving Conrad a nod before turning to me,

"Director Hudson, I've just been informed by the big boss. He doesn't approve of this partnership.

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