 Prev  All Chapter Next   Options Chapter 9 The Bet Oh? You sound confident. Brad became interested. If you have seen our companys complete proposal, sir, even with concerns about the flaws in the data, I believe you will be impressed enough to work with us, Athena stated firmly. Brad, having years of experience running the company from a technologist to becoming the president, had seen countless projects. He had never seen someone so confident with their work. Brad approached Athena slowly, If you say so, lets make a bet. I will give you another chance, but if your companys proposal fails to impress me, I will never cooperate with Imbe Group in the future. Athena felt the heavy pressure, but she thought, Well, Im only responsible for this contract. As for the rest and whether youre willing to cooperate with Imbe Group, thats none of my business! Im leaving anyway! She nodded, Deal! A familiar voice echoed at the door. I want to see Mr. Athena immediately turned around, finding Byron standing there. Sorry, sir, but Mr. Maxwell has company, the guard said. Let him in, Brad ordered. He then turned to Athena, saying, Your boss is here. Let him be a witness to this bet! Athena forced a smile, feeling uneasy under Byrons gaze. Maxwell, Byron greeted Brad. Athena avoided eye contact but could still feel a burning gaze on her. Crawford, Brad smiled, Miss Newton here just made a bet with me. He proceeded to explain the details of the bet to Byron. Miss Newton is my secretary. She has always been able to make such decisions on my behalf. Byron stepped closer behind Athena, draping his suit jacket over her shoulders. She felt the warmth enveloping her, as if she was wrapped in his breath. Her body trembled, wanting to step away from him, but Byrons firm hold on her shoulders prevented it. Isnt that right, Miss Newton? he said with a forceful tone. Miss Newton is your secretary? Brad was surprised. Yes, shes been working for me for several years, Byron confirmed, still gripping Athenas shoulders tightly, almost as if he wanted to crush them. Athena cursed in her heart, Bastard! Werent you enjoying the party with your sweetheart? Whats with this tantrum now? Lets get started, then, Brad smiled, Lets see if you can impress me, Miss Newton. In the suite, there was a high-definition projection screen where Athena could demonstrate the slides she had prepared. She carefully focused on highlighting the aspects of the project that matched Brads real needs during her presentation. As Brad listened, his seriousness intensified, and he began. raising more and more questions. To his surprise, Athena was able to provide thorough and satisfying answers to all of them. Byron sat nearby, observing Athena with a cold gaze. He didnt know her capability in explaining the project could Surpass even some of the directors in the sales department. Until now, Byron had always seen Athena as fragile, relying on him for protection and guidance. However, this presentation revealed a completely different side of her confident, knowledgeable, and capable. … He was wrong after all. Finally, Athena concluded her presentation with a smile, maintaining her gentle tone. That would be all, Mr. If we decide to cooperate, our companies can further discuss and optimize the details. The decision is now yours. Brad stood up, his gaze fixed on Athena. He sighed, Honestly, I didnt want you to win, but I must admit, this proposal is exactly what Ive been looking for. Congratulations, Miss Newton. Send someone to my company tomorrow, and well discuss the contract. Athenas happiness was evident as she smiled, saying, Thank you, Mr. Brad chuckled and turned to Byron, You have a brilliant secretary, Mr. Crawford, very capable! Byron stood up as well, nodding, Thank you, Mr. Its getting late. Please excuse us. Brad nodded, his mind still on the inspirational proposal that Athena had just presented. As Athena walked out, she spotted Gabe leaning against the wall. Gabe? Why are you here? she asked in surprise. Im waiting for you! Gabe beamed and straightened up. Athena took off the suit jacket and handed it back to Byron. I have already settled the contract matter. As for those who tampered with the data, I will hand them over to you tomorrow. Byron looked indifferent and didnt take the jacket. My friends been waiting for me, so… Athena took matters into her own hands, gently placing the jacket on Byrons arm before stepping back. Lets go! You havent eaten, right? I have prepared a lot of food for you! Gabe said, completely oblivious to the tension between Athena and Byron. He was simply delighted as he heard Athena say he was her friend.Books Chapters Are Daily Updated Join & Stay Updated For All Books Updates… ving, ATH Thend replied, leaving with Gabe, who draped a cashmere shawl over her shoulders. Its getting chilly, put this on! Thanks. Byron was left standing alone, watching Athena walk away with another man. For a moment, he almost wanted to rush. over and pull her back. But… There was a chill in Byrons eyes. Athena was just a substitute he had dumped. She didnt deserve to make him lose control. He had grown accustomed to her presence, mistaking her for Freya for too long. not Athena. That must be it. Yet, despite this realization, Athenas presence became more and more annoying to him. She made him feel angry every time he saw her. Byron glanced at the jacket on his arm and tossed it into a nearby trash can. Without looking back, he walked away in the opposite direction.