Chapter 47

Isabella and Olivia were burning the midnight oil to finish the proposal.Once they sent it off to Global Innovators Inc, they got a reply in no time.

Chris Diaz, the big boss at Global Innovators Inc, loved their proposal and told his secretary to set up a meeting to go over the details.

First thing in the morning, they filled Vaughn in on the good news.

Vaughn was pumped and pushed them to head over to Global Innovators Inc ASAP to seal the deal.

At Global Innovators Inc.

"Mr. Diaz, nice to meet you. We're the project managers from the Johnson Group for this collaboration. I'm Olivia, and this is Isabella. Here are some extra materials we put together for you," Olivia said.

Chris looked like he was in his thirties, a bit on the heavier side,with decent but not standout looks. He dressed sharp, but his attention to detail made him seem a bit older.

Chris asked them to chill on the sofa while he checked out the materials and had his secretary bring them some coffee.

Before long, Chris came over and sat down next to Isabella.

Isabella felt he was a bit too close and scooted over a bit.

Chris gave them a once-over and said, "I've gone through your proposal,and it's really impressive. It's surprising that such a great plan came from such young and beautiful women."

Isabella thought he might be doubting their experience and quickly said,"

Mr. Diaz, don't worry. Even though we're young, we've got plenty of project management experience and won't let you down."

Chris replied, "I get it. Choosing your proposal means we trust your skills.We'll need your continued efort on this project."

"Of course, Mr. Diaz. About signing the contract.." Isabella asked.

Chris checked his watch and said, "No rush. It's almost lunchtime. Let's grab a bite and talk it over."

"Sure," Olivia jumped in, eager to get the contract signed.

Isabella was about to say no but couldn't after Olivia agreed so fast.

They thought they'd just grab a quick bite at the company cafeteria, but Chris asked Olivia to book a nearby restaurant. Olivia picked a reasonably priced one.

During the meal, Chris kept chatting with Isabella, "Ms. Taylor, how old are you?"

"Mr. Diaz, a lady's age is a secret." Isabella didn't want to engage but answered carefully, considering the contract wasn't signed yet.

Chris kept going, "Ms. Taylor, you're so beautiful. You must have a boyfriend, right? Is he handsome?"

His questions were getting more and more out of line.

"Mr. Diaz, I don't have a boyfriend," Isabella answered patiently, "but I am married."

"Ms. Taylor, married so young? Your husband must be much older than you,right?"

"My husband is the same age as me. We were classmates and got married

right after graduation," Isabella lied to get Chris off her back.

After the meal. Chris leaned back in his chair, looking satisfied, with no intention of paying the bill.

Seeing the waiter's worried look. Olivia went to pay the bill.

As Olivia left. Chris wiped his mouth and said to Isabella, "It was great meeting two beautiful ladies today. But I've got something this afternoon.How about this? Come see me after six tonight, Ms. Taylor. I'll clear my evening to discuss things in detail."

Chris smiled suggestively and slipped a room key card into Isabella's collar.

Chris continued, "Ms. Taylor, you're a smart person. You know what to do."

He left, leaving Isabella holding the room key card, lost in thought.

When Olivia came back, Isabella murmured, "While you were paying the bill, Chris gave me a room key card. He probably wants to harass me."

Olivia was ready to storm back into Global Innovators Inc, shouting,"Chris is a shameless jerk! I'll go give him a piece of my mind."

"Olivia, don't be rash. Let me think. If I don't go, our project is dead, and all our hard work goes down the drain. If I do go, we need a plan to avoid any harm and still get that contract signed," Isabella said,thinking hard.

Olivia paced back and forth, struggling to come up with a solution.

Suddenly, Isabella said, "Olivia, call Mr. Allen and ask him to come over."

Olivia was worried. "Mr. Allen isn't exactly a tough guy. What if he can't handle Chris?"

Isabella explained, "We're not looking for a fight. If we fight, the project is toast."

With a call from Olivia, Eric showed up quickly.

In the afternoon, they split up, with Eric taking the room key to thehotel.

Chris had just finished his shower, wearing a loose bathrobe that barely covered his middle-aged belly.

Eric used the key to open the door and walked in.

Chris was startled. "Why are you here? Where's Isabella?"

"The company has other plans for her," Eric said. "Ill be handling things here,Mr.Diaz."

Chris approached Eric with a sly smile and asked, "I heard a rumor about you,Mr.Allen. Is it true?"

"It's true. I am dating Mr. Johnson," Eric said bluntly.

"Mr. Allen, since you're here, it wouldn't be right to leave empty-handed. I've never been with a man before. If you sleep with me once,I'll sign the contract," Chris said shamelessly.

Eric replied, "From what I understand, this collaboration benefits you a lot with no downside, but for us, it's different. We can take it or leave it. Are you sure you want to use this method to push our contract, Mr. Diaz?"

"Stop pretending to be all righteous. Sleep with me once, and we'll sign the contract. It won't cost you anything. Make me happy, and I'll make you a vice president at Global Innovators Inc. Michael hasn't offered you such a sweet deal at the Johnson Group, has he?" Chris said, reaching for Eric.

Eric shouted, "Mr. Diaz, are you sure you want to do this? Is our project proposal so unimportant to you? Our company doesn't need this project. If

you treat me like this. I can just call it off."

"You idiot, I didn't put you in charge to mess around. You're ignoring the company's interests and acting like a fool. Do you think I won't take back the company's management rights?" Chris's father, Wilder Diaz, burst in.followed by Isabella and Olivia. Wilder slapped Chris twice.

"Dad? Why are you here?" Chris sat on the floor, pale with fear.

Seeing Chris like this, Wilder was furious and disappointed,kicking him and immediately apologizing to Eric.

Eric coldly said, "No need to apologize. It won't help. If you still want to collaborate, send someone to our company to discuss it with me tomorrow."

With that, Eric left the hotel with Isabella and Olivia.

In the hotel, WTilder continued to berate and beat Chris. Eric and Isabella exchanged a knowing smile, realizing Wilder was putting on a show for them.

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