Chapter 9 The Bet

"Why are you so sure?" Newton became interested.

"If you have seen our company's complete proposal even with those flaws in the data, I believe you would still choose our proposal."

Newton had been running his company for so many years. Starting from a technician and working his way up to president, he had seen countless business plans but no one had ever stood in front of him and confidently declared that if he saw their proposal, he would have adopted it.

"Little girl," Newton walked slowly toward her.

The aura of a high-ranking executive was intimidating without even being angry. "Since you're so confident, how about we make a bet?"

"What do you propose?"

"I'll give you another chance but if your proposal doesn't impress me, my company will never have any possibility of working with Solomon again," Newton said slowly. "Do you agree to the bet?"

"Certainly, I accept the bet." This cunning old fox was putting so much pressure on her but she was only responsible for delivering this contract. As for whether Newton wanted to continue working with Solomon, it was none of her business. After all, she had already quit and was planning to run away.

"Okay," Fiona readily agreed.

Then, a familiar voice came from outside the door. "I’m looking for you, Mr. Newton," said Darwin.

Fiona immediately turned around, surprised yet composed. "Mr. Newton is busy..." she began to say.

"Let him in." Newton gestured then looked at Fiona. "Perfect timing, your boss is here. Let him be a witness to our bet."

"Very well." said Fiona, determined.

The security guard opened the door, and Darwin entered.

"Mr. Newton," Darwin greeted. Fiona didn't turn around but she could feel a gaze burning on her back.

"Mr. Darwin." Newton smirked. "Ms. Fiona and I just made a bet..."

Newton carefully explained the bet and finally stated that Fiona had already agreed.

"Ms. Fiona has always been able to speak for me in matters like this." Darwin finished listening and walked behind Fiona. Then, she felt the warmth of Darwin's suit jacket, infused with his presence, draped over her shoulders. Fiona's body instinctively trembled slightly, wanting to avoid it but Darwin held her slender shoulders in his hands. "Isn't that right, Ms. Fiona?"

"Ms. Fiona is your secretary?" Newton was somewhat surprised.

"Yes, she has been with me for many years," Darwin answered while still gripping Fiona's shoulders forcefully as if he wanted to crush her. She wondered how this man, who has been playing house with another woman, could be so fiery.

"Now that Mr. Darwin has agreed, I will take another look at what makes your proposal so magical that Ms. Fiona is so confident and trying to convince me of such.”

The suite had a high-definition projection screen. After a brief preparation, Fiona took out her phone and projected the slideshow onto the screen. Without any dragging, she began explaining the proposal. Newton had heard countless proposals before. Fiona knew what he truly needed and emphasized the refinement of the requirements.

At first, Newton seemed calm and unaffected but as they went on, his expression became more serious, and he interrupted Fiona with increasingly frequent questions. Fiona was able to answer each of his questions with meticulous detail, ensuring that he fully understood.

Darwin sat on the sofa, playing with a jade ring on his index finger. His gaze, devoid of warmth, remained fixed on Fiona throughout. The professionalism of Fiona's presentation was on par with the sales managers who often presented proposals. He had never known that she had such ability. He had always thought she was just a fragile vine parasitically attached to him, needing his protection to survive. It seemed that she had been perfectly independent all along.

Time passed slowly as the plan had come to its final stage.

"That's basically it. Of course, if we decide to cooperate, both teams will need to sit together and work on further technical optimizations," Fiona said with a faint smile. "Mr. Newton, now it's up to you to make the decision."

Newton took off his reading glasses. He stood up and looked at Fiona, shaking his head.

"Honestly, I didn't want you to win but I have to admit that this plan is exactly what I've been wanting all along."

Newton sighed and then smiled kindly. "Ms. Fiona, congratulations on your victory. Let's have someone come to the company tomorrow to discuss the contract details."

"Thank you." Fiona’s eyes lit up instantly, unable to contain her joy.

Newton also chuckled along, saying, "Mr. Darwin, where did you find this secretary of yours? Bold and meticulous, truly a talented individual!"

"You're too kind, Mr. Newton." Darwin stood up. "It's getting late so we won't disturb you any longer."

ing

"Alright."

Newton didn't seem to intend to keep them any longer. The plan Fiona had just presented had given him a lot of inspiration. Now, all he wanted to do was to seize the time and write down all these insights. Fiona and Darwin walked out one after another. Just as they walked out, Fiona saw Harold waiting outside against the wall.

"Why are you here, Harold?" Fiona was surprised.

"I'm waiting for you." Harold straightened up with a smile as soon as he saw Fiona. The next second, Darwin appeared right behind him.

"Mr. Darwin." Fiona took off Darwin's coat and handed it to him. "I've already taken care of the contract. The person who tampered with the data, hopefully, I can hand them over to you tomorrow as well."

Darwin looked at her coldly and didn't take the coat.

"I have something to do with my friend." Fiona reached out and grabbed Darwin's arm, placing the coat on his arm. Then, Fiona stepped back two steps. "Goodnight, Mr. Darwin."

"Let's go. Haven't you eaten? I have had a lot of food prepared for you," Harold said, acting all silly and sweet. "He's a friend," she announced, thrilled she could finally grow wings on her back. However, the shimmering tension between Fiona and Darwin remained untouched by Harold's cheerful obliviousness.

"I am actually a bit hungry," Fiona said as she walked forward with Harold.

"Oh, right. Put this on." Harold draped the cashmere shawl, which was hanging on his arm, over Fiona's shoulders.

"Thank you."

Darwin stood there, only watching Harold's back, and he could feel that Harold was overjoyed. Fiona left him behind and walked away with another man, all playful and affectionate. In that moment, Darwin almost rushed forward.

'He's taking her right under my eyes,' he muttered to himself.

However, chills ran down Darwin’s spine. He couldn't believe the audacity Fiona has and she didn't deserve to make him lose control. He had simply gotten used to having her by his side. Just because he had been treating her as Lilian for too long. All of his crazy behavior and jealousy were because of Lilian, not because of Fiona. He realizes this now, when Fiona annoyed him at every turn. Darwin glanced at the coat in his arm, then casually threw it into the nearby garbage bin.

Without looking back, he walked away from the other side.