Chapter 3 Good Tactics

Alice had just breathed a sigh of relief when she heard Michael say, "But I won't be going tonight."

Alice was slightly surprised. The King Group was the Johnson Group's biggest partner. How could Michael not attend Timothy King's birthday?

She was about to persuade him when Aurora leaned into Michael's arms with a look of grievance.

Sensing the situation, Alica didn't ask any more questions and turned to leave.

In the evening, when Timothy saw that only Alice had come, his face darkened.

Alice raised her glass and said, "Sorry, Mr. Johnson has been quite busy lately. He specifically asked me to choose your favorite sculpture as a gift."

"That's thoughtful." Timothy raised his glass but didn't take a sip.

Alice knew he was angry, so she downed her drink and poured another.

"The last one was on behalf of Mr. Johnson, this one is from me." She drank several glasses in a row, and only then did Timothy's expression improve.

As the atmosphere eased, Alice didn't relax. She kept her eyes on Tate King, the heir of the King family. To resolve the report issue, she had to seek his help.

Tate noticed her gaze and raised his glass to her, his eyes scanning her body.

Today, Alice wore a backless, body-hugging dress that accentuated her perfect curves, especially with her entire back exposed, inevitably sparking imaginations.

Despite his lecherous gaze, Alice steeled herself and walked over.

"Mr. King, a toast to you." She downed her drink in one go, but Tate didn't move.

She smiled awkwardly. "Mr. King, why aren't you drinking?"

"Well, I know what you want. One drink is not enough." Tate's eyes roamed over her, as if he wanted to strip her naked.

Usually, with Michael around, he wouldn't dare do anything to Alice. But today, Michael wasn't here.

He handed Alice another drink. "Ms. Baker, you do realize how big the mistake of that report was, right?"

Knowing he had bad intentions, Alice could only smile. "The new intern at the company didn't know better. Please, Mr. King, be generous."

She tilted her head back and drank the entire glass, then smiled at Tate. "Mr. King, is that enough?"

"You're so sincere, Ms. Baker, let's have a another toast together." He picked up another glass, and Alice gritted her teeth and accepted it.

As they clinked glasses, everyone's attention turned to the door.

Michael, dressed in a black suit, looked cold and noble.

Beside him, Aurora wore a white dress, looking innocent and curious at the crowd. They were very different, yet oddly matched.

The dress Aurora wore was actually a birthday gift Michael had given Alice this year, which she had left at the store and hadn't picked up yet.

"Mr. Johnson is indeed very busy." Tate suddenly leaned in, his breath hot against Alice's ear, making her shiver.

"Mr. King, excuse me for a moment." She forced a smile and quickly walked over to Michael.

"Didn't you say you weren't coming?" she whispered to him.

"Aurora has never been to a banquet and wanted to take a look around." Michael affectionately pinched Aurora's cheek, making her blush.

Aurora spoke shyly, "Alice, I've never attended a banquet before. Mr. Johnson brought me here to help with my future work."

Alice nodded and didn't say much.

Michael ignored her and blended into the crowd with Aurora.

Many eyes were on the three of them, with whispers speculating about Aurora's identity.

Alice pretended not to hear and returned to Tate.

Tate raised an eyebrow. "His new flame?"

"Yes." Alice didn't want to explain further. It wasn't the first time Michael had a new flame.

Alice started, "Mr. King, about yesterday's report..."

"What, did you bring a new one?" Tate suddenly leaned in, his breath on Alice's face.

She straightened her back and took a USB drive from her purse. "If you're willing to give me a chance, I can send the new report to your secretary right now."

"Ms. Baker, not all secretaries work around the clock like you. I think you should send it directly to me." Tate smiled. "Follow me, it's not appropriate for work here."

Tate put down his glass and walked towards the lounge.

Alice glanced at Michael, who was busy getting a glass of juice for Aurora, attentive and gentlemanly.

She knew Michael wouldn't help her, so she didn't hesitate and followed Tate.

As she passed a waiter, she whispered a few instructions.

In the lounge, Tate placed his laptop on the coffee table. "Ms. Baker, you can start now."

Alice looked at the coffee table. To operate the laptop, she would have to squat, which would expose her chest.

Tate watched her meaningfully, but Alice walked over, picked up the laptop, and leaned against the wall.

"The new report will be uploaded soon, please wait." She quickly found the file, keeping an eye on Tate.

She had instructed the waiter to knock on the door in five minutes, which was enough time for her.

"Ms. Baker, you seem very afraid of me?" Tate stepped closer, and Alice quickly put the laptop back.

She then answered, "Of course not, Mr. King. You are a gentleman. Why would I be afraid?"

"Then you are mistaken." Tate suddenly stepped forward, pulling Alice into his arms, his hands restlessly caressing her back and moving towards her chest.

The lounge door suddenly opened, and Michael stood there expressionless. "Mr. King, enjoying yourself?"

Alice took the opportunity to break free from Tate's embrace and quickly tidied her clothes.

"Mr. King, the new report is on your desktop. Thank you for giving me this chance to make amends." She bowed slightly and quickly left the lounge.

Feeling relieved that the issue was resolved, she heard heavy footsteps behind her. Before she could turn, she was pulled into a nearby dressing room.

Michael pinned her against the wall, his eyes dark and intense. "Ms. Baker, quite the tactics."

His hand slowly caressed her exposed skin, his eyes narrowing dangerously. "To make up for a mistake, you'll do anything?"

His fingers traced her lips, smearing her lipstick.

She explained, "I told the waiter to knock in five minutes. With you here, he wouldn't dare do anything to me."

Alice knew Michael was a germaphobe. He could have countless women, but his women could only have him.

"What if I wasn't here today?" He gripped her waist, his hand slipping into her dress and roughly kneading her chest.

Alice wasn't wearing a bra, and her breast tape was torn off by him.

She moaned, and he immediately covered her lips, kissing her aggressively.

She was almost out of breath, her body instinctively leaning into him.

Suddenly, there was a commotion outside.

"Where is Mr. Johnson? The girl he brought caused trouble."

"Why did she have to provoke Tate? Is she crazy?"

"Watch your mouth, that's Michael's new flame."

Hearing that Aurora was in trouble, Michael immediately stopped, pushed Alice away, and strode out of the dressing room.