Chapter 4

On the day I went to a business reception, the financial news broke the story about the failed partnership between Rayjedo Company Group and Blanchett Family Group.

Dozens of unknown numbers suddenly appeared on my phone.

I could guess it was Audrey.

When we broke up years ago, I blocked all her contact information.

If she wanted to find me, besides making a public announcement in the class group, she could only bomb me with calls from new phone numbers.

Actually, this project could have been a win-win situation. I didn't want to bring personal matters into work.

But every word out of her mouth was about how I wasn't worthy to negotiate with her.

Since she hadn't learned to respect people, I didn't need to save her face either.

"William?"

The familiar voice made me stop in my tracks.

I turned to see Audrey with her team standing by the red carpet.

Benjamin stood beside her, his well-fitted formal wear overly conspicuous under the spotlights.

"This kind of event requires an invitation." Benjamin deliberately raised his voice. "William, you didn't sneak in following your boss, did you?"

Carter immediately helped. "Want me to talk to security? They can let you in to take care of your master."

His fake concern drew sideways glances from people around us.

Audrey frowned at me. "That's enough. Stop embarrassing yourself."

She reached out to pull me away. "As my subordinate in the future, you'll naturally have chances to come to events like this and see the world. Don't be childish just to spite me. There are reporters inside."

I calmly pulled my hand back.

"Audrey, seems like Rayjedo Company has a lot of free time? The deal fell through and you still have the mood to attend receptions?"

At the mention of the deal, her expression instantly darkened.

"All because a server accidentally spilled coffee on you?"

"William, did you feed everything you learned to the dogs? Blanchett Family Group actually lets someone like you handle negotiations?"

A male colleague behind her scoffed. "Audrey, don't overestimate Mr. William. If he had the ability to ruin a partnership between Blanchett Family Group and Rayjedo Company, he wouldn't be dressed like this at a reception!"

"Like a beggar!"

This seemed to comfort Audrey. "I wouldn't go so far as to think a small-time employee like him could control the whole situation."

Benjamin immediately added, "Right. William's wearing cheap knockoffs without a single brand name. He can only dream about being a leader!"

Carter fake-sympathetically tried to smooth things over. "Don't say that. Back then, William insisted Audrey choose between letting you get your permanent position or keeping him. He probably didn't do so well after leaving Rayjedo Company in a huff!"

I looked down and adjusted my cuffs.

This outfit was from my mom's small independent brand. The colors and style suited my personality.

I didn't see anything wrong with it.

"Are you done?" I said calmly. "If you're done, please move. I'm in a hurry."

Audrey looked displeased. "Do you not understand what people are saying?"

Seeing I wasn't responding, she finally softened her attitude.

She turned and took the guest pass off Carter's neck. "Since you want to go in so badly, just stay by my side and behave."

I was about to speak when Mr. Jason from the event's organizing committee jogged over.

He interrupted our standoff.

"Mr. William, your speech is ready. Mr. Brown is asking if you want to review it first?"