Chapter 217
“Didn’t you meet with Hendrix last night?” Craig mercilessly exposed her lie.
Noelle fell silent.
Craig, as if he knew what she was thinking, said, “Amity Group is planning something big over in Vinton City. By now, you should have a clear understanding of the current market trends there. If you can secure this partnership, you should know what it means for Elm Group.
“You wouldn’t want to stay stuck in that subsidiary company forever, would you? If this partnership is finalized, it will prove your capabilities to everyone. When that time comes, I will officially transfer you back, and no one will question your position as a successor.”
Craig’s words were unhurried.
Noelle was tempted to take him up on his offer, but she was also well aware that he absolutely wouldn’t really agree to let her go back and become the successor.
The death of Matilda had always stayed with him, and the only reason he let Noelle stay in the company was merely because she was his only biological daughter.
Even though Noelle had seen through his intentions, she was in no hurry to refuse him. “I’m not very sure yet, but I’ll do some research to get a clearer understanding.”
Craig responded with a grunt, following it up with a few perfunctory words about taking care of herself.
Noelle acknowledged him, but after hanging up, she couldn’t help but laugh coldly. Craig knew she had met with Hendrix last night, so he must have also known what had happened between them in the private dining room.
Yet here she was, still lying in a hospital bed, and he couldn’t even be bothered to ask about her well–being. Luckily, she had long since been thoroughly disappointed in him, so she felt no pain anymore. She simply tossed the phone aside and closed her eyes again.
But after a moment, a thought crossed her mind. She picked up her phone again and dialed a number.
“Hello, Mr. Hayes. It’s me, Noelle.”
Noelle and Clayton arranged to meet at a café.
Clayton, who was about the same age as Craig, had his share of typical male flaws. However, he had become much more straightforward toward Noelle after she helped save him from a sticky situation at the restaurant.
“I’ve heard Mr. Freeman mentioned it before, but it has nothing to do with our collaboration,” Clayton said, taking a sip of coffee. “You know how it is–we’re just a small winery. A big project like Mr. Freeman’s? That’s way out of our league.”
“Mr. Hayes, you’re being too modest. If your winery is considered ‘small,‘ then the rest of us might as well take a back seat,” Noelle replied with a smile, pouring more coffee into his cup.
She was about to continue when Clayton suddenly asked, “If you want to know, why not ask Mr. Freeman directly?
Noelle froze for a moment but quickly recovered with a smile. “A small fry like me? How would I ever get audience with him?”
er an
“We’re all on the same side, Ms. Swanson. No need to play oy. Who doesn’t know about your past with Mr.
1/2
Freeman?”
“You said it yourself–‘past.‘ If there were any feelings left how would things have ended up like this?”
Her words left Clayton momentarily speechless.
After a brief silence, he hesitated before suggesting, “If you trust me, Ms. Swanson, why don’t I help arrange a meeting for you? Consider it repayment for the favor you did me last time.”
Noelle’s hand paused mid–motion. She met his gaze for a moment then chuckled. “No, that won’t be necessary. Mr. Freeman already can’t stand me–I wouldn’t want to drag you down with me.”
