Chapter 8: The Dinner Game
998words
"You look beautiful tonight." He walked up to me and whispered, his voice carrying a gentleness I had never heard before.
"Thank you, it's required for the job." I responded with feigned casualness, unable to control my quickening heartbeat.
Alexander Morgan naturally placed his arm around my waist, this intimate gesture drawing more curious glances from those around us. I could feel the warmth of his palm through the thin fabric of my dress, almost making me forget this was just an act.
Claire Johnson quickly appeared before us, dressed in a striking red gown, looking radiant and captivating. She gracefully greeted Alexander Morgan, then turned to me: "Miss Wilson looks especially enchanting tonight, no wonder Mr. Morgan is so fascinated."
"You're too kind, Miss Johnson." I responded with a smile, while remaining extremely vigilant inside.
Just as we were exchanging pleasantries, a familiar voice came from behind: "Emily Wilson! Long time no see!"
I turned around to see Sophia Parker walking towards me in a gorgeous dress. My best friend from my previous life, a betrayer, now approaching me with a bright smile and open arms.
"Sophia, what a coincidence." I pretended to be delighted, stepping forward to embrace her. "I didn't expect to see you here."
"I was invited," Sophia said smugly. "I'm collaborating with the Chen Group on a project recently." Her gaze shifted between Alexander Morgan and me. "Looks like you're doing quite well at Linze."
"It's okay." I said humbly, then introduced to Alexander Morgan, "Mr. Morgan, this is my college classmate, Sophia Parker."
Alexander Morgan nodded politely, but didn't say much. Sophia seemed a bit disappointed, but quickly perked up again: "Emily, I heard you're now Mr. Morgan's special assistant? That's impressive!"
"It's just a job." I responded calmly, noticing a flash of jealousy in her eyes.
At this moment, Victor Thompson walked over, dressed in a suit and looking elegant: "CEO Gu, Miss Jiang, good evening." When his gaze fell on me, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes, "Emily Wilson, I didn't expect to see you here."
"Mr. Thompson, it's been a while." I smiled, but was already preparing my counterattack in my heart.
"I heard you're doing well at Linze?" Victor Thompson pretended to care, "However, being an assistant has its limitations. If you're considering a change of environment, Chen Corporation welcomes you anytime."
This was blatant provocation. Alexander Morgan's hand tightened slightly around my waist, and I could feel his displeasure.
"Thank you for your kind offer, Mr. Thompson," I responded calmly, "but I'm quite content with my current situation. By the way, I heard that Chen Corporation's recent investment project in South America has encountered some troubles?"
Victor Thompson's expression froze: "How do you know about that?"
"Just business information," I said casually. "I heard that due to inadequate assessment of local policies, you lost nearly 200 million? That's quite a significant mistake in the industry."
This information was absolutely confidential, known only to the top executives of the Thompson family. Victor Thompson's face instantly turned pale, and the business people around them began to whisper among themselves.
"You..." Victor Thompson was about to explode, but Alexander Morgan interrupted him timely.
"Everyone, I have an important announcement," his voice carried clearly throughout the banquet hall. "From today onward, Miss Emily Wilson will serve as the special advisor to Rainwood Corporation, responsible for the company's strategic development."
The entire room was in an uproar. Claire Johnson's smile froze on her face, and she forced herself to remain composed: "Alexander Morgan, isn't this too hasty?"
"No, this is a well-thought-out decision." Alexander Morgan said firmly, "Miss Lin's abilities are evident to everyone."
Claire Johnson let out a cold laugh, then turned and left. Sophia Parker hesitated for a moment before following to "console" her, just as we had anticipated.
Seeing the situation, Chen Zhiyuan attempted to salvage it: "CEO Gu, congratulations on promoting new talent. However, in business decisions, experience is still very important. For instance, our Chen Corporation's recent collaboration with Starlight Technologies..."
"Starlight Technologies?" I feigned surprise, "Is Chairman Chen referring to the Starlight Technologies that's competing with Linze for the same market? As far as I know, Chen Corporation has already held three rounds of secret talks with them, which clearly violates Article Seven of the cooperation agreement between Chen Corporation and Linze."
This time, Victor Thompson was completely panicked. This information was even more confidential, involving business ethics and legal issues. The business elites around him stepped back one after another, as if unwilling to associate with him.
"I don't know what you're talking about," Victor Thompson struggled to say, cold sweat already breaking out on his forehead.
"Would you like me to provide meeting minutes and photos?" I asked with a smile, "Or would you prefer we discuss this matter in private?"
Victor Thompson gave me a vicious glare, then hastily left the scene in a state of complete disarray.
Alexander Morgan whispered in my ear: "You're more formidable than I imagined."
"This is just the beginning." I responded, a surge of vengeful pleasure rising within me.
After the banquet ended, Alexander Morgan drove me home. In the car, he suddenly asked: "That information, how did you know it?"
"I told you, I have my methods." I smiled mysteriously, "What matters is that it's all true, isn't it?"
Alexander Morgan gave me a long, deep look without asking further questions. But I knew that after tonight, his opinion of me had completely changed. And this was exactly the result I wanted.
