Ch. 1181..1190

Chapter 1181 It Would Be My Pleasure

“If I were you, I’d be mortified and bury myself in a hole. As if I’d still be audacious enough to cause my boss trouble!” Sabrina snapped at Amber, and her scowl rendered Timothy stupefied.

Though he knew his assistant was shrewd, could typically hold her own, and didn’t need him to worry about anything, he never thought she had such a fierce side.

Not only was Timothy gobsmacked, but so was Amber, who couldn’t even refute the young woman. For the very first time, someone else had gotten the upper hand on her unruliness.

She glared daggers at Sabrina, looking like she wanted to swallow the young woman up. Her chest heaved from seething fury, and it took her a long time to find her voice back. “You b*tch, get out of my room! Get out!” she berated while pointing angrily toward the door.

At the same time, frustration flashed across Sabrina’s eyes as she overcame her anger and calmed down. As unpleasant as the old woman was, she was still Timothy’s grandmother, after all.

At that, she snuck a peek at Timothy, feeling conscience-stricken. Timothy naturally caught her gaze. However, he ignored it and fixed his gaze on Amber, speaking impassively, “Since you’re spirited enough to cuss people, you must be alive and kicking now. In that case, we shall not bother your rest anymore.”

With that, he left the ward with Sabrina trotting behind. As they walked along the corridor, the young woman felt apprehensive when she found Timothy looking expressionless.

I’ve upset him by crossing the line, haven’t I? At that, she strode closer to Timothy and apologized gingerly, “I’m sorry, Mr. Reinhart. I lashed out because I was livid. You can deduct my bonus if you’re upset.”

Timothy stopped in response, leading Sabrina to do the same while she drooped her head like a child who had misbehaved.

Just as she was waiting apprehensively for the ultimate judgment, Timothy’s deep chuckle traveled to her ears, and she looked up to find him smiling slightly, seemingly in a good mood.

“I didn’t think you had it in you,” praised Timothy as he looked at his dumbfounded assistant. “I knew you could hold your own at work, but I didn’t think you could hold your own in a fight too.”

At that, delight appeared in Sabrina’s gaze as she heaved a sigh of relief.

Evidently, her boss wasn’t upset over her behavior.

She rubbed her nose and explained with a smile, “I was really angry. You and Tessa are so nice, so how can she cuss you guys like this?”

Timothy nodded, which encouraged her to continue, “Also, I’ve seen one too many people like her in my life. Only by fighting violence with violence will they quiet down.”

“Seen one too many?” Timothy looked inquisitively at Sabrina. “Fight violence with violence?”

Looks like my little assistant has some stories.

Realizing she had let slip, she hurriedly corrected herself, saying, “I mean, you’re too gentle, Mr. Reinhart. Earlier, the most you’ve done was tell her to shut up. If it’d been someone else, they’d have ignored her entirely. Then, there’s Tessa. Though I haven’t interacted much with her, I’m sure she’s not the fierce type either. As such, that’s why your grandmother dares to bully you guys.”

Timothy thought Sabrina was right. He and Tessa weren’t the fierce type, and they couldn’t do anything that went against their conscience.

At that, he looked at his assistant and joked, “Seeing that you’re such a veteran, I should have you deal with this if something like this comes up again.”

“It’ll be my pleasure.” Sabrina beamed, happy that she could relieve Timothy from some of his troubles.

Chapter 1182 Tessa’s Suspicion

After all, his smile was the source of her drive to do anything. After leaving the hospital, Timothy and Sabrina returned to the company, but who’d have thought they’d bump into Tessa just as they exited the car?

For once, Tessa got a break from her intensive rehearsal, so she decided to see how her dear brother was doing.

“Looks like I came at the perfect time.” Tessa approached the pair with a smile when she saw them getting out of the vehicle. “Did you guys meet a client?”

“Tessa,” Sabrina greeted sweetly. imothy, on the other hand, supported Tessa while explaining, “We came back from the hospital.”

Tessa knew at once that he had gone to visit Amber. With that, she looked worriedly at him. “She didn’t bully you, did she?”

“No. Plus, her current condition won’t allow her to do anything either.” Timothy shook his head with a smile.

Rest assured, Tessa asked casually, “How is she, then?”

“She should be alright since she has the energy to cuss,” he answered while helping his sister into the elevator.

Tessa, on the other hand, asked no more after knowing Amber was doing alright. At that, she asked, “Have you secured the deal you were talking about?”

“I’ve called it off,” Timothy answered frankly.

“Called it off? Why?” Tessa asked in surprise. She recalled that Timothy had deliberately come back for the project.

As Timothy didn’t want his sister to worry, he answered half-truthfully, “We couldn’t agree on the rate no matter how. Plus, another company has offered me a better deal, so I should choose the better one, no?”

Tessa didn’t know much about business, so she didn’t suspect a thing. Very quickly, the trio entered Timothy’s office.

After sitting down, Tessa asked Timothy about the company’s other operations, to which the latter said everything was fine, for he didn’t intend to worry his sister about the company’s problems.

When Sabrina saw through Timothy’s intentions, she covered up for him at once. “There’s no need to worry, Tessa. The company’s doing just fine, and Mr. Tompkins bagged a few deals some time ago.”

“No wonder I hadn’t seen Henry the last few times I visited.” Tessa smiled and changed the subject, never suspecting that the two would fool her.

Meanwhile, Timothy looked toward his assistant with a gaze implying that she was doing a good job, which Sabrina caught.

Joyous, the young woman attended to Tessa more enthusiastically. “Tessa, Mr. Reinhart once told me you’re really good at making pastries. I’ve brought some that I made myself. Would you like to try some and give me a few pointers?”

“I’d be glad to,” Tessa agreed gladly.

Very quickly, Sabrina returned with her pastries and handed one to Tessa. “Here, Tessa. Tell me what you think.”

Tessa nodded and took a bite. Though she thought it was good, she believed it could be better.

Thus, she gave a few comments, which Sabrina took seriously.

Just like that, the two chatted merrily while Timothy gazed tenderly at his sister, thinking life like this was wonderful.

Sometime later, as Tessa was about to leave, a manager in a suit and tie came in after knocking hastily on the door.

“Mr. Reinhart, we just got word that the deal we negotiated yesterday was also intercepted.”

It wasn’t until he finished speaking that he realized Tessa was present as well. Immediately, he greeted her bashfully, “Oh, hey, Tessa.”

Tessa nodded in reply, but her brows were locked into a furrow. Also?

Clearly, this wasn’t the first time they had been intercepted.

Timothy, on the other hand, was looking less than pleased.

He shot the manager a glare, then turned to Tessa and said gently, “You’re heading back, aren’t you, Tess? I’ll see you out.”

How could Tessa not tell that her dear brother wanted her to leave? But recalling what the manager had said, she shook her head and turned him down. “I’m in no rush. Go ahead and deal with the issue at hand first.”

Chapter 1183 Find the Culprit

After addressing Timothy, Tessa sat back down on the couch. As a rather experienced person, Timothy knew at once that his sister was worried about the company. Left with no other option, he had to get the issue sorted.

“It’s very normal for projects to be intercepted during competition. What’s there to panic about?” he lectured the manager with displeasure, rendering the latter aggrieved and stupefied. “But…”

“No buts,” Timothy announced at once, interjecting him. “It’s obvious our competition was handed the project because your proposal isn’t appealing to them. What you should do now is reflect on your defeat and not come to me about it.”

Once again, Sabrina saw through her boss’ intention, and she glanced covertly at Tessa before chiming in, “The market is very competitive, and the changes are drastic lately. If what we offer isn’t appealing enough, no doubt no one would be willing to collaborate with us. Why don’t you investigate the offer our competition offered them instead?”

With that, she shot the manager a hinting gaze, which he got at once when he was still reeling in bewilderment moments ago. “You’re right. I’ll get them to investigate at once and also do market research while they’re at it.”

Just like that, the manager left in two shakes. However, Tessa still thought something didn’t add up as she watched the manager’s retreating figure.

“Tim, are you hiding something from me?” she probed.

“Of course not.” Timothy denied it at once. “You’re imagining things, Tess.”

“Really? But I heard him say the project was also intercepted.” Tessa suspected their claims.

To that, Timothy made up some excuse. “You don’t win every project you propose. The winner will naturally be someone else when what we offer isn’t as appealing. As for just now, that was just a Freudian slip.”

With that, he shot a hinting gaze at Sabrina, who understood at once. “Yeah, Tessa. The market is shifting drastically lately, making competition between companies fierce.”

“Really?” Though Tessa didn’t know the ways of business, the way the two put it made her less skeptical.

“It is. Don’t worry about it, Tess.” Timothy nodded, then checked his wristwatch before urging, “It’s getting late. You should head home now, or my brother-in-law will come demanding the hostage.”

“Do I hear someone asking for a beating? To think you dare to ridicule your sister.” Tessa glared at Timothy with feigned anger but still left.

After seeing his sister away, Timothy turned grim at once because it wasn’t the first time Reinhart Group’s projects had been intercepted lately.

It wasn’t anything alarming if one or two had been intercepted, but the projects he had targeted were stolen one after another. It was apparent that someone was deliberately targeting him.

On the other hand, Sabrina was still in Timothy’s office when he returned, and she immediately approached him concerningly when she saw him. “Has Tessa gone back?”

To that, Timothy nodded with tightly furrowed brows.

Evidently, he was pondering about the interception.

Who would still dare risk offending Sawyer Group to cause me trouble? And I swear I haven’t offended anyone either lately.

Sabrina immediately knew her boss was worried about the projects as she gazed at the man, who was laden with anxiety. “Mr. Reinhart, I don’t think the recent interceptions are coincidental. Someone’s targeting us.”

“You and I are on the same page,” expressed Timothy, thinking out loud. “But I can’t figure out who would do this.”

Sabrina, on the other hand, pondered with furrowed brows but still couldn’t figure out a clue either. “We haven’t offended any companies lately, and even if we competed for the project, we’ve done it fair and square. We shouldn’t have any enemies.”

In the end, Timothy gave up thinking when he really couldn’t come to a definitive conclusion. “Sabrina, I want you to dig into it. By hook or by crook, I need to know who’s pulling the strings in the shadows.”

“Got it.” Sabrina nodded in acknowledgment, then went to investigate at once, knowing how severe the issue was.

Chapter 1184 A Storm Is Brewing

Meanwhile, Tessa had been held up by Gregory the moment she returned home. “Mommy, play with me, please.” “Sure.” Tessa naturally wouldn’t say no to the little one. However, her mind was on Reinhart Group’s issue the whole time, for she found Timothy and Sabrina’s behavior suspicious.

Later that night, Nicholas returned home to find Tessa spacing out on the couch alone. With that, he sat next to her, pulled her into his arms, and asked, “A penny for your thought?”

“You’re back.” Tessa smiled lovingly at Nicholas after coming to herself. At that, Nicholas tapped her nose dotingly and reiterated, “What’s distracting you so much that you didn’t even realize I’ve come back?”

“I was just thinking about how you compete for a project and if someone can steal it from you at any time.” The young woman thought out loud as she looked at her beloved, who gladly explained it to her when he met her expecting gaze. “It’s usually a fair competition for all. But because the market is ever-changing, it’s very normal for any company to lose their advantage.”

At that, he paused and gazed quizzically at Tessa. “Why would it suddenly come to your mind?”

“I visited Timothy at his company in the afternoon, and I happened to hear one of their managers say another one of their projects had been intercepted again. But after hearing what you have just said, let’s hope I’m just worrying for nothing.” Tessa recounted her afternoon briefly to him.

To that, Nicholas nodded before reassuring his wife. “Since Timothy said it’s nothing, then it should be fine. No need to worry.”

Despite saying so, he, too, thought something wasn’t right. Thus, after dinner, he gave Edward a call while dealing with work in the study.

“Look into the recent situation with Reinhart Group’s projects.”

“Yes, sir.” Edward obliged, then investigated the situation at once, only to find something amiss.

Feeling things might be complicated after reading the results, he immediately drove to Dynasty Gardens.

After knocking on the study door, he entered and reported deferentially, “Reinhart Group’s projects have indeed been maliciously targeted, President.”

Nicholas frowned grimly in response. By right, the entire Southend business circle knew how close Reinhart Group and Sawyer Group were, and under normal circumstances, no one would be dumb enough to mess with them. But now, there was actually someone who wasn’t afraid of death.

“Who’s behind it?” he demanded icily, leading Edward to feel a wave of nervousness. “It’ll require further investigation, President.”

At that, Nicholas narrowed his gaze threateningly. “In that case, I want you to deal with it. See that it’s dealt with before it gets out of control. Tessa’s busy with her recital lately, and her due date is soon. I don’t want her to worry and get upset over issues like this, understand?”

“Yes, sir.” Edward obliged while marveling at how well his boss treated Tessa.

But, of course, Nicholas wouldn’t know what Edward was thinking. Seeing that there was nothing else, he dismissed the assistant.

Sometime later, he retired after sorting out his work only to find Tessa still awake, looking troubled.

Of course, he knew at once what she was worrying about.

“What’s wrong? Still worrying about your brother?” He approached her out of concern.

To that, Tessa nodded and didn’t hide her thoughts from him. “I know I said I’m fine in the evening, but I just can’t shake off the feeling that a storm is brewing.”

“Don’t scare yourself for nothing. Besides, Timothy is no longer the kid that needs your protection. He’s a force to be reckoned with now.” Nicholas tried to ease her mind, not wanting the issue to affect her mood. “Also, that’s how it is with a company. You can’t expect things to go smoothly all the time.”

Tessa thought he was right, and at that, she let the worry go.

Chapter 1185 Connection

Seeing that his beloved wife had let go of the worry, Nicholas struck the iron while it was hot and pulled her into his arms. “Alright, enough about your brother. Let’s talk about us.”

“What about us?” Tessa looked bafflingly at Nicholas, who lowered his head and pressed his forehead against hers. “What do you think? You’ve been so busy with your rehearsal lately, not to mention you have to keep Gregory company after coming home. Every time I’m done with work, you’re already asleep. Don’t you think you’ve neglected your husband long enough? Hmm?”

It was an alluring, husky hum, and Tessa was entirely enraptured. With that, she wrapped her arms around Nicholas’ neck and asked with an enchanting smile, “How would my dear husband like me to make up to him?”

“He wants this.” The next second, Nicholas lowered his head to kiss Tessa, who returned the kiss with closed eyes. Soon, romance filled the air, and the temperature in the bedroom grew warmer amidst their passion.

Sometime later, a sated Nicholas wiped Tessa’s hands for her. “I’m blaming it all on you if I can’t hold my violin tomorrow.” Tessa glared alluringly at Nicholas with a face flushed with bashfulness.

“Perfect. You can take the chance to rest.” He looked toward her with glee. As tempting as it sounded, rest was impossible.

The following morning, Tessa headed to the practice room right after breakfast, and Nicholas, too, made his way to the company.

Soon after arriving at his office, Edward knocked on the door and came in to report some work before finally updating the results of his search from the night before. “I’ve gotten a lead on Reinhart Group’s incident, President.”

“Who is it?” Nicholas turned grim at once.

“It’s not one person who’s attacking Reinhart Group but a few companies,” revealed Edward with shock and bewilderment.

He couldn’t believe some people dared risk offending the Sawyer Group to attack the Reinhart Group.

Nicholas, too, was surprised after hearing Edward’s words. Honestly, he never thought someone dared to pluck a lion’s mane.

“What’s the story behind it? Did Reinhart Group offend them?”

“No, actually.” Edward shook his head, then related his findings, explaining, “The companies initially attempted to collaborate with Reinhart Group because Reinhart Group wanted to purchase their products. They had initially already agreed on the rates, just waiting for the contract to be drafted and signed. But for some reason, the companies suddenly raised their rates just as the contracts were about to be signed.”

With that, he handed Nicholas a piece of letter paper with the names of the few companies.

Nicholas looked through it and found that they were all well-established companies.

At that, he narrowed his eyes and asked, “All of them suddenly raised their rates just before the contract was signed?”

“Yes, all of them. It was like they’d made a pact.” Edward nodded, finding the issue baffling as well.

“And then?” Nicholas asked as a hint of animosity flashed across his eyes.

“That’s it. There’s nothing after that. Reinhart Group might be rich, but they aren’t fools, either. They called off all the purchases in the end.”

While speaking, Edward glanced at Nicholas’ expression, hoping to get something out of it, but to his dismay, nothing but impassiveness enveloped his boss’ face.

Alas, he could only continue reporting, “There were a few other companies who sought Reinhart Group’s aid in system management, and like the previous companies, they suddenly demanded lower rates from Reinhart Group before signing the contract. But because Reinhart Group was unwilling to meet the demands, the company immediately turned to other companies.”

With that, Edward handed Nicholas another piece of paper.

Frost enveloped Nicholas’ eyes as he looked at the two pieces of paper on the desk. “Did you find out why they decided to do that? Has someone incited them to do so?”

“I didn’t find anything on a mastermind.” Edward shook his head.

At that, Nicholas’ frown deepened. “How are they connected?”

“Connected…” Edward pondered with a lowered head as his gaze suddenly turned hesitant.

Chapter 1186 No Proof Pointing Directly to Her

At once, Nicholas caught his hesitation and asked, “What do you have?” “I had suspected that someone had incited these companies, so I even deliberately checked their connection but didn’t find anything suspicious. But now that you mention it, I realized they more or less have a partnership with Muller Group,” Edward pointed out, causing Nicholas’ countenance to turn awful. “How is Muller Group in this again? Did you scrutinize it? How much of this is Muller Group’s work?”

“It has only hit me just now. I haven’t been able to investigate that yet. I thought it could just be a coincidence or unintentional.” Edward looked toward his boss, who objected, “The most coincidental incidents are normally the most intentional. Someone must be behind this.”

“Shall I investigate Muller Group then?” Edward asked cautiously. To that, Nicholas nodded. “In the meantime, also find out what Wanda has been up to lately.”

Surprised, Edward asked, “You suspect she’s behind this, President Sawyer?”

“You’ll know once you dig into it.” Nicholas glanced icily at Edward, who nodded in acknowledgment and left.

That said, he was doubtful. After all, Wanda already had her plate full with Muller Group’s current situation. Will she even have the time to devise a scheme?

Very quickly, the results of Wanda’s itinerary were out, and Edward returned to Nicholas’ office to report the findings. “President. Wanda has been salvaging the company’s losses these days. It doesn’t look like she has the time to attack Reinhart Group.”

Nicholas frowned in response. Have I gotten it wrong?

But the inchoate thought was dismissed at once, for he believed that it couldn’t be so coincidental. He must’ve missed out on something.

“Tell me everything Wanda has done lately.”

“Yes, sir.” Edward nodded and read out her itinerary when Kieran so coincidentally came in.

He quirked a brow in bewilderment, then looked strangely at his brother. “Dude, what’s going on? Why have you suddenly taken an interest in Wanda? Are you not worried your beloved wife will get upset?”

“Don’t bullsh*t.” Nicholas shot him a glare and explained. “Many companies have been targeting Reinhart Group lately, and all of them more or less have a partnership with Muller Group.”

“So, you suspect Wanda’s behind the conspiracy.” Kieran frivolously sat on Nicholas’ desk while finishing his brother’s words.

Nicholas nodded in agreement, then said, “But Edward didn’t find any proof that points the incite directly toward Wanda. I suspect I’ve missed out something, so I have him read out the findings in detail.”

“You continue then, Edward. I’ll take note along with you,” Kieran said to Edward, who nodded and continued from where he had stopped.

However, even after Edward had read out all of Wanda’s itinerary, they still hadn’t found anything suspicious.

“President Sawyer, do you suppose that Miss Muller really has nothing to do with this?” the assistant thought out loud.

“That might not be the case,” Kieran suggested before Nicholas could say a thing. “It might have been a short while since Muller Group has shifted back, but the connections they have built up over time are far wider than you can dig up.”

“That’s right.” Nicholas strongly agreed. “Muller Group’s no small fry.”

By right, a common company would’ve gone downhill and even faced bankruptcy after experiencing such a major scandal. However, the Muller Group was still standing strong.

Finally, the epiphany struck Edward, and he frowned. “But we don’t have proof that Wanda is the instigator of Reinhart Group’s incident.”

“Now that’s where you’re wrong. Just because there isn’t proof, it doesn’t mean that she has nothing to do with it. Sometimes, someone like Wanda wouldn’t even have to do anything, and someone will voluntarily help her attack Timothy.”

Chapter 1187 Oliver Hadfield

Kieran pointed it out for Edward. “If you still don’t get it, then think about Leah. It’s actually the same thing. Those investors refused to use her because they were worried about offending Sawyer Group.”

“I see it now.” Edward finally realized where he was wrong. He kept seeing the Muller Group as just a small business and forgot that the massive Muller Inc. was backing it from overseas.

While Edward was experiencing an epiphany, something came to Kieran, and he turned to his brother. “Nick, why don’t you let me take this case? It’s high time I repay Tessa for the care she’s given me.”

Besides, he was close with Timothy, so he couldn’t sit and watch, be it for their brotherhood or his sister-in-law’s care. Nicholas nodded in acknowledgment, knowing what his brother was thinking.

That night, Kieran asked a few of his good friends, whom Nicholas trusted and were well-informed in the circle, to join him for a drink at Jazz Bar.

While sitting at the VIP booth on the second floor, they gazed at the dance floor below them, where stage lamps flashed, and ladies and gentlemen danced to the booming music, releasing their excessive hormones.

And most of the gentlemen there were from rich families who normally didn’t have to do anything but waste their life away in comfort and luxury.

After taking a seat at the booth, Kieran locked his vision on a tall, slender young man on the dance floor named Oliver Hadfield, whose family was close with the Mullers. Word was that their elders even planned on forming a marriage alliance, and it just so happened that Oliver had been courting Wanda as well.

Besides that, rumor had it the young man had always behaved unreasonably and unruly. Hence, Kieran believed Wanda would likely incite him.

Just when Kieran was thinking of a way to approach Oliver, his friend’s ridicule traveled to his ears. “What are you looking at, Kieran? Your eyes are practically glued to it. Is it some hot chick?”

“Sure, I am. I’m just looking at Hadfield.” Kieran pointed toward Oliver with his chin.

“What for?” his friend asked in bafflement. “Has he pissed you off?”

As they were all born to the purple, everyone was acquainted in one way or another, and the rest of them looked quizzically toward Kieran, who swirled his liquor glass and revealed, “More or less. My brother’s brother-in-law’s company has been under constant attack lately, and I suspect Hadfield has something to do with it.”

After all, he had gathered his friends to collect intel.

The others were even more bewildered after hearing his words, and one even jokingly said, “Say, Kieran, if this is about President Sawyer’s brother-in-law, shouldn’t he be the one to sort it out? After all, it’s a good chance for him to be on his brother-in-law’s good side.”

“Of course, he’s seeing to it. But as Timothy’s brothers in arms, I can’t sit back and do nothing. So, I want you guys to think carefully if you have found or heard Oliver getting in touch with people from these companies,” Kieran answered briefly, then asked as he swept his gaze across his friends.

Everyone recollected with a frown, trying their best to fish for any information through their memory archive, when someone said, “But we don’t normally hang out with Hadfield, so we don’t really know much. How about this, Kieran? We ask some of them who normally hang out with Hadfield to come over.”

“Good idea. I know someone close to him.”

With that, he pulled his phone out to make a call, but Kieran stopped him. “I don’t want to alert Hadfield yet, lest we want to lose the upper hand.”

At that, the others continued to ponder when a flaxen blond spoke up. “Hey, Kieran, it just hit me that I saw Oliver receiving guests—at least, I think it’s Oliver—when I came over a few days ago. One of the guests seemed to be the person in charge of one of the companies attacking Timothy.”

Chapter 1188 Wanda Meets Up with Oliver

“Why did you only recall such an important clue now?” the others jokingly chided him. Kieran ignored them and asked the man one more time, “Are you sure you saw Oliver and the person in charge?”

“Yes. If you don’t believe me, you can get the surveillance footage at the bar and see it for yourself.” I’ll certainly have to do that but not now. Kieran turned to look at the others and inquired, “What about you guys? Have you thought of any clues?”

“No.” They shook their heads, but just then, someone exclaimed, “Hey! Isn’t that Wanda? Is she here to see Oliver? It seems that the political marriage between the Hadfields and the Mullers isn’t just some rumor.”

Hearing that, Kieran squinted his eyes and looked down to find Wanda. That’s interesting. It seems that Wanda is really the one who told Oliver to make things difficult for Timothy.

That was indeed the case. The reason Wanda showed up was that she had agreed to meet up with Oliver at the bar.

Looking at the flippant man in front of her, she started getting impatient because she wasn’t fond of him. The reason she even met up with him was that she still needed his help.

Oliver didn’t realize the repulsion behind Wanda’s eyes. Instead, he passionately poured a glass of wine for her. “Did you just get off work?” He tried to make small talk.

Wanda grunted. Not wanting to beat around the bush, she questioned, “Why do you want to see me?”

“I’ve completed the task you told me to do. Now, those from the Reinhart Group are no longer able to buy the products they want in Southend, and no one will hire them to build a system.” Oliver looked fervently at her. “What do you think? Are you happy with the outcome?”

“You’ve done a great job.” Wanda nodded as she was evidently pleased with the outcome. After all, her purpose was to make the Reinhart Group lose its footing in Southend. It was for that reason that she stopped detesting Oliver. A smile appeared on her originally expressionless face. “Cheers, Mr. Oliver. Thanks for the help.”

“Don’t be overly polite with me, Wanda. Your problems are also mine.” As Oliver spoke, he touched Wanda’s glass-holding hand and ran his thumb on the back of her hand.

Wanda froze as the man’s touch gave her goosebumps. However, she knew that some sacrifice was required if she wanted to make use of him. Therefore, despite feeling disgusted, she never retracted her hand.

Oliver saw her calmness as an opportunity, so his gaze brightened. “Why don’t we go somewhere else after the meal, Wanda?”

“Where are you bringing me?” Wanda frowned slightly. She didn’t want to go anywhere with him, but it wasn’t the right time to turn him down.

Oblivious to her expression, Oliver said feverishly, “It’s somewhere with a nice view that I discovered recently. I’m sure you’ll love it.”

“Is it far away? I have work to do tomorrow, so I have to make sure I’ll get enough rest tonight.” Wanda tried to turn him down.

Oliver had certainly realized her intention, but he pretended not to understand. With a smile, he replied, “Don’t worry. There’s a place for us to stay. If it gets too late, we’ll just spend the night there.”

At this point, Wanda could only nod in agreement. Shortly after that, they were ready to leave.

When Kieran’s friends saw that on the second floor, they started whispering among themselves.

“It seems that we’ll hear some good news from the Hadfields and the Mullers soon.”

“They’re leaving, Kieran. Do we follow them?”

As Kieran watched them leave, he put down his phone and said coldly, “There’s no need for that. Let’s drink.”

After all, he had taken the photos he needed with his phone.

When they were done drinking, Kieran parted ways with his friends. Upon getting into his car, he called his assistant and said, “Look into Oliver’s recent schedule and find out if he has come into contact with the people from these companies.”

Chapter 1189 The Evidence

As Kieran spoke, he listed the companies that were collaborating with the Reinhart Group. After receiving the order, the assistant hung up the call and investigated the matter.

The next morning, not long after Kieran arrived at the company, his assistant knocked on the door and entered the office. “I’ve found some clues, Vice President Sawyer,” he reported respectfully in the center of the office.

Kieran languidly leaned against his chair and looked at him. “Tell me what you’ve found.” “Just like what you’ve expected, Oliver has been in contact with the Reinhart Group’s customers recently. I believe he’s the one who pulled a trick and made the Reinhart Group lose the projects.”

Following a pause, the assistant broke into laughter. “That woman named Wanda is pretty interesting. After she fell out of love and became resentful, she incited others to oppress the Reinhart Group because she couldn’t harm the Sawyer Group. Isn’t that funny?”

Hearing that, Kieran glowered at him. “Are you on her side or something? She has oppressed our people, and you still find her interesting.”

“I-I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it.” Realizing he had said something wrong, the assistant hurriedly apologized.

Kieran dismissed him with a wave of his hand. “Forget it. Get back to work. I’m going to tell my brother about it.”

Following that, he rose from the chair and headed to the President’s office. The instant he entered the office, he languidly sat down on Nicholas’ table and announced, “It only took me one night to find the evidence that Wanda was the mastermind, Nicholas.”

“Where’s the evidence?” Nicholas extended his hand.

Kieran promptly fished out his phone and showed him the photos he had taken the day before.

“This guy is Oliver from the Hadfield Family. They’ve been on good terms with the Mullers, and rumor has it that there’ll be a political marriage between them,” he explained while pointing at Oliver in the photos.

As Nicholas glanced at those photos, he squinted his eyes and questioned coldly, “And then?”

“Hadfield over here seems to be into Wanda, so I speculated that she asked him to contact Timothy’s customers and make things difficult for him.”

Then, Kieran also told Nicholas what his assistant had found. After that, he clicked his tongue and teased his brother. “It seems that Wanda is deeply in love with you. She’s even willing to sacrifice herself in such a way.”

Much to his surprise, the moment he finished speaking, he received a glare from Nicholas. “My boxing skills are kind of rusty. Why don’t you stay here tonight and spar with me?”

“I’m sorry, Nicholas. Please don’t take what I said seriously.” Kieran’s expression changed as he begged for mercy. If he had stayed in this place and spared with his brother, he might not even live to see the sun the next morning.

Seeing that his brother was pleading, Nicholas snorted and got back to the main topic. As he recalled what Kieran had told him, his gaze darkened. “Since those people don’t seem interested in keeping their companies running, I’ll grant their wish.”

“It’s a great idea that you’re letting them have a taste of their own medicine.” Kieran nodded in agreement.

Nicholas glanced at him and decided to let him handle the job. “Since you found out the truth, I’ll let you settle this issue. You must not disappoint me. Also, if those people distract Tessa from her training in the slightest bit, their companies will no longer need to exist either.”

“Got it.” Kieran dipped his head and left.

In the following days, the businesses of those companies took a hit. They were faced with problems that made them suffer immense losses. Only then did the people from those companies realize something was off.

The boss of Lentinus Tech was especially affected. The losses he had suffered were the most severe, and he was also the most anxious person among the affected ones. For that reason, he told his assistant to get to the truth as quickly as possible, regardless of the cost.

The next morning, the assistant entered the office and reported to him what he had found. “I found it, Boss. It’s the Sawyer Group that has made a move in secret.”

“The Sawyer Group?!” The moment the boss of Lentinus Tech heard the answer, he was flabbergasted.

Chapter 1190 Business Gala

The other companies were faced with the same crisis. Without exception, the presidents of those companies were shocked. It was apparent to them that the Sawyer Group had found out about their misconduct. The same afternoon, these bosses contacted Oliver to arrange a meet-up with him.

Since Oliver had to meet many people, he gathered them together by asking them to see him at a club. The moment he entered the private room, he swept a glance over them and smirked. “What’s wrong? Why are you all so eager to see me?”

“I listened to you and made things difficult for the Reinhart Group, Mr. Hadfield. Now, the Sawyer Group has found out about it and targeted us. Some of the projects I’d been handling were intercepted.” The boss of Lentinus Tech was impatient as he directly revealed his intention for wanting to see Oliver.

When the others heard that, they exchanged glances and started talking among themselves. “You’ve been targeted by the Sawyer Group?” “Yes. You too?” “Yes, it’s for that reason that I’m here to see Mr. Hadfield.”

After a discussion, they realized they shared the same problem, so they turned to look at Oliver again. “Since all of us have been suppressed by the Sawyer Group, you have to help us out.”

“He’s right. My company will be in trouble if this issue isn’t settled.” “You’re the one who came up with this idea, so you can’t dismiss us now, Mr. Hadfield.”

At their words, Oliver finally figured out what was going on, and his expression turned solemn. He had never expected the Sawyer Group to react so soon. What surprised him was that the Sawyer Group was powerful enough to deal with so many companies on their own.

Seeing that Oliver remained silent, the others started urging him again. “Say something, Mr. Hadfield. What should we do now?”

Oliver swept a glance over them. After giving it some thought, he replied, “I’ll make up for the losses you’ve suffered, but I’ll need you to do something for me.”

Since the Sawyer Group had oppressed the other companies, he naturally had to make use of this scandal and tarnish their reputation. It so happened that there would be a business gala in two days.

…

Two days later, a lot of prominent business owners gathered in the luxurious hall of the Wharton Hotel. They clinked glasses and chatted among themselves.

Oliver appeared at the venue in a silvery gray suit. With a glass of wine in his hand, he talked to the seniors and greeted his friends. However, he couldn’t concentrate on the small talk as he kept glancing at the hall’s entrance. He had heard that Nicholas was going to attend this business gala.

That was indeed the case. A while later, the dapper-looking Nicholas arrived at the venue. The instant he appeared, his kingly demeanor attracted the attention of everyone at the scene.

When they came to their senses, many of them approached Nicholas and greeted him. With an impassive expression, Nicholas talked to them politely.

A conflicted expression appeared on Oliver’s face as he watched the noble-looking Nicholas talking to others. When he thought of the fact that his crush had feelings for this man, he felt displeased. As he recalled what he was about to do later, a wicked smirk played on his lips.

“We haven’t met for ages, President Sawyer.” He approached Nicholas with a glass of wine and proposed a toast to him.

Nicholas took a look at his wine glass but never intended to have a drink. Instead, he questioned dismissively, “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing. I just wanted to greet you when I saw you.” Although Oliver was annoyed at Nicholas’ impoliteness, he never let his emotion show on his face as he kept a smile. Ignoring Nicholas’ impatience, he went on to say, “By the way, I’ve heard some news that has something to do with the Sawyer Group.”

Hearing that, Nicholas squinted and put on a sneer.