Chapter 31 – His Second Chance Love: The Freezing Silence

“Well,” Stacey hesitated before continuing, “The president of AC Credit, Thomas Lowe, is waiting in the reception area downstairs.”

The president himself came here? It seems that Featherstone Corporation’s audit is indeed a big catch.

“Make a reservation at a restaurant nearby for me.” I got up and took my bag with me. “Do it quick. I’ll go down to meet Mr. Lowe first.”

“Yes!” Stacey left in a rush after that.

Once out of my office, I went straight to Featherstone Corporation’s reception area. Featherstone Corporation was based in an enormous office building, and with its abundant funds, a luxurious and relaxing reception area was set up in the lobby on the first floor to welcome any guests.

Most employees were on their lunch break now, so there weren’t many people left. Hence, when I arrived at the reception area, I immediately spotted a middle-aged man sitting on the black leather sofa. Thomas seemed like a buoyant person, and I noticed that he looked rather fit for his age.

Seeing me, he got to his feet and walked toward me with a smile. Extending his hand out for a handshake, he greeted me, “Ms. Stanhope, I’m the founder of AC Credit, Thomas Lowe. I’m glad you could meet me!”

I returned his smile and said, “Sorry for the wait, Mr. Lowe, but I’ve really been very busy lately, so I couldn’t find the time to meet you until now.” I checked the time on my watch, then looked back at him. “Since it’s currently lunch hour, would you like to have lunch together, Mr. Lowe?”

He smiled subtly and nodded. “Sure, Ms. Stanhope. And thank you in advance!”

Both of us didn’t talk about work just yet. When we arrived at the restaurant Stacey pre-booked for us, Thomas still didn’t mention anything about the audit.

He only shared with me some interesting events in his life, and it looked more like a gathering between two friends. Since he didn’t bring up work-related matters, I refrained from it as well, only quietly listening to his narration.

After some time, he peered at me and asked, “Ms. Stanhope, I heard that you’re responsible for Featherstone Corporation’s audit this year?”

I nodded brusquely. “After the company went public, Mr. Featherstone and Mr. Quinn basically don’t have any spare time on their hands, so I had to temporarily take over this project.”

He smiled. “In the past years, Featherstone Corporation’s audits were all handled by AC Credit, and now…”

He trailed off, but of course I knew what he meant. With an amicable smile, I replied, “Featherstone Corporation and AC Credit have worked together for many years. Logically speaking, AC should be put in charge, but AC’s contract with Featherstone Corporation has expired. According to our standard practice, Featherstone Corporation will organize a bidding event. Of course, I hope AC and Featherstone Corporation can once again cooperate after this bidding.”

This revelation led to the conclusion of our discussion. Thomas smiled, replying in a polished manner, “Mm. We are also looking forward to working with Featherstone Corporation.”

After lunch, I sent Thomas off. Stacey followed beside me and questioned, “Ms. Stanhope, didn’t Mr. Featherstone want this year’s audit to be handed over to Harrison Credit? Why do we need to hold a bidding event?”

“If we don’t, Featherstone Corporation won’t just offend AC Credit, but many other audit firms. AC has been in this business for a long time. Moreover, they’ve been working with Featherstone Corporation all these years. If we terminate the collaboration just like that, do you think they won’t create a ruckus by using Featherstone Corporation’s past audits?”

Another reason I agreed to meet Thomas was that I wanted to see if he had something to do with last night’s incident, but after glimpsing the reluctant look on his face after I mentioned the bidding event, I doubt that he was involved.

However, I couldn’t be too sure. Thus, I decided to keep an eye out.

Stacey nodded with a frown on her face. “Then, why didn’t Mr. Featherstone…”

“Inform me beforehand?” I interjected. My eyes darted to hers before I explained, “I’m not Anthony’s only subordinate. If he has to explain every little thing word by word, then what’s the point of employing so many people? He might as well do everything on his own.”

“But you’re his wife!”

I found it funny, looking at her to say, “Yes, I’m his wife. Putting aside the fact that he’s not satisfied with me as his wife, even if he was, he’s still the president of Featherstone Corporation, while I’m the director. In the company, we are superior and subordinate. If I’m so stupid that I need him to point out everything, he might as well tell me to go home and be a full-time housewife!”

In the world, pure intelligence would get you nowhere; only experience slowly accumulated from hard and laborious work would bring you far.

Back in my office, Stacey made a dinner appointment with the president of Harrison Credit. I didn’t mention last night’s incident to anyone, only keeping it locked up in my heart and bearing it on my own.

Fortunately, the company was huge, so I didn’t have to meet Anthony if there wasn’t anything of utmost importance. To distract myself from thinking about how he was going to handle the matters between us, I poured myself into my work.

After a whole day of work, it was finally time to clock out. Stacey came into my office carrying her bag. “Ms. Stanhope, do you need me to follow you for your dinner appointment with Mr. Harrison from Harrison Credit tonight?”

It took me a while to recall my appointment. Sensing that she was eager to leave, I shook my head. “It’s fine. Just give me the address and I’ll head there alone in a bit.”

She smiled and answered, “Thank you, Ms. Stanhope. I’ve already sent the address to your phone.”

I nodded, then cupped my chin and narrowed my eyes at her. “Are you dating someone?” Stacey wasn’t young anymore. Over the last two years she worked for me, her love life was non-existent. Hence, I immediately noticed how starry-eyed she had become recently.

“No! It’s just a simple get-together with an old classmate of mine, so…” Although she phrased it like that, her face had already turned red.

With a nod, I gestured for her to go ahead without saying anything else.

People said that the eyes were the windows to the soul. I agreed, because no matter how much you verbally denied it, your eyes would betray your feelings.

After tidying up my desk, I drove directly to the address Stacey sent to me. I initially thought that the president of Harrison Credit would be a middle-aged man.

Hence, I was shocked to see that Nick Harrison was only a young man in his early twenties.

“Sienna Stanhope?” Upon spotting me, Nick stood up from his seat and raised his brows at me.

I offered him a cordial smile. “Mr. Harrison?”

“Please, don’t call me Mr. Harrison. It makes me sound so old. Just call me Nick.” Nick had well-shaped eyebrows and defined features. When he spoke, two dimples would occasionally appear on his cheeks, making him look very cute. However, the look in his eyes showed that he was wise beyond his years.

It seemed like this kid was quite capable.

I made my way to the table and took a seat. Nick smiled at me cutely as he asked, “What do you want to eat, Sienna? I’ll order it for you!”

For someone of his age, I wasn’t surprised that he had immediately dropped the formalities.

“I’m not a picky eater,” I answered while putting my bag aside and then raised my head as he looked through the menu.

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