Chapter 18 A Win
The decision to cancel the collaboration wasn’t a spur–of–the–moment move by Michael.
Envision Group had plenty of partners lining up, and they had no desire to get entangled in the Winchester family’s internal conflicts.
Upon hearing Michael’s words, James and Caroline were thrown into a panic.
Abigail frowned.
She had poured her heart and soul into this project–networking tirelessly and even wearing out two pairs of shoes during field
visits.
Yet, just like that, it was all for nothing. She struggled to accept
- it.
Before she could voice her thoughts, Michael’s phone rang.
He answered the call, leaving everyone else to wait in silence.
The moment the call ended, Michael’s demeanor shifted dramatically.
He cast a glance at Abigail as if he saw her as a valuable asset.
Chapter 18 A Win
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Abigail felt puzzled when Michael said, “I may have been hasty carlier. Both of us have invested a significant amount of time and effort into this project. It would be a shame to let it go now.”
Before James and Caroline could celebrate this change of heart, Michael quickly added, “However, I will only accept Ms. Winchester as the project leader.”
His abrupt reversal caught everyone off guard, including Abigail, who was equally bewildered.
Just moments ago, he seemed intent on steering clear of any complications, and now he was taking a stand.
It was that phone call that changed his mind.
Who could have just called?
James, noticing Caroline’s disappointment, said in displeasure, “Mr. Smith, what do you mean? If this is a collaboration, the responsibility for the project should be our company’s concern.”
Michael smiled coolly, “Mr. Winchester, I don’t think you grasp the situation. The opportunity for this project to be assigned to the Winchester Group hinges on Ms. Winchester. Either she continues as the project lead, or we walk away from the partnership.”
James‘ expression darkened at Michael’s firm stance.
He hadn’t anticipated that someone in Michael’s position would show such blatant disrespect.
Chapter 18 A Win
Yet, when he remembered that the Envision Group backed Michael, he felt disheartened.
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Caroline, unwilling to concede defeat, interjected, “Mr. Smith, I acknowledge my previous incompetence. I promise to dedicate myself to understanding this project fully. Please give me another chance!”
She couldn’t let Abigail outshine her on her very first day.
Michael smirked and replied in a distant tone, “Understanding the basics of a project isn’t enough for its successful execution. Ms. Yannis, you’re young, and there will be more opportunities for you in the future.”
Caroline clenched her teeth and shot Abigail a resentful look. Indignant, she couldn’t help but sarcastically remark, “Nice move, Abigail! I’ve got plenty to learn from you.”
“Glad you know that,” Abigail shot back.
Caroline’s anger flared further.
Ignoring her, Abigail turned to James, who wore an angry expression, and said, “Mr. Winchester, if you’re not interested in this collaboration, I can step aside as the project lead.”
She wanted to see just how far James, a man driven by profit, would go to protect Caroline.
James‘ face darkened further instantly.
Chapter 18 A Win
He was acutely aware of the project’s significance.
Cancelling the collaboration would not only make the
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Winchester Group a laughingstock in the industry, but it would also jeopardize their working capital.
Caroline, oblivious to the stakes, looked at James with a mix of grievance and eagerness, silently pleading for him to back her
- up.
Taking a deep breath, James relented, “Since Mr. Smith values. your capabilities, then do your best and don’t let me down.”
With that, he dismissed Caroline’s protests and pulled her out of the meeting room.
Finally, the commotion settled, and Abigail exhaled in relief.
Michael, not wanting to stir up any further trouble, prompted her to sign the contract.
They had reviewed it previously, and everything was in order.
Still, Abigail took the time to read through it one last time before signing her name.
Both sides stood, shaking hands.
“I look forward to a fruitful collaboration,” Abigail said.
“Same here. Hoping for a smooth partnership,” Michael replied.
Chapter 18 A Win
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After a moment of silence, he added, “They won’t give up easily. If you need anything, feel free to reach out to me.”
Abigail was surprised.
She and Michael had known each other for a long time.
She understood him to be someone who prioritized profits, was decisive in his actions, and kept personal feelings at bay.
So why was he behaving so differently today?
Abigail was even more curious about who had called him just
now.
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