Chapter 523
Michael called Troy in and personally locked the door behind him.
Troy, shifting uneasily, spoke first. “Mr. Rhodes, about Ruby and me… We did go to the hotel yesterday. But aside from… well, you know… I was genuinely there to discuss business. Honestly, if I hadn’t kept her happy, we wouldn’t have secured the Amberpeak Corporation deal so easily.”
Michael waved dismissively. “I didn’t call you here to scold you.”
Troy froze, caught off guard. “I thought you would scold me for mixing personal matters with work!”
In truth, Troy had not gone to the hotel to talk business at all. Ruby’s stunning beauty had completely captivated him. Their initial flirtation quickly escalated into something far more intimate, and the deal came up only afterward.
By chance, Troy learned that Ruby was a representative for Amberpeak Corporation. The realization thrilled him – sealing such a significant partnership would be the perfect way to prove himself as the new head of the Pharmaceutical Division.
It felt like fate itself had handed him this golden opportunity, and he could not help but feel triumphant.
Michael clasped his hands together, his expression stern. “Troy, regarding our collaboration with Ms. Dickinson, there are some critical details I need to know – every single one of them. Leave nothing out.”
Troy straightened up, suddenly serious. “Of course, Mr. Rhodes. I’ll report everything to you in full detail. With a project worth two billion, I understand how important it is to get everything right!”
Michael nodded thoughtfully, then hesitated before speaking again. “Good. Now, tell me everything about your… time with Ruby at the Stanton Hotel. And I mean everything."
Troy’s jaw dropped. “Mr. Rhodes, you…”
Michael cut him off. “Don’t ask why. Just think of it as a personal preference. You know how sometimes, after indulging in too much, you just enjoy watching others eat? It’s like that. You get what I mean, don’t you?”
Troy, confused and a bit disturbed, reluctantly nodded. He did not fully understand but dared not refuse. Sighing inwardly, he began recounting his time with Ruby, sparing no detail.
Michael listened intently, his eyes glinting with interest. On the other hand, Troy felt increasingly uneasy, wondering if Michael might actually be some kind of creep.
After leaving Rhodes Corporation, Ruby hailed a cab and returned to her hotel. Waiting for her in the room was someone standing by the window, admiring the city skyline.
The person did not turn around but asked, “You’re back. How did things go with Rhodes Corporation?” Ruby’s posture became careful and deferential. “Just as you predicted, Ms. Stevens. Rhodes Corporation is on board and has agreed to the collaboration. Troy, in particular, is entirely under my control. He’ll do whatever I tell him.”
The figure by the window turned to face her – it was Aspen. She gestured for Ruby to sit down.
Aspen said with a faint smile, “Well done. It seems my efforts to get you out of prison weren’t wasted.”
Ruby, however, did not dare sit and remained standing. “I owe you everything, Ms. Stevens. I’ll do whatever it takes to repay your kindness."
Aspen’s smile remained faint. “Spare me the gratitude. We both know the truth. All you need to remember is that I’m the one who gave you this second chance. I can help you get your revenge on Lauren.”
Her tone grew colder. “After all, those years in prison weren’t easy for you, were they?”
Ruby’s eyes filled with venomous hatred. “Exactly. It’s because of that bitch Lauren that I’m willing to stoop so low as to sleep with someone like Troy just to set my plan in motion.”
Chapter 524