Chapter 165: Getting Stood Up

When Maria heard the news, she almost leaped for joy. "Really?" she exclaimed. "Looks like Jared isn't so useless after all."

Zayne scoffed. "Hmph! He's just riding on the foundation we built," he muttered, believing Jared didn't deserve the credit.

Maria nodded in agreement. "Yeah, if we hadn't done the groundwork, he wouldn't have gotten the contract signed so easily."

"Excellent," Zayne said. "I'll give the contract to Mr. Jennings. He'll definitely reward me. Maybe he'll even transfer me to procurement!"

Elated, Zayne headed to the general manager's office with the contract, bursting in without knocking. Xavier was on a call. Noticing the interruption, he ended the call abruptly.

His expression darkened upon seeing Zayne. Zayne, realizing his mistake, trembled. He held up the contract and declared, "Mr. Jennings, we've signed the contract with Cosmic Chemical!"

He hoped the importance of the contract would appease Xavier, but he was wrong. Xavier exploded. "Get out! Get out now!" He hurled a cup at Zayne.

Crash!

The shattering cup sent Zayne scurrying from the office. Xavier gritted his teeth, panting in fury. He already knew Jared had secured the contract. His initial plan had been to humiliate Jared, but Leyton had been embarrassed instead. The call had been from Leyton, delivering a harsh reprimand. Xavier was only associated with Leyton because he'd betrayed the Sullivan family, and Leyton used this betrayal as leverage.

When Zayne returned, Maria, still cheerful, asked, "Zayne, what did Mr. Jennings say? Did he mention the commission?"

"Forget it," Zayne grumbled. "I don't know what's wrong with him. He even scolded me!"

Dejected, he returned to his office, contract in hand. Maria followed to console him.

At noon, Jared gathered his belongings, preparing to go to the Sullivan residence for dinner with William, as promised to Josephine.

Hilda, beaming, suggested, "Jared, you secured a major contract today! Let's celebrate with lunch. I know a great restaurant nearby."

Jared, surprised, replied awkwardly, "I'm busy this afternoon. You go ahead. We can celebrate tonight…"

Hilda's smile faltered. "Okay, then."

Watching Jared leave, Hilda felt a growing distance between them. She couldn't understand him, couldn't seem to capture his heart.

Jared intended to drive his Ford, but then he saw Josephine in a car, honking. Since she'd come to pick him up personally, he left his car keys and approached her vehicle.

He smiled as he got in. "You're free enough to pick me up personally?"

Josephine replied, "I was afraid you'd stand me up. Mr. Grange is already there. I'd be mortified if you didn't come."

She slammed her foot on the accelerator, and the car sped off.

Hilda, watching from an upstairs window, saw Jared get into a luxurious red car driven by a woman. From the distance, she couldn't see the woman's face, but seeing Jared drive away with another woman left her feeling upset.

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