Filed to story: The CEO’s Wife Is a Secret Boss Novel (Allison & Jeremy) Free Online
Could it be…
“I heard you have main control over the project in Verdane Valley, Mr. Hodgson, and have been looking for a business partner to work with.” Alyssa’s smile was radiant and confident. “I am very interested in working with you on this, sir.”
Javier and Sophia were left gawking at her in sheer surprise.
Minnie was just as taken aback. She blinked blankly at Javier, then at Jeremy.
Jeremy gazed at Alyssa, his throat suddenly dry.
But she did not once look at him.
“May I know who you are, Miss…?” Orlander asked.
Alyssa extended her hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Hodgson. My name’s Alyssa Taylor.”
Orlander was about to scoff that she was a nobody when Alyssa added, “Daughter of KS Group’s
President, Winston Taylor, of Belbanks.”
Now Orlander and Minnie were truly starstruck.
Winston Taylor’s daughter? THE Winston Taylor from Belbanks?
“Y¨CYou’re Mr. Taylor’s daughter?” Orlander gasped, looking Alyssa up and down.
Behind Alyssa, Sean scowled just the slightest. “People usually whip out their credit cards, not their fathers.”
“Yes. Mr. Javier and Mr. Walsh are aware of this as well.” Alyssa grinned. “We’ve met.”
Jeremy looked away briefly, thinking, “We’ve met? Was that all?”
She spoke as if they were mere strangers.
“Ah, so you’re all acquainted!” Orlander chuckled heartily. As someone experienced in politics, he knew just when to change his tune. “I’m terribly sorry for my ignorance, Ms. Alyssa!”
He then shook Alyssa’s hand.
“I’m sure I’m just an equal business match as Mr. Javier, no?” Alyssa’s words sounded light on the surface but carried an imposing sense behind them.
Orlander blinked rapidly. He found it amazing how someone so young could already carry such an imposing air. Like father, like daughter, he thought.
Jeremy gritted his teeth. Was Alyssa really playing this card now? Was this all some game to her? Even if it was, there were still rules and etiquette to abide by. Alyssa was clearly not doing that.
“We’re very pleased to see you here today, Ms. Alyssa, but my business discussion with Mr.
Hodgson is of a private nature. It’s not something an outsider could simply step into, including yourself. So please,” Javier said courteously, though his eyes had long grown icy.
Betty wanted to express her contempt too, but was held back by her mother. Sophia believed her husband alone could handle Alyssa, so they could just sit back and watch.
“I am aware, Mr. Javier. But I wouldn’t have come here if your discussion wasn’t about the Verdane
Valley project.” Alyssa’s tone never wavered. “As for whether it’s none of my business, I beg to differ.
“My family’s company is just as powerful, influential, and capable as yours, if not more. If you can handle this project, I’m sure we can as well. Wouldn’t it be better for Mr. Hodgson to have a choice of who he wishes to work with?”
Orlander’s heart did a backflip. What a tenacious young woman!
Now, Javier and Sophia shared the same look of worry and shock.
“Ms. Alyssa.” Jeremy stepped up, breaking the tension. “We’ve come all the way here to reach an agreement with Mr. Hodgson about this project, even going so far as to settle on the technicalities and logistics. Don’t you think your participation now is rude and unjust to the rules of fair play?”
Alyssa shot him a grin. “You got the ‘rude’ right.”
“Alyssa!” Jeremy narrowed his eyes.
“As for whether it usurps fair play, that is an allegation you cannot substantiate.” Alyssa stepped away from him.
She continued, “The rules have always been set by the winners. If your family has already signed this business agreement, then yes, I wouldn’t be playing fair. But have you?”
Her eyes turned into gleeful crescent moons. “The rule¨Cmaker here is still uncertain.”
Jeremy had no idea how to rebut her statements. She was right. They hadn’t signed the contract.
with Orlander, so everything was still subject to change.
In all his years of being in this position, he had won so many battles and knocked out countless adversaries. He never imagined meeting an opponent so resilient one day¨Cin the form of his ex-
wife, too!
Unable to watch things spiral out of control, Sophia piped up, “I’m afraid Mr. Hodgson wouldn’t be willing to work with you for this project, Ms. Alyssa. Our families go way back, and we’ve partnered on several big projects up until now. It’s not something that can so easily change.”
“Besides, isn’t it a bit sudden for you to come all the way here without notifying Mr. Hodgson or acknowledging our booking of this venue today just to pitch your offer? It sounds to me like you don’t take this seriously at all.”
“Exactly!” Betty muttered.
Alyssa sighed. “I know. But I couldn’t help it. If I had come by any second later, Mr. Hodgson would have never had a chance to regret his decision.”
“Regret his decision?” Sophia shrieked. “What do you mean?”
Alyssa ignored her and said to Orlander, “Mr. Hodgson, won’t you consider working with us? You’re not refusing my offer just because I’m a woman, are you? I was sent here on behalf of my brother
Jonah.
“As CEO of KS Group, he gave me permission to oversee everything in relation to this project. I can have him verify my statement if you don’t believe me.”
“I believe you, Ms. Alyssa, but Javier and I truly do go a long way back. Our countless business partnerships have solidified my unwavering trust in them.” Orlander’s tone was kind.
He continued, “Plus, it would make sense for Solana City’s strongest company to work on this project, given it’s centered here, so… I’m sure we’ll have opportunities to work together in the future.”
Javier and Sophia were looking quite pleased now. They saw Alyssa as proud and were surprised by her trying to take their project without any notable achievements of her own, finding it all.
absurd.
“Well, alright. I understand your predicament. But I do want to say there’s something that will.
never happen if you do agree to work with us.” Alyssa took on a sly grin. “You would never regret. working with us.”
Jeremy swallowed, suddenly realizing what her expression meant.
She was up to something now!
Sophia frowned. “What do you mean by that, Ms. Alyssa? Why are you making it sound like we would fail Mr. Hodgson?”
“What time is it, Sean?” Alyssa asked casually.
3:00 pm on the dot, Miss.”
“Get the news channel on and show it to Mr. Hodgson.”
“Yes, Ms. Alyssa.” Sean then played the news live stream for everyone to watch.
“Welcome back to the afternoon news, your one¨Cstop for credible news reports daily! The 3:00 pm headlines for today¨CVice President Henry Kirkman of Walsh Group was detained earlier today at
1:00 pm for suspected bribery and criminal breach of trust.
“The prosecutor has filed criminal charges against him at the district court, and the first trial is expected to commence soon.
“The grounds of arrest were revealed to be due to underground involvement with Wicked Co’s latest IT project tenders, as well as unlawful practice behind the scenes of the Walsh Group, thereby gaining secret profit.
“We currently have knowledge that Henry Kirkman has been involved with his cousin, Sophia
Kirkman, present¨Cday President of the Walsh Group, and have worked on many past projects.
The police are still investigating this matter, and we will be the first to update you all on this
Javier’s face turned pale while Sophia stumbled backward as her world crumbled before her.