Chapter 9 The Bet
Brad raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Athena’s unwavering confidence. “Oh? You sound confident,” he remarked, a hint of curiosity in his voice.
“If you’ve seen our company’s complete proposal, Mr. Maxwell, even with the concerns about the flaws in the data, I believe you’ll be impressed enough to want to work with us,” Athena said firmly, maintaining her calm demeanor.
Brad, a seasoned professional who had worked his way up from a technologist to the president of Maxwell Electronics, had seen countless proposals. But he’d never encountered someone so resolute in their approach.
Slowly, he approached Athena. “If you say so, let’s make a bet. I’ll give you another chance. But if your company’s proposal fails to impress me, I will never consider a partnership with Imbe Group again.”
Athena could feel the weight of the challenge, but she thought to herself, Well, I’m only responsible for this contract. As for the rest, whether you cooperate with Imbe Group is none of my business! I’ll be leaving anyway!
With a steady nod, she agreed, “Deal.”
Just then, a voice echoed from the door. “I want to see Mr. Maxwell.”
Athena turned to find Byron standing there, looking as stoic as ever.
“Sorry, sir, but Mr. Maxwell is with company,” the guard said, attempting to block Byron’s entrance.
“Let him in,” Brad ordered, turning back to Athena. “Your boss is here. Let him be a witness to this bet.”
Athena forced a smile, trying to shake off the uneasy feeling that crept up as she met Byron’s gaze. She could feel his stare burning into her.
“Mr. Maxwell,” Byron greeted, his tone cordial but cold. Athena avoided eye contact, the discomfort of the situation building between them.
“Mr. Crawford,” Brad greeted with a smile, then turned to explain the bet. “Miss Newton here just made a bet with me.”
Byron’s attention seemed to narrow on Athena. “Miss Newton is my secretary. She’s always been able to make such decisions on my behalf,” he said, his voice carrying a firmness that matched his imposing presence. He stepped closer behind Athena, draping his suit jacket over her shoulders. The warmth of his touch sent a shiver through her body, and she instinctively stiffened.
Her body trembled, aching to step away, but Byron’s firm grip on her shoulders held her in place. “Isn’t that right, Miss Newton?” he said, his tone demanding yet possessive.
“Miss Newton is your secretary?” Brad asked, clearly surprised.
“Yes, she’s been working for me for several years,” Byron confirmed, his grip on Athena’s shoulders tightening almost painfully, as if he wanted to squeeze the life out of the situation.
Athena silently cursed him in her mind, Bastard! Weren’t you having fun with your sweetheart? Why the tantrum now?
“Let’s get started, then,” Brad smiled, looking at Athena. “Let’s see if you can impress me, Miss Newton.”
Inside the suite, Athena stood before a high-definition projection screen, where she would present the slides she had prepared for Brad. With a steady focus, she highlighted the aspects of the project that matched Brad’s needs.
As she spoke, Brad listened intently, his face growing more serious with each passing moment. He began asking increasingly complex questions, and Athena answered each one thoroughly, providing satisfying and confident responses.
Byron, seated nearby, observed Athena with a cold gaze. He hadn’t known she could explain the project so well, surpassing even some of the directors in the sales department.
Until now, Byron had always seen Athena as fragile, relying on him for protection and guidance. But as she presented, a different side of her emerged—one that was confident, knowledgeable, and impressively capable.
He had been wrong all along.
As Athena concluded her presentation, she gave a calm smile. “That would be all, Mr. Maxwell. If we decide to cooperate, our companies can further discuss and optimize the details. The decision is now in your hands.”
Brad stood up, his eyes fixed on her. He sighed, a reluctant smile tugging at his lips. “Honestly, I didn’t want you to win, but I must admit, this proposal is exactly what I’ve been looking for. Congratulations, Miss Newton. Send someone from your company tomorrow, and we’ll discuss the contract.”
Athena beamed, her relief palpable. “Thank you, Mr. Maxwell.”
Brad chuckled and turned to Byron, still clearly impressed. “You have a brilliant secretary, Mr. Crawford. Very capable.”
Byron nodded, standing up as well. “Thank you, Mr. Maxwell. It’s getting late. Please excuse us.”
Brad waved them off as his mind continued to linger on the proposal Athena had just presented.
As Athena walked out, she spotted Gabe leaning against the wall, waiting for her.
“Gabe? Why are you here?” she asked, surprised to see him.
“I’m waiting for you!” Gabe grinned, standing up straight.
Athena removed Byron’s jacket and handed it back to him, “I’ve already settled the contract matter. As for those who tampered with the data, I’ll have them handed over to you tomorrow.”
Byron didn’t respond. He remained indifferent and didn’t take the jacket from her.
“My friend’s been waiting for me, so…” Athena gently placed the jacket over Byron’s arm before stepping back. “Goodbye, Mr. Crawford.”
“Let’s go! You haven’t eaten, right? I’ve prepared a lot of food for you!” Gabe said, oblivious to the tension between Athena and Byron, his tone carefree and excited.
Byron, standing in the corner, was left alone, watching Athena leave with Gabe. For a moment, he felt an overwhelming urge to rush over and pull her back. But then, a coldness settled over him.
Athena is just a substitute I’ve dumped. She doesn’t deserve to make me lose control.
He had grown accustomed to her presence, mistakenly confusing her with Freya for too long. The anger and jealousy he felt now were rooted in his unresolved feelings for Freya, not Athena.
Yet, despite this realization, Athena’s presence only seemed to annoy him more with each passing second. Every time he saw her, his frustration deepened.
Byron glanced down at the jacket draped over his arm. Without another thought, he tossed it into a nearby trash can, his movements deliberate.
Without looking back, he walked away in the opposite direction, his mind clouded with conflicting emotions.