The gossip about Pearl and Richard's kiss had everyone talking, causing Pearl to feel embarrassed. But the mood changed when
Wayne stepped in to divert the attention.
"Miss Pearl, there's something important | need to discuss with you," Wayne said, coming to her rescue.
Pearl, feeling the eyes of her colleagues on her, put on a brave face. "I'm quite busy. And everyone else should focus on their work.
Idle gossip can cost you, remember that. | won't hesitate to deduct a month's pay from anyone caught spreading rumors."
Her stern warning worked like a charm. The office quickly returned to its usual state of business, with everyone burying themselves
in their work to avoid Pearl's wrath.
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With a glare, Pearl dismissed the gossiping colleague and followed Wayne to her office.
Once seated, Wayne laid out a contract on her desk. "This is the agreement we had with Steward Group regarding the streaming
company. They're now looking to back out and seem to think the 7 million compensation for breach of contract is trivial. They're
adamant about terminating the agreement."
Pearl frowned, understanding the gravity of the situation. The collaboration with Steward Group was expected to be highly
profitable for Cerubleu, especially in the booming online industry.
"Why do they want to cancel?" she asked, trying to grasp the sudden change of heart.
Wayne paused, considering his words carefully. "I'm not completely sure, but our inside source mentioned Steward Group has been
in close contact with Hugo recently. They even had dinner together. It looks like they're close."
"So, you believe Hugo is behind this?" Pearl asked, piecing things together.
"It seems like it. | can't fathom what he's promised or lied about to make them willing to break the contract and pay the penalty.
Hugo always seems to target us," Wayne expressed, unaware of the deeper animosity between Pearl and Hugo. He merely
assumed that Hugo was being a b*stard as usual.
Pearl, however, knew all too well that Hugo's actions were aimed at suppressing Cerubleu to force her hand or gain control over
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmwhat mattered to her. In the past, such a move by Hugo might have led her to seek a compromise. But things were different now.
With a light laugh, she said, "Don't worry, I've got this."
"Miss Pearl, just be careful. Hugo is cunning and might set traps for you," Wayne warned.
Pearl wasn't worried about Hugo's potential traps. She had faced him alone before and cout unscathed. Now, she had the
support of her friends, the Jordan Group shares, and Richard.
Stunned, Pearl realized she had regarded Richard as her support at spoint. It felt good.
"It's okay, Wayne. | appreciate your concern. Just letknow how | can help or when you need me," she assured him, feeling a
surge of warmth from his loyalty and support.
Wayne's dedication was a constant reminder of their strong bond.