Chapter 157
Chapter 157
Audrey realized everything. Serena had come to Ironhaven to clean up Edana’s mess. She didn’t know what methods she had used, but some matter had been smoothed over.
Now Serena wanted to treat Baldwin to a meal and wanted Audrey to accompany them, which sounded dangerously suspicious.
Audrey looked at Paul, wanting to gauge his attitude. If Paul blindly favored and indulged Serena and Edana, Edana might return to work, and the conflict with Audrey would only intensify. Audrey was here to make money, not engage in meaningless competition.
If Paul was a wise boss, she could continue working for Stride Commerce and use the company to build her own career, otherwise, she would actively respond.
Paul, of course, could understand the issues Audrey perceived.
The smile in his eyes grew deeper as he looked at Serena, but a chill lingered in his gaze. “Are you giving me orders?”
Serena’s face froze. She took a sip of coffee and suddenly glared at Audrey.
She couldn’t help but wonder if Audrey had deliberately made it undrinkable. The coffee was not only sour and bitter but had a strange taste that no amount of sugar could mask.
Her lips trembled with anger, but she didn’t explode on the spot, not wanting Audrey’s petty tricks to make her lose composure in front of Paul.
“I just want to help you,” Serena said softly. “Mr. Connor and Mr. Gomez are both familiar with Ms. Henderson. Although I’ve made up for some of the losses, we still need to save face for them.”
She glanced at Audrey and continued, “Ms. Henderson, you’re so kind–you wouldn’t let the future cooperation between our two companies suffer because of Edana’s mistake, would you?”
Serena wasn’t entirely unreasonable. Baldwin had urgently adjusted shipments to ensure the delivery time and quality for the large cargo ship, but the losses from his adjustments were more than just financial.
Those biological agents were used not only in medicine but also in cosmetics, and the shortage had surely caused losses and troubles for other partners -issues not solvable by money alone. To maintain future cooperation, they had to soothe Baldwin’s feelings.
Baldwin loved drinking, and Audrey’s connections and alcohol tolerance became crucial at this moment.
Paul inwardly approved of Serena’s arrangement but didn’t want to force Audrey. “Resolving Edana’s troubles is a family matter. for you. Ms. Henderson has no obligation to help,” Paul said, not immediately agreeing, but Audrey could see from his eyes that he was wavering.
If that were true, she would leverage Paul and Serena’s connections for her own benefit without any guilt.
Serena suppressed the disdain in her eyes and smiled. “I’ll split half of Edana’s bonus with you. Ms. Henderson, I hope you’ll consider the bigger picture.”
When Paul cast a questioning look at her, Audrey nodded in agreement. Serena had expected Audrey to refuse or demand a larger share of Edana’s commission, but she was surprised by how readily she agreed.
Audrey chose the restaurant–a six–story cruise ship/docked at the port. After it could no longer meet long–distance navigation requirements, it was converted into a themed restaurant. Each floor had a different style and class, making it a popular venue for banquets.
Baldwin, along with Miguel and a department manager, met Audrey and the others in a private room on the third floor.
“Ms. Henderson, long time no see,” said Baldwin, who had only met Audrey once but remembered her vividly. Every time he bowled with Miguel, he heard about Audrey’s wisdom, and how she had eased Miguel’s biggest headache–the conflict between his wife and son.
Miguel had also told him about the recent clash between his wife and secretary, which only heightened Baldwin’s curiosity
09:20 Fri, 6 Jun
Chapter 157
“Hello, Mr. Connor,” Audrey said, bowing slightly and offering her hand.
Baldwin said, “I’ve never had the chance to meet you properly. Let’s get to know each other today. Come, sit next to me Serena had intended to sat beside Baldwin, but she awkwardly yielded the seat to Audrey at his words.
“Thank you,” Audrey said, sitting beside him with ease.
Baldwin had Paul on one side and Audrey on the other, with Miguel next to Audrey, so Serena had to sit beside Paul. She leaned close to whisper something in Paul’s ear, but he maintained his smile while shooting her a warning glance.
Soon, Edana arrived, carrying two bottles of tequila. “Sorry, I’m late.”
“Ms. Henderson, you’re welcome to visit my home even on weekdays. Brooke misses you,” said Miguel.
“I heard you tutored Ivan. That kid has grown up under my eyes, and now he’s finally studying seriously,” said Baldwin.
Both Miguel and Baldwin spoke to Audrey, ignoring the latecomer Edana. She was deeply embarrassed and looked to Serena for help.
Serena glanced at her, and Edana quickly opened the tequila to pour everyone a full glass.
Baldwin kept talking to Audrey without turning his head, only tapping the tabletop absently with his fingers.
“Mr. Connor, are you using Biofreeze? Are your joints bothering you?” Audrey asked with a smile.
Baldwin paused and looked at Miguel, who shook his head slightly, indicating he hadn’t mentioned it.
“How did you know?” Baldwin asked, surprised.
“I can smell Biofreeze,” Audrey replied. “If I’m not mistaken, it’s for treating frozen shoulder.”
Baldwin gave Audrey a thumbs–up and patted his left shoulder. “I injured this when I was young. It acts up every cloudy day.” Audrey poured Baldwin a cup of warm water and said, “I know a doctor. If you’re interested, I can ask if he has any home remedies.”
“I’ll look forward to your good news,” Baldwin said, raising his glass. Audrey followed suit, and they clinked glasses, each taking a sip.
In fact, after deciding to attend, Audrey asked Calvin to investigate Baldwin’s background. His shoulder injury was an old wound that ached in humid weather, so she deliberately invited him to the riverside cruise restaurant, where the air was damp.
Baldwin would apply Biofreeze in advance to prevent discomfort, allowing Audrey to seize the opportunity to build rapport.
She didn’t aim to solve Paul’s problems–she wanted Baldwin as her own resource.
Watching Baldwin and Audrey quickly grow friendly, Serena angrily pinched her own leg under the table. She h at networking.
er expected Audrey to be so adept
Edana had said Audrey had only met Baldwin once and barely spoken to him, yet she could smell the ointment on him and coincidentally know a doctor for such issues.
To be honest, Serena regretted inviting Audrey, as she was monopolizing Baldwin’s attention. Serena signaled Edana to take advantage of Baldwin’s good mood to offer a toast and defuse his negative feelings toward her.
Edana approached Baldwin with a liquor glass, bowing deeply. “Mr. Connor, I’d like to toast you and thank you for giving me a chance to correct my mistake.”
Baldwin’s smile faded instantly. He turned to look at her. “You’re close to Derek’s girlfriend, who’s been staying at your place. Did you know about Derek’s problems all along?”
