“Trouble with your suppliers? That why you look so stressed?”
Millie didn’t bother hiding her intentions. She glanced at Gian, making her move right in front of Danielle. “About that proposal I asked you to consider last time, Mr. Atwood—have you made up your mind?”
Everyone present was sharp enough to catch her drift immediately. She wasn’t even trying to be subtle.
But none of them were pure researchers; there was always a hint of business in the air.
Gian might be a scientist at the Blackwood Research Institute, but he’d started his own company—a clear sign he was here for profit. He had to think about keeping his business afloat. Surely, he knew what choice was best for him.
Gian’s dark eyes were fathomless. “What proposal?”
Millie hesitated, surprised he’d play dumb in front of everyone.
Still, she didn’t lose her cool.
“Mr. Atwood, we’re already partners, after all. If you really can’t find a supplier, we can step in. Of course, you’d have to give up a bit more on the margins.”
Gian offered a polite, chilly smile. “Thanks for the offer, Miss Fletcher, but that won’t be necessary.”
Millie narrowed her eyes ever so slightly, her gaze shifting to Danielle. She had to admit: Danielle was stunning. No wonder Gian was so taken with her.
“Miss Crawford,” Millie said, voice deceptively gentle, “don’t drag a good man down just for your own benefit. This isn’t your world. The sooner you step away, the less likely you are to end up drowning in debts you can’t repay. Your daughter still needs money for school.”
She laid out her warning and the potential consequences with ruthless clarity.
“Because of our past connection, I could always pretend our bet never happened. I respect Mr. Atwood’s talent, and I’d hate to see him get caught in the crossfire.”
Every word was meant to push Danielle out and draw Gian in. Millie was a master at sowing discord.
After all, it was always Millie who walked away with the deals, while the rest of them scrambled to find new partners, worried and exhausted. Today was clearly another attempt at negotiation.
Now that she’d extended an olive branch, Gian should at least be grateful.
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