Chapter 10 The Partri
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Chapter 10 The Partnership
The project between Seraphis Group and Bluebay had fallen through. As soon as Catherine entered the office, she saw everyone looking dejected and couldn’t help but sigh.
Back in her office, Catherine sorted through old client files. Without Bluebay, there were at least other clients that needed some follow-up.
Seeing Cecilia’s listless state, Catherine felt uncomfortable. Everyone had put so much effort into the Bluebay project. They had been waiting for the payment to come through so they could all go on a vacation together. But it had all fallen apart because of her.
Catherine opened the files in her hand and was surprised to see Bell Group in the list. She didn’t think Bell Group would also be seeking external bids for its projects.
She and Jeremy Bell were old acquaintances, but they hadn’t seen each other in ages. She wondered if he still remembered her. But if she could land Bell Group’s project, the company might be able to get out of this predicament.
Catherine felt somewhat uncertain. She found Jeremy’s number and hesitantly called. The phone rang several times, and her heart jumped with each ring.
Just as she thought he wouldn’t answer and was about to hang up, Jeremy’s deep, husky voice came through the phone. “Catherine?”
Catherine quickly pulled herself together. “Yes, it’s me. I saw that Bell Group has an external bidding project. I wanted to discuss a potential partnership with you. Are you available?”
“Of course. Since it’s about business, it’s better to meet in person.” On the other end, Jeremy’s lips curved into a faint smile. “How about we set up a meeting when you’re free?”
Catherine couldn’t help but feel hopeful. It seemed promising. “Would tomorrow work?”
“Let’s meet tomorrow then.” Jeremy agreed readily.
“See you tomorrow.” Catherine hung up and held back her excitement. If the partnership could be confirmed tomorrow, she would share the good news with everyone then.
The next morning, Catherine went to Bell Group at the agreed time. Upon hearing of her arrival, Jeremy’s assistant, Julian Cole, came down personally to greet her.
“Ms. Quinn, Mr. Bell is currently in a meeting. You might need to wait a moment.”
Catherine nodded. She followed Julian toward Jeremy’s office. On the way, they passed the conference room, and Michelle walked out. The two women briefly made eye contact.
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Catherine was the first to greet her. “Ms. Stone, what a coincidence.”
Michelle glanced back at the people in the conference room and smiled. “It really is quite a coincidence. I didn’t expect you to be so capable, Ms. Quinn.”
Catherine smiled back at Michelle’s pointed remark. “At my age, I’m nowhere near as capable as you are, Ms. Stone.”
The two women silently sized each other up when Harry and Jeremy emerged. Upon seeing Catherine, Harry frowned suddenly. “What are you doing here?”
Jeremy answered, “She’s here to discuss a partnership with me.”
Harry looked away, uninterested in what Catherine was doing. He said to Jeremy instead, ” Please take care of Bluebay’s matters.”
Hearing this, Catherine’s grip on her bag tightened suddenly. So Harry could be gentle and considerate, but the person he carefully protected simply wasn’t her.
Jeremy noticed Catherine’s somewhat pale lips and suddenly understood something. “With you around, Bluebay should be fine, so you shouldn’t need Bell Group. Let’s forget about the partnership.”
Harry looked up. His tone carried an unfriendly edge. “That’s not what you said earlier.”
“I was just considering it earlier. I never agreed.” Jeremy placed his hand on Harry’s shoulder. “I believe you can make Bluebay successful.”
“Are you serious?” Harry’s gaze inadvertently swept over Catherine. Jeremy’s attitude had shifted the moment Catherine showed up.
Jeremy nodded. “Thanks for coming by.”
Harry didn’t insist and left with Michelle.
Michelle spoke meaningfully, “I didn’t expect Jeremy to know Catherine. They seem to have
quite a good relationship.”
Harry grunted absently.
