"Last time, I must've been half-drunk," Frank said through the phone, his voice casual but impatient. "That factory you mentioned is all the way down in Georgia, right? Hauling putty and plaster that far makes no sense. Besides, the so-called 'renovation' at the Observatory Tower is just for the new CEO's office. The rest of the building's fine—barely any work to do."
Jack rubbed the back of his neck, refusing to give up."Even if it's just the office, it's still something, right? Buying straight from the source means cheaper prices—shipping costs would balance out. How about this, Frank—I'm hanging out at Lakeside Point right now. Beautiful view, great barbecue, tons of college girls from across campus. Come by, we can eat, drink, and talk business. You'll love it."
Jack's social skills were the only thing that kept him relevant. He'd charmed and hustled his way into the Vice President role in the Student Union, and he knew how to talk his way into people's good graces.
Manager Frank hesitated for a moment before saying, "Alright, fine. I'll swing by for a bit."
Not far away, Mike, Meg, and Chris overheard pieces of Jack's conversation and exchanged exasperated looks.
"Man…" Mike sighed, shaking his head. "First he drags Robert here, now he's calling Frank? Jack really doesn't learn."
"He's gone way too far for Julia," Emma added softly. "And what did it get him? Jason Carter just exists, and the whole world bends around him."
Josh gave a wry laugh. "Yeah. It's like trying to box a hurricane."
But Jack wasn't listening to reason. When people get caught in obsession, even humiliation doesn't sober them up.
About half an hour later, an Audi pulled up near the lake. A young man in a fitted gray suit stepped out, scanning the crowd. His shoulders relaxed when he spotted Jack waving at him.
"Manager Frank, over here!" Jack hurried forward, almost tripping over himself.
Frank nodded slightly, looking around as he walked—his expression shifting the moment his gaze landed on the girls by the grill. His chest puffed out a bit more, his stride slowing as if he were inspecting a new property.
And then his eyes found her—Julia.
His gaze brightened instantly.
Jack noticed. He quickly grabbed Frank's arm and steered him toward a different direction. "This way, this way. Let me introduce you to a couple of my friends—Emma and Grace. They'll take care of the food while we talk shop."
"Emma, could you grill some skewers for Manager Frank?" Jack said it casually, as if it were a simple favor.
Emma blinked. She'd already found Jack's behavior distasteful today—humiliating himself for Julia had drained all her respect for him. Now, seeing him ask her to serve this random guy like a waitress, her opinion of him dropped even lower. Sometimes, losing interest in someone happens in just one moment.
"I'm fine for now," Frank said, dismissing the idea with a wave. His eyes, however, drifted right back toward Julia. "Let's discuss the deal first."
A muscle twitched in Jack's jaw, though he kept his smile intact. Frank was just a facilities manager for the Observatory Tower—technically a mid-tier contact—but still someone Jack couldn't afford to offend.
It's fine, he told himself. Julia won't go for him. She's not that kind of person. As long as this goes well and her family benefits, she'll see I'm serious.
He had no idea he was about to walk straight into another wall.
Jack led Frank toward the grills, forcing a cheerful tone. But before they got halfway there, Frank suddenly stopped cold.
Jack blinked. "What's wrong?"
Frank's eyes were locked on someone across the crowd—sitting casually by the fire, turning over a rack of grilled wings.
Jason Carter.
Frank's entire posture changed. His eyes widened; the color drained from his face. For three full seconds, he stood there, motionless.
Then, without warning, he strode straight toward Jason.
Jack froze, dumbfounded, as Frank stopped beside Jason and—before anyone could react—bowed slightly.
"Mr. Carter," Frank said, voice trembling with a nervous laugh. "I—I didn't expect to run into you here. What a surprise! Guess today's my lucky day."
The entire lakeside gathering went silent.
Jason barely looked up from the grill. "Frank," he said simply, acknowledging him with a nod.
That was all.
But to Frank, it was like a handshake from a president. "Yes, sir," he said quickly, hands clasped in front of him, "I've already arranged the new design team for the top floor. We'll start Monday morning—right on schedule."
"Good." Jason flipped a skewer and went back to cooking.
Jack just stood there, face pale, watching Frank—the man he'd spent days begging to show up—turn into a nervous wreck in front of Jason.
His phone felt heavy in his hand.His heartbeat pounded in his ears.
Again? he thought helplessly. How is this happening again?
Julia glanced between the two men, realization dawning. So this was why Jason never bragged or promised anything—he didn't need to. The world seemed to rearrange itself around him, quietly, effortlessly.
And without ever meaning to, she smiled.
Some people chase power their whole lives.Others are born with it—and act like it's nothing more than background noise.
Jack froze on the spot, unable to believe the scene before his eyes.
He brought Robert, and the other party cowered when he saw Jason Carter.
One such coincidence was already unlucky enough, right?
How come he brought Manager Frank, and it was the same situation again?
Did he not check the calendar before going out today?
What he didn't know was that any method he wanted to use to help Julia's family's wall-finish factory would naturally involve renovation companies, real estate, and construction firms.
Once these were involved, Jason Carter's name was bound to come up. As one of the most influential investors in the city, his connections ran through nearly every major project. It didn't need to be much of a coincidence at all.
Of course, it was indeed unlucky that he happened to find the manager of the Observatory Tower this time.
Jason Carter gnawed on a skewer of beef while glancing at Manager Frank and asking, "And you are?"
It wasn't surprising that Jason didn't recognize him; he had investments in so many industries that it was impossible to remember every manager involved.
Manager Frank quickly introduced himself: "Mr. Carter, I'm one of the facility management managers at the Observatory Tower. My name's Frank, sir."
"Oh, you're also here for barbecue," Jason asked casually, seeing no need to put on airs outside of business.
However, Jason's casual question immediately made Manager Frank's heart tighten.
Although he was out with the intention of discussing business with Julia, his main purpose, as he himself knew, was because Jack said there were female college students here, and he also said that after the deal was done, he would take him to sing karaoke and get a foot massage.
Coming out for barbecue during working hours and using his position for personal entertainment with others.
Although such things were common, as long as the work was done well, it was a big problem when it was in front of someone like Jason Carter.
Moreover, the first glance he took at Julia had stirred a thought in him, and Jason was eating barbecue with her, seemingly having a close relationship.
Having thoughts about someone close to Jason Carter was not asking for death?
Although he hadn't acted yet, not even a thought should have occurred.
Manager Frank quickly explained, "Mr. Carter, I'm out to discuss business. Jack said that Julia's family produces wall-finish materials, and I thought sourcing directly from the factory would save a lot of money. Even with shipping, it'd still be cheaper."
Jason didn't delve deeper, nodded, and decided, "Then there's no need to discuss it; just use her family's factory."
"Okay, I'll directly coordinate with Suping Factory," Manager Frank was very sensible and immediately agreed.
Since someone like Jason Carter had made the decision, there were no questions.
Were quality checks and prices important?
Did Jason Carter care about such small gains?
Even if there were any problems, it was his responsibility as a subordinate to solve them, and he shouldn't ask another word.
The boss mentioning wall-finish supplies was as rare as an emperor mentioning a broom used in a noble's courtyard.
For someone who moved millions in investments without blinking, discussing something like wall-finish powder for another moment was a waste of time.
Julia was stunned for a moment, then quickly said, "Mr. Carter, won't this be bad? I know your good intentions, but you can't sacrifice your company's interests. We can discuss it to see if it's cost-effective after deducting shipping fees. If it is, then we can cooperate."
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