Katelyn’s smile widened, tinged with coldness and mockery.
She regarded Lise and Neil as though they were fools. “So, you expect me to work with the Wheeler Group and lower my rates? Or better yet, you want me to assist him for free?”
It was exactly what Lise meant, but the way Katelyn phrased it made it sound so harsh.
Lise forced a smile and replied, “Katelyn, I’m aware of your standard rates, but Neil isn’t just anyone to you, right? We’re not asking for free help. We’re simply hoping you can defer the payment until his company stabilizes.”
As she spoke, Lise clenched her fists, her voice faltering.
“If we drain the company’s accounts to pay you, the Wheeler Group could collapse if anything unexpected happens.”
Lise exaggerated the potential consequences deliberately, trying to paint Katelyn as ruthless and manipulative in front of the two men, especially Neil.
Even if Katelyn agreed to cooperate, Lise was certain her intentions weren’t genuine. She’d be happy to see the Wheeler Group fail—it was all part of her plan!
Vincent looked at Lise with cool detachment. His gaze was unreadable, his thoughts hidden.
“Mr. Wheeler hasn’t made any comments about the Wheeler Group’s situation, but you, Miss Bailey, seem very vocal. Are you acting as his spokesperson? Or is it because the Wheeler Group can’t afford the high design fees, so they’ve turned to you for assistance?”
Katelyn felt like cheering for Vincent.
?ν﹒
She knew he was usually reserved, but she had never seen him this sharp. He had precisely pinpointed their vulnerabilities.
Neil shot a reluctant look at Vincent. Though he was annoyed, he had to maintain an air of humility.
“Mr. Adams, this matter is between Katelyn and me. You seem to be taking too much interest.”
Vincent replied casually, “I just can’t stand watching someone being morally manipulated.”
His demeanor remained calm and controlled, a stark contrast to Neil’s suppressed fury.
“Design fees are meant for designers. In all my years, I’ve never encountered anyone as shameless as you two.”
Vincent’s sarcasm hit the mark. His use of the word “shameless” was perfectly fitting.
At first, Neil and Lise tried every method to get Katelyn to sign the contract, only to later complain that she was asking for too much.
Once word got out, Neil’s reputation would be ruined if public opinion shifted even slightly.
However, Neil’s reputation was already in tatters, so what did it really matter?
Vincent’s comments were straightforward but devastating. Lise clenched her fists, unsure of what to do next. This was not the outcome she had anticipated.
Moreover, Vincent had never openly supported Katelyn before. While he had hinted at it occasionally, he had never been this direct.
What had changed today?
Had his relationship with Katelyn evolved? Were they now a couple?
Neil was pondering the same questions. He stepped forward, his teeth clenched in frustration.
“Mr. Adams, this is a personal matter. Why are you interfering?”
Vincent, with one hand casually in his pocket, responded in a laid-back tone that only fueled Neil’s anger.
“Just helping out a damsel in distress.”
Katelyn silently applauded Vincent.
It turned out that Vincent, who seemed so reserved, could actually be quite biting.
She enjoyed watching Neil squirm.
Realizing they were losing control of the situation, Lise quickly regained her composure and tried to steer the conversation back to calmer waters.
“Mr. Adams, there’s been a misunderstanding. We’re not trying to manipulate anyone here. We’re simply looking to make some adjustments based on the current situation. Ultimately, it’s Katelyn’s decision. If she wishes to see the Wheeler Group fail, that’s her prerogative.”
Lise’s words shifted the focus back to the main issue. She was intent on showing Neil just how ruthless and merciless Katelyn could be.
With a mocking glint in her eyes, Katelyn looked at Vincent.
“Mr. Adams, you heard her, right? This might be your chance to take over the Wheeler Group. Let’s not miss out.”
Neil clenched his teeth in anger at her words.
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. Official source is F?nd-Novel.net
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