Hiding Behind Her Superficiality

Chapter 55

Chapter 55 Elspeth Is Tempted

After realizing who it might be, Elspeth went back to the hotel and knocked on Callum’s door. “Callum, I have something to talk to you about.”

Before Elspeth could finish what she wanted to say, she was interrupted by Callum’s cold voice. “I’m in the middle of something now. I don’t have time.”

Noticing that Callum was currently not in a good mood, Elspeth stopped talking and kept quiet.

The two were in a stalemate at the door for a while before Callum realized that his tone was a bit harsh. Just as he was about to speak to ease the situation, he received a call.

Callum answered the phone and Arthur’s voice sounded on the other end. “Callum, Emma is back.” Those three words were like a stone being thrown into a calm lake, causing ripples in Callum’s already silent heart.

Arthur and Emma were from the same department in college, so they were pretty close. Arthur wouldn’t be lying to him. Without giving it another thought, Callum subconsciously blurted, “Where is she? Tell me.”

Since the surrounding was quiet, Elspeth could hear their conversation loud and clear.

Emma, his first love whom he liked for years, was back?

It seemed that what Arthur said was true. Callum couldn’t forget her.

“She’ll only be back for a short while this time. She’ll be leaving for Eden tomorrow morning.”

Arthur’s intentions were obvious. If Emma was taking the plane back tomorrow morning, Arthur was implying that it wasn’t too late for Callum to see her if he left now.

Callum hummed and replied, “I’ll be back later.”

After hanging up the phone, Callum lowered his head and suddenly saw Elspeth’s dazed expression.

His heart clenched unexpectedly.

“I…”

“What about the collaboration? Are we still going to discuss it?” Elspeth questioned after taking a deep breath.

Callum’s gaze gradually turned dark. “Let’s give up on the collaboration for now.”

“Cooperating with NK Group will bring a huge profit for Winthrop Group. Do you really want to give up?” Elspeth questioned in a deep voice, feeling bitter.

From what she knew about Callum, he was someone who cared deeply about the interests of the company.

“I have something urgent coming up, so let’s cancel it for now.”

“Something urgent? Your urgent matter is to go back and see her. Callum, I can still negotiate the cooperation without you. Feel free to leave.”

Callum frowned. “It’s not what you think.”

“Whatever. That’s your business.” After Elspeth finished speaking, she didn’t bother to listen to his explanation before turning around and leaving without looking back.

Callum’s eyes dimmed a little. He resisted the thought of catching up to her and left the hotel anyway.

After returning to her room, Elspeth felt a ball of anger forming within her. Just then, Harper called. Elspeth answered the call, sounding displeased.

“What’s up?”

Hearing her tone, Harper was taken aback and inquired, “What’s wrong, Elsie?”

Elspeth frowned and continued, “Just go straight to the point. I’m fine.”

“Azure Corporation encountered a problem recently. I think you should come back and take a look in person.” Harper’s tone was serious as if there was a huge issue.

Recalling how Callum lost control over the mention of Emma, she quickly told Harper that she would return as soon as possible. However, the discussion for collaboration wasn’t done yet, so Elspeth decided to negotiate with Jordan before leaving.

When Elspeth found Jordan, he was drinking coffee behind the screen in the hall. The aroma of coffee filled the surroundings while smoke lingered in the air.

“I knew you’d come and see me, Miss Lynwood.” Jordan looked like he had expected her, which left Elspeth puzzled.

“Why do you say so?’

“I believe you’re a wise woman. You know that cooperating with NK Group will bring you huge benefits.” When he was saying that, he was all smiles, but it wasn’t a pleasant sight.

Elspeth smiled in response. “What about you, Mr. Carr? What are your thoughts on the cooperation with Winthrop Group?”

Jordan intentionally built up suspense. “I’m sad that Mr. Winthrop isn’t willing to work with NK Group… but if you can offer me an interesting token, I might still consider proceeding with the cooperation.”

As for the bargaining token, it would depend on whether Elspeth’s offer was attractive enough.

“The development of Winthrop Group is obvious to all. I believe you understand that cooperation with us will be a win-win situation.” Contrary to his expectations, her words did not make his heart waver. Smiling, he suggested, “I think you can offer me something else.”

Frowning, Elspeth thought, Does this not work?

“I don’t get what you mean. Please tell me directly.”

Jordan no longer concealed it this time. “I think you are a worthy token of negotiation, Miss Lynwood.”

A trace of displeasure painted across Elspeth’s face. “I don’t understand what you’re referring to.” Property © of NôvelDrama.Org.

Looking at her with an unnatural expression, he laughed out loud. “Don’t be nervous. Although I admire you, I have no intentions of taking advantage. Frankly speaking, I have taken a fancy to your capability. I’d like to offer you a placement in NK Group. If you accept it, I will definitely offer you a senior management position.”

Fearing that Elspeth would not like the idea, he even made the conditions more attractive. “You’re probably already aware of NK Group’s development strength, so it won’t take long for us to catch up with Winthrop Group. Besides, if NK Group and Winthrop Group were to collaborate, then it doesn’t matter who you work for anymore since both parties would benefit.”

His words were impeccable. He did not only introduce NK Group’s development strength but also provided Elspeth with an excuse to leave her current company.

If it were an ordinary person, they would have been tempted long ago, but she was different. She was Elspeth, or to put it bluntly, she had the status and money, so these things couldn’t tempt her at all.

“I’m just an insignificant employee. How could I be worth as a bargaining token for the cooperation between Winthrop Group and NK Group?” Elspeth’s intentions were clear. This sentence was a tactful rejection.

“If you are not willing to take it, I will not force you, but NK Group shall not give in to this cooperation.”

Hearing that, Elspeth got up and offered him a light smile. “I understand what you mean now. If that is the case, I won’t force it on you.” With that said, Elspeth got up to leave but was stopped by Jordan. “Please wait, Miss Lynwood.”

Elspeth smirked and turned around. “What’s wrong?”

Sure enough, the shrewd Jordan would never let go of this collaboration opportunity. In fact, she made the right bet.

Helplessly, Jordan gave in. “I’m defeated by you, Miss Lynwood. Let’s proceed with the collaboration between Winthrop Group and NK Group. I’ll draft the contract and email it to you later. Looking forward to the cooperation with Winthrop Group.”

This time, Elspeth showed a sincere smile. “Me too.”

“To be honest, I like you more now.”

Unlike the vanity and frivolity of ordinary women, Elspeth’s smile was like a ray of sunshine in the morning.

Most importantly, Elspeth was smart and cunning, an attractive aspect that could easily lure any businessman.