Flynn looked absolutely upset, but he couldnât say anything about it. In the end, he said, âWe have a few companies that have canceled their partnership. They look to you as their leader. If itâs possible, weâd like you to convince them to reinstate the partnership.â
âUmâ¦â Benjamin looked at Emmeline.
Emmeline said nothing.
âThis isnât our problem really,â said Benjamin. âI canât promise anything until Iâve talked things through with them.â
âVery well.â Flynn nodded. âI can wait.â
Evelyn whispered, âBut Flynn, a three-percent increment is too much.â
âI know, but what choice do we have?â an upset Flynn said, âEither this, or we lose our supply, and our production line becomes a liability.â
âThatâs not good.â Evelyn quickly said, âThose things cost hundreds of millions.â
âYouâre not a total fool.â Flynn turned to Benjamin. âMr. York, we have a deal. But please help us with the other partners.â
âVery well.â Benjamin nodded. âIâll keep that in mind.â
Janie whipped out the contract and handed it to Flynn, then they signed the new deal. Evelyn heaved a sigh of relief, but Flynn still looked miffed. This battle ended with a loss, and the one who beat him was Emmeline herself. He noticed Benjamin looking to her for permission, which meant she was the one behind this. Once they left the golf court and got into the car, Flynn said, âThis isnât over yet. Far from it.â
âWhat do you need me to do, Flynn?â Evelyn quickly asked.
âEmmeline started this,â said Flynn. âYouâll have to talk to her if you want this to end. We mustnât get on her bad side, or weâre going to lose a lot more ground.â
âAre you sure sheâs that powerful?â Evelyn frowned. She didnât think that was possible. âYou donât think sheâs some sort of mastermind, do you?â
âNo way.â Flynn sneered. âItâs all Abel. Heâs doing this because he likes her.â
âGood.â Evelyn sneered. âThen Iâm going to ask her out for a meal and punish her for doing this. And Iâm going to use her.â
âDonât do anything stupid, Evelyn,â said Flynn angrily. âI donât mind you taking her out for lunch or anything. Itâd be best if she can help us with Benjamin, but donât you dare do anything stupid, or weâre done for.â
âI know. I wonât do anything stupid, so donât worry.â Or so she said, but then she sneered. Youâre not getting away with this just like that, Emmeline.
It was already noon when the Murphy siblings left, so Benjamin asked Abel and Emmeline to have lunch with them. Everyone went to a room in the Struyria Banquet. While the men were out smoking, Janie asked, âMr. Ryker seems to be smothering you. Heâs recovered?â
Emmeline blushed and stared at the ground. âSmothering doesnât begin to describe it. He said he loves me more than ever.â
âGood,â said Janie. âWe were all worried sick about him.â
âLetâs not talk about me,â whispered Emmeline. âSo whatâs the situation between you and Ben?â
Janie smiled. âThe usual.â
âJanie, your efforts will not go to waste,â said Emmeline. âHeâs human too. He has a heart, and I know it.â
âYeah.â Janie nodded. âAt least he lets me stay with him, and heâd want me by his side whenever he needed company. Just like earlier. Iâm happy with that.â
âGood luck,â said Emmeline. âHeâs a good man. If you let any other woman take him away, Iâm going to deck you.â
âDonât worry,â said Janie. âIâll make him mine.â
âThatâs the Janie I know.â Emmeline smiled. âIâll help you when you need it.â
âThanks.â Janie nodded.
The men came back, and the ladies exchanged a look and said nothing more.