Chapter 39 The document was a mess, stained and reeking of something foul.
Ian had a notorious obsession for cleanliness. He would have a fit if this file landed on his desk. It didnât take a genius to predict the ensuing drama.
Claraâs fingers whitened as she pinched the papers.
Heidl, the pampered heiress of the Campbell clan, had stooped to play assistant at Hayes Corporation. Clara wasnât born yesterday; she knew exactly what the play was here. Sheâd even bet her last dollar that this kind of sabotage was going to become a regular Occurrence.
A dark smirk played on Claraâs lips.
Fifteen minutes ticked by before Clara stepped back into the boardroom, emptyâhanded. Heidiâs face lit up with smug satisfaction, which vanished as quickly as it appeared. Pretending to be the good Samaritan, she implored, âlan, this contract hiccup might cost us a pretty penny, but Iâm sure Ms. Claraâs slip wasnât intentional. Could you possibly not punish her for my sake? Iâll cover the losses.â
lanâs expression was unreadable. âWith what exactly?â
Heidi, undeterred, smiled brightly. âThe Campbell familyâs launching a resort development on the outskirts. Itâs a multiâbillion dollar project with a bright future. Itâs highly sought after. I could talk to my father and reserve this opportunity for you.â
lanâs icy gaze cut to Clara, his voice devoid of warmth. âWhat do you think?â
Clara offered a thin smile. âMr. Hayes, our team has researched that project. The last developer clashed with the local government and absconded with the funds. Theyâre reâtendering to find a sucker to fill the hole. Iâd rather we not be that sucker.
Besides, the project involves displacing local farmersâitâs a headache we donât need.â
As she spoke, Clara cast the investigative report onto the big screen. The shareholders nodded in agreement with her analysis.
A clenched fist was Heidiâs only response. Was Clara insinuating that the Campbell family would be the fools?
Heidi, trying to maintain composure, pressed, âSince my offer doesnât appeal to you, Ms. Clara, how do you propose we mitigate the loss of this contract?â
lanâs gaze lingered on Clara, filled with curious anticipation. If Clara played her cards right, showed a little vulnerability, he might let her off the hook.
Unruffled, Clara pulled out a USB drive from her pocket, her demeanor steady. âThe contract ended up in a bathroom trash can, not exactly presentable for the boardroom. Iâve scanned the documents onto this drive for our discussion. Also, Iâve arranged for a 11:129 Chapter 39 fresh copy to be delivered. It should be here within half an hour, so thereâs no delay in signing.â
As the scanned contract appeared on the computer, a fleeting smile crossed lanâs face. Yet his tone remained cool as he addressed Clara, âI donât want a repeat of this mistake.
Clara nodded firmly. âMr. Hayes, Iâll be more vigilant against the snakes in our midst.â
With that, she cast a glance at Heidi, offering a smile that was more a polished blade than a gesture of goodwill..
It was a clear signal, and the seasoned shareholders caught on without a word. Respect for Heidiâs status as the Campbell heiress was the only thing keeping their mouths shut.
Anger flashed through Heidi, her fists so tight her nails dug into her palms, yet she felt no pain.