Chapter 103

Chapter 103 I skimmed through messages, ignoring the disingenuous concerns. Then, I saw a message from Zhu Manting, the team leader of my former project team. It was from three days ago. She mentioned that the the Shaw Corp and Crowe Group project was in trouble. Crowe Group’s loan was blocked by Jones Group Bank.

Jones Group... My heart skipped a beat. I immediately called Zhu Manting “Manting, tell me about the project.” Zhu Manting hid in the stairwell. “Crowe Group said it was the CEO of Jones Group Bank’s order. He said the negative publicity could impact the project, causing repayment issues, requiring re–evaluation. Even though I work for the Shaw Corp, I shouldn’t be saying this, but Jones Group’s CEO is truly powerful.““Apparently, the CEO went to the Crowe residence that afternoon. It didn’t go well. The Gus threatened to cancel the project if he didn’t marry Rita. He retorted that he only loved...” she paused, her voice lower, “He said he only loves his wife! He only loves you, the boss! He’ll never marry Rita!““Right after the families clashed, Secretary Huang rushed over to tell Mr. Crowe about the blocked loan. Wasn’t that amazing? Like he had a crystal ball.”

Me:“...Amazing!” I paused.“Is the project really canceled?”

Zhu Manting: “Mr. Crowe has been at the CEO’s office for days. Everyone says it’s about his sister or the project. Afterward, they went to Jones Group twice, but Mr. Jones wouldn’t see them.”

My heart pounded. Evan had acted on my behalf immediately. He not only made the Shaw and Gu families suffer, but the repercussions would continue. I could imagine Jiang Wenhui being berated; the Crowes probably wanted to lock up Rita.

Business is business. The Gus used the project as leverage; Julian knew it was just a threat. But Evan blocking the loan was real.

I stood in the courtyard for a long time. The sky was clear, the sea boundless, the sun bright, the clouds soft... I had to admit...

having someone protecting you...felt good...

****

The drive from the fishing village to Chicago took seven hours. I’d arrive around 8 PM. I was in a good mood. I swore I would be completely devoted to Jones Group!

At 7 PM, I returned to my car after using the restroom at a rest stop. A man standing near the grass, talking on the phone, caught my attention. I think I’d seen him at the first rest stop... Now I knew why. Three nights ago, while buying snacks at a convenience store, I’d seen this man!

A sudden tension gripped me. I hid my phone in my coat pocket, remaining calm as I got into my car. Instead of driving off immediately, I locked the doors, put on an eye mask, lowered the seat, and pretended to sleep. I left a large gap under the mask, allowing me a clear view of the area in front of the car. The man was smoking on the roadside, in his thirties, average height, tanned skin, a T–shirt, jacket, and jeans–completely unremarkable. He was on the phone, laughing, but his gaze kept drifting toward my car.