Chapter 162

An Unexpected Reward After we made our decision, I talked to Ryan about the suppliers Benjamin had been working hard to keep.

I invited Benjamin to join us in the discussion to lay out a more flexible strategy. Of course, we could only make arrangements after confirming the project with Echelon Group.

That evening, Benjamin and Carol led all our employees to Gourmet Utopia, where they had reserved the largest private room available. It was fancier than my previous employee dinners, and all the staff were excited.

Gourmet Utopia was known for hosting parties and banquets, so most of its customers came in groups, On my way there, I received a phone call from Atlas. He asked me where the dinner was, and I told him.

“Hmm…” He reminded me, “No drinking, okay?”

“Why do you care? I’m having a good time with my employees tonight.”

I was happy that he sounded jealous.

He asked, “Well, you’re mine, right?”

I giggled and could picture him smiling on the other end.

“Alright, I have to go. Don’t stay up too late,” I said. He hung up.

I was happy to hear Atlas claim me as his. It made me feel less alone.

Carol had preordered the dishes, and the waiters served us as soon as we arrived. I could tell that Carol ordered the reasonably priced ones to save me money. She had only worked for me briefly, but she had been a great help.

Her memory was as sharp as mine. She also excelled at shorthand, surpassing my skills. We seemed to have a lot in common.

Just as I wanted to order a few more expensive dishes, a waiter pushed over a food cart. It surprised us to see cheese–baked matsutake mushrooms and lobsters served at every table.

That alarmed Carol. “Hey, hey, stop! We didn’t order these.”

The waiter continued serving the dishes. “They’re for you, ma’am.”

“No, they aren’t! You’ve made a mistake,” Carol said. A lobster that big would cost a fortune. Who would order them?

Everyone also received a plate of nachos topped with Petrossian caviar. My employees looked at me, but I was as stupefied as they were.

so generous h I I couldn’t afford to be before I could speak, the waiter said, “Don’t worry, ma’am. They are from Mr.

Atlas from ATL Empire as a reward for completing the project’s initial phase.”

What the hell? Was that why he asked me where the gathering was?

Others exchanged looks and stared at me. Damn it! Anyone could tell something was going on between me and Atlas now.

Since I was speechless, Carol quickly said, “Oh, when I delivered the blueprints, I jokingly said they should reward us for meeting their expectations. I didn’t expect them to take it seriously. I guess they’re loaded, aren’t they?”

She chuckled and said, “What are you guys waiting for? Let’s dig