Chapter 167

Something’s Brewing I didn’t rush back to the company after leaving ATL Empire. Instead, I visited Ivanna. Since our schedules had been hectic, we had no time to meet. Ivanna looked surprised to see me. “What brings you here?”

I glanced at her and replied, “I don’t just drop by for no reason.

“It’s hard to tell,” she replied mischievously, “I thought you forgot about me and only cared for your new lover.”

“Stop with the sarcasm. If you have something to say, say it,” I retorted. I knew Ivanna’s expression she had something on me. Otherwise, she wouldn’t be so bold.

sion meant did it Sure enough, she smirked and leaned in closer to me. She locked eyes with me and said, “You guys already, right?”

I blushed and tried to avoid her probing gaze. “Mind your business! Don’t make things up!”

“Am I? I saw how he escorted you back the other day. Am I still your best friend if I can’t tell you have something going on with him?” Ivanna teased, “If I didn’t have some evidence, would I interrogate you like this?”

“I haven’t decided what to do yet. Stop talking about this. Why are you so nosy?” I shot back.

“Is it nosy of me? You attract the most gossip as a divorcee. Don’t blame me for not warning you.

Ivanna’s tone turned serious, “Chlo, it’ll be your downfall if someone exposes anything about you at a time like this. I’m just looking out for you.”

I fell silent when I realized Ivanna was right. I knew she had my best interests at heart.

When I didn’t respond, Ivanna continued, “Remember, there were some loose ends during your divorce proceedings. He’s a prominent figure now, and countless people are watching him. I’m not against your relationship; I’m just giving you a heads–up. Be careful!*

I nodded, and Ivanna said, “All right, enough about that. What’s going on?”

“Can you get me a list of Echelon Group’s clients? Preferably those related to their current land deals in the city?” I asked Ivanna.

Ivanna exclaimed. “Chloe, what are you planning?! That’s a dangerous thought you have. Do you understand what you’re doing?” Then she said hushedly, “That counts as a business crime, do you know.

that? It’s not as simple as investigating Matthew.”

I sighed and explained, “I’ve also secured a contract with Echelon Group for a project. I just want some 172 Ivanna warned, “Can’t you ask Johnson? Besides, big companies like Echelon Group are meticulous. It would be bad for us if they catch wind of any investigation. You should lay low!”

“I’ll ask Johnson, then,” I reluctantly agreed.

After leaving Ivanna’s place, I pondered her words. She was correct; I needed to ensure the project’s success and quality completion while minimizing risks. I pulled over to the side of the road and called Johnson.

He didn’t answer, so I waited in my car, thinking it might be inconvenient for him to talk now. However, it didn’t take long for Johnson to call back. “Ms. Chloe, what’s up?”

“I’ve signed the contract with Echelon Group,” I informed him.

“You signed it? Did it land in your basket just like that?” Johnson sounded surprised.

“You didn’t know about this?” I asked.

“Matthew has always eyed this contract. He put a lot of effort into getting it. I find it hard to believe he would let it go so quickly,” Johnson replied with a hint of skepticism, “That must be why I saw Melanie so furious in his office this morning. No one knows what happened.

“Can you find out more for mean have to be cautious,” I requested. 1 “That’s not a problem. I’ll try, but I can’t guarantee Matthew will reveal anything. He has become very cunning lately and seems determined to forge a close partnership with Echelon Group,” Johnson cautioned.

“By the way, there seems to be hope for us for the land in Operose. I’m not sure what ATL Empire is up to. Well, maybe they’re just having some internal issues. Did you perhaps ask Mr. Atlas about it?”

I gave a faint smile. “I don’t want to ask too much about these things.”

My answer was impeccable. On one hand, I didn’t deny my relationship with Atlas. On the other, I didn’t admit I couldn’t afford to make a wrong move. 1 “All right, I’ll gather some information,” Johnson agreed, seemingly more enthusiastic now. “Wait for my update.”

I revealed a faint smile as I hung up the call. I could sense something was brewing from Johnson’s response. I just had to make,someone go crazy to find out what it was.