Chapter 224

Out of the Frying Pan Into the Fire I wondered why Atticus was going to such lengths to help me when we didn’t know each other well. It had to be more than it seemed Yet, I couldn’t figure out his motive. What could he gain from assisting a small, relatively unknown company like mine?

He studied me for a moment and then chuckled. “You’re unsure, aren’t you? Consider it a repayment for the favor you did for me before. I don’t like having debts to anyone, especially not to a woman.”

“In the professional world, Mr. Atticus, don’t treat me like just a woman!” I replied half–jokingly.

“You? Not a woman?” He laughed heartily. “Who could ever think otherwise?”

After a laugh, he added, “Don’t dwell on it too much. This is a small matter, hardly worth mentioning compared to the favor you did for me. Besides, you’ll cover the wages, so I think it’s a fair exchange.

This industry isn’t that big, after all. Let’s support each other.”

“Alright! Thank you, Mr. Atticus! I’ll remember your kindness. If there’s anything I can do for you in the future, I won’t hesitate to help.”

I knew not to overanalyze the situation. Overcoming this challenging period was the priority. When faced with a life–or–death situation, I wasn’t one to nitpick.

Moreover, he extended a helping hand voluntarily. Rejecting his offer would be disrespectful and could lead to my downfall.

After discussing the details, I left the club. It was a business meeting, and there was no need for idle chit-

chat.

Once I got into the car, I told Grayson, “It’s sorted out!”

However, even Grayson sensed something was amiss. Back at the company, we held a meeting to address the situation. Ryan, too, felt things weren’t as straightforward as they appeared, but we had no other option After all, if we were going to gamble, we had to go all in.

As soon as we solved one problem, another arose. The problem with the construction team was fixed, but there was a problem with the aluminum steel windows on the suspension bridge.

The construction team told us the measurements didn’t match, making window installation impossible.

Knowing Fred’s meticulous nature, this problem seemed impossible.

rushed to the site. The blueprints matched the window dimensions but didn’t align with the openings.

ATL Empire blamed us, claiming there hadn’t been on–site measurements. However, the blueprints from the design institute were perfectly aligned with the detailed construction plans.

That was when it hit me. The information on our approved blueprints had been cleverly changed. Only the information on the blueprints that Fred received was incorrect.

I told Fred to stop production immediately.

Representatives from all three parties convened at ATL Empire to discuss the issue. I couldn’t change the dimensions without unanimous agreement, and the blueprints came directly from their hands.

Moreover, before sending them to Fred, our technicians had double–checked everything. The situation reeked of suspicion.

Ryan was worried I might not handle it well and wanted to go with me. However, ATL Empire requested my presence specifically, I Even if Ryan were present, I knew it would just be adding another person to share the burden and humiliation. There was no need for both CEOs to receive an earful over a minor issue. In reality, they were looking for me.

I didn’t hesitate for a moment and drove straight to ATL Empire. There had to be a solution.

However, I noticed something peculiar when I arrived at the conference room.

A problem like this could be handled entirely by the project department. However, upon entering the conference room, they appeared to be preparing a tribunal.