Chapter 35

Ian tossed the USB drive to Terry. “Print out the investment plan and send it to Bolton Investment. If it

gets approved, reward Sage accordingly.”

Although Mimosa couldn’t be considered a top–tier investment, it was Holcomb Corporation’s first

acquisition project for Bolton Investment. Therefore, it needed to be meticulously prepared to make a

strong impression.

That was also the reason why the company’s investment analysts had been working on proposals

recently. To motivate them, the company even established bonuses for the best proposals.

Unexpectedly, Sage also expressed interest in participating and managed to produce a plan that

gained Ian’s acknowledgment within such a short period.

Thinking of this, Terry silently admired Sage’s ability and took the USB drive. ” Alright, Mr. Holcomb.”

“Ms. Joyner, feel free to order anything you like. Don’t be shy.”

In the luxurious and low–key private club, Shane lounged on a soft couch. He

casually propped his feet up on the coffee table. Two slim and graceful women sat by his sides.

To keen eyes, Shane’s relaxed demeanor suggested it was a business meeting. But to those unaware,

it might seem like a display of his lavish lifestyle.

“Mr. Morrison, is it possible for them to leave?” Sage asked.

“No.” Shane smiled devilishly. “Ms. Joyner, if they leave, we’ll be alone together. Wouldn’t that be

inappropriate?”

After a moment of speechlessness, Sage remarked, “Mr. Morrison, you can

consider me as a dude.”

Shane nonchalantly responded, “No can do, Ms. Joyner. Who would see such a beautiful woman like

you as a dude?”

Sage didn’t bother arguing with him and turned directly to the two beautiful women. She said, “I noticed

that there’s a spa area here. Please go and have a full -body spa to relax. Don’t worry, Mr. Morrison will

cover all the expenses.”

As the two women exchanged glances, Shane raised an eyebrow. He quipped, ” Ms. Joyner has given

the word. Go ahead.”

Then, he teased Sage, “Looks like you’re as stingy as Ian.”

Sage remained composed. “If word got out that you spend someone else’s money on women, I’m

afraid it’ll be embarrassing for you.”

“I suppose I should thank you for being considerate.” Having mocked her, Shane revealed a more

businesslike demeanor. “Ms. Joyner, is the investment plan ready?”

“Yes, but there’s been a bit of an unexpected situation.”

With a suspicious look from Shane, Sage briefly explained the incident of Ian taking her USB drive.

“Although I have a backup on my laptop, he has already seen the contents. It could complicate things.”

Sage could only blame herself for not having the habit of shutting down her laptop and for assuming

Ian wouldn’t enter her room. She had let her guard down. 1

After all, revising the investment plan wasn’t just a matter of time constraints; certain crucial data was

challenging to alter.

Shane asked, “So, how do you plan to handle this?”

Sage knew that Shane didn’t completely trust her, and he probably had backup plans himself. However,

his failure to secure Mimosa in the previous timeline indicated the ineffectiveness of his plans.

Sage suggested, “Let’s go directly to Mimosa and discuss a collaboration. As long as we’re a step

ahead, Bolton Investment’s proposal won’t affect us.”

Chuckling, Shane pointed out, “That’s a good idea. But Ms. Joyner, have you considered that by

initiating the collaboration first, we’re essentially revealing our cards? It would allow Bolton Investment

to adjust their pricing at any time.”

Usually, competition in investment projects boiled down to money. When two rival companies had equal

strength, the one with more money had the upper

hand.

Sage understood this well, so she proposed, “What if we establish a collaboration in advance?”

By confirming the collaboration, Bolton Investment wouldn’t have a chance even if they offered a higher

price later.

“Ms. Joyner, are you joking?”