Chapter 66

66 66. The Spy

Paula was surprised at Kato’s reaction. Why did the man suddenly suspect her?

“What do you mean?” Paula asked in a calm tone. Perhaps, the man just happened to ask that. Perhaps, she was overthinking it. “I am a novice designer who was assigned to come here. It was planned a month ago,” added Paula again, smiling faintly.

“Are you a newcomer to AJ?” Kato asked urgently. “Your behavior shows no such thing.”

That’s when Paula felt she had gotten too carried away. She should have just kept quiet and let Kato control the situation.

“Sorry, I won’t repeat my domineering attitude,” Paula said humbly. “I am used to the attitude of a team leader because at my previous work, I was the manager.”

Kato smiled sinisterly. “Huh, I think you know that is not the problem. I just don’t like it when Robert is spying on me. I know he’s not trusting anyone since the information leaked. However, that doesn’t mean he has the right to do things I don’t know about in my work territory. Why would he appoint me as a president of the Tokyo branch if he can’t just put a little trust in me.”

Kato’s words made Paula gasp. His father didn’t fully trust Kato. A little bit of doubt indeed existed. However, that didn’t mean he didn’t entrust AJ Tokyo to Kato.

“If Robert doesn’t believe in you, he probably already fired you, didn’t he?” Paula asked in a flat tone. She didn’t want to show any emotion to someone who turned out to be very sensitive. With one little mistake, her disguise would be exposed. “So, let’s work as usual since we don’t need this kind of unnecessary suspicion.”

“How wise ....”

.....

Paula smiled faintly. “Innocent people will definitely work in no fear, no?”

After saying so, Paula bowed to say goodbye. She put the tablet in her bag and left the meeting room without looking back at Kato. Even so, she knew very well that a cold gaze was watching her every move. She had to be careful not to make a careless act.

“Damn it! He must be Robert’s spy,” Kato said, annoyed as he pursed his lips into a thin line. Before long, his fist hit the table, making a loud booming sound.

Unfortunately, he forgot that he was not a karate expert. As a result, now he was actually in pain due to his mindless act. His fist that hit the table felt so much in pain that it made him wince and groan as he lifted his legs and ran around.

“Damn it! It hurts!”

***

Next day in William’s office....

William carefully double-checked his business plan. What his father said was true, not a single investor was willing to give a good answer to his offer. No wonder his father was furious when he let such a great investor like Mark slip.

It was useless to regret it now. He knew it! He also had his important reason. There must be something he can do to refine his plan. There had to be a way or he would never be able to see Paula again.

“Why don’t you just ask Alex for help?” Danica asked who understood William’s anxiety.

“Do you think he will help?” William answered with a lot of doubt. It was a question that had no answer but to laugh.

“You are really weird. Your mother was a businesswoman. Your uncle, Thomas, was also one. Why do you look like a person who doesn’t have a mentor?” Danica commented, laughing in amusement. “Does a business mentor have to be beautiful and sexy like Paula?” she added, teasing William.

“What do you mean?” William’s brows furrowed.

“Well, there’s nothing more interesting than discussing your business plan in bed,” Danica giggled even more.

William opened his mouth but said nothing. He was about to get angry, but he couldn’t help it and just laughed along because what Danica said was the truth. “Shit! A nosy secretary like you should be fired immediately!”

“How many times have you said you were going to fire me just because I knew what was in your head?” Danica wasn’t offended. She knew William was joking and was just a little embarrassed to admit his flaw.

“What can I do about it? I don’t want my mom to think about work anymore. She had spent her entire youth on business. I remember, she once said that she wanted to retire soon so that she could have a lot of leisure time to spend with my dad,” William explained with resignation.

Danica nodded. “What about Thomas? Your uncle? Are you reluctant because he is Samuel’s father?”

William was stunned for a moment. “I guess .... I should discuss this problem with him. Thank you, Danica!”

William then jumped out of the chair, pacing enthusiastically calling his uncle. His heart was pounding erratically. Hopefully, he would pick up the call soon. Unfortunately, there was no answer from his uncle’s cell phone.

He tried several times but there was no answer. What could he do? His uncle was a busy man. Of course, Thomas had a lot of work to do right now. He should have made an appointment beforehand. He then sent a message to Thomas.

An hour later, a message appeared. Thomas invited him to have dinner at home and talk after that because there was no other time.

That night, William knocked on his aunt’s door. He bought boxes of apple and cheese pies as a souvenir.

“Hi, William! How are you? It’s been a long time,” said a cheerful voice that sounded like the chirping bird in the morning. The one who opened the door was Sofia, Samuel’s sister.

“Hi, Sofia! I brought your favorite sweets,” William replied while handing her two boxes of pie with the Sakura Bakery on them. A big smile plastered on his face, which was still slightly bruised.

“Oh, thank you! Today my mom did not make pie. She’s obsessed with pudding,” Sofia chirped incessantly. She brought the box to his nose to smell the delicious aroma of apple and cinnamon. “Too bad. When you come, Samuel has already left for Tokyo this morning.”

William was stunned for a moment. “Samuel? Tokyo?” he asked, confirming.

Enthusiastically, Sofia nodded. “Samuel said he would come home and bring a daughter-in-law for mom! Great, isn’t it?”

He was thunderstruck hearing her words.