chapter 26

Angela lowered her eyes and smiled. Then said Eden Lichman--" With Jorge Trumph Corporation's strength, you can very well enjoy the fruits of this Corporation by yourself. Why you need a third party to get involved?"She raised her eyebrows slightly and glanced Jorge. Eden Lichman--" After all this is a new field that no one's involved in. So Mr. Jorge Trumph cannot take the risk alone. "Jorge's voice was deep and clear. The corners of his lips hooked up " It won't be a wrong move for Reed Corporation to choose LIVIAN Corporation. I hope we will have a pleasant cooperation. "Eden Lichman clinked his glaas with Jorge and the two men waited for Angela's response. Since there was no other choice, Angela could only smile faintly as she gently raised her glass. The soft clink of glasses was crisp and pleasant. Everything was settled . Even though Angela was not happy about it, there was no way out. Her chest felt unpleasant and  stuffy.Eden Lichman breathed a sigh of relief and noticed the tense atmosphere  between the two of them.He tried to ease the situation and said "Why don't you two take the first dance as the opening to our anniversary celebration? I think this is undoubtedly the best way to announce our cooperation. "Jorge frowned slightly. Angela chuckled and reached out to tuck her hair behind her ears. She smiled and said " I don't know how to dance." After telling that, she turned on her heels and left, ignoring Jorge's cold gaze. Eden   Lichman said " It's just  one dance, but she is not even willing to. It seems that our future cooperation won't be very pleasant. Mr Trumph, you are the first person among the elites that have such a messy divorce. "Jorge Trumph's face sank as he stared at Angela's wearing dress. His expression turned even more downcast. Jorge-" Don't you know how to dance? Are you joking,?"Even if Angela was upset she still maintained her smile. When she gone downstairs, Michael Reed approached her with a warm smile " Done? "Angela's dull expression seemed cold without the joy of closing a deal . This made Michael Reed a little puzzled. Angela explained--" Jorge Trumph is a shareholder. So Mr Lichman ask for three ways cooperation."Michael Reed paused for a moment and finally understand why Angela looked so cold. He smiled and stroked her hair dotingly and gently. Michael Reed--" It's okay. That just mean we have someone to share the risk with. The benefits in this certainly outweigh the disadvantages."Angela froze for a moment and raised her eyebrows. She suddenly realized that for what Jorge Trumph was worried about was exactly Reed Corporation's woes as well. The benefits of this three way cooperation did outweigh the disadvantages. After Angela figured it out, the moodiness in her chest was instantly swept away.She smiled and  took Michael Reed's arm. Then gently placed her chin on his shoulder, and she whined "  Thanks big brother for reminding me. Otherwise I would’ve been cursing all of them for days on end!" Michael Reed could not help but laugh. Mythos intimate scene was an eyesore to a certain onlooker. Jorge stared at the pair from upstairs and watched Michael and Angela's intimate gestures. At that time David Bardem came up and scoffed." Bro,, I heard that Michael Reed isn't close to woman but why he is attracted to this woman? They must have an unspeakable relationship! "Jorge faintly retracted his gaze with a cold face. He ignored David and went downstairs to network with the other guests. Meanwhile, downstairs...Sofia and her clique of high-society ladies were still eyeing Angela with mixed expressions. Their faces twisted in annoyance as Angela continued to bask in the attention of the crowd."Who does she think she is?" One woman whispered, trying to mask her jealousy with a smirk."She’s changed so much. Back when she was married to Jorge, she was so plain and unremarkable," another woman added, swirling the wine in her glass.Sofia’s fingers dug into the stem of her glass. "Tsk. Just because she’s wearing an expensive dress doesn’t mean she’s suddenly special. If anything, it only proves how desperate she is to catch a man’s attention."One of her friends leaned in and whispered, "Do you think she’s trying to seduce Michael Reed?"Sofia narrowed her eyes.Michael Reed had always been distant from women, but he seemed unusually close to Angela. She had assumed Angela would crumble after the divorce, yet here she was, shining even brighter.Sofia refused to accept it.She raised her glass and elegantly approached the pair. With a fake smile, she spoke, "Angela, what a coincidence. You look... dazzling tonight."Angela turned her head slightly, her gaze calm and composed. "Thank you, Ms. Taylor. But I wasn’t expecting flattery from you. That’s a pleasant surprise."Sofia’s smile stiffened for a fraction of a second before she regained her composure. "I was just admiring how much you’ve changed. I hardly recognized you. You must have worked hard to fit into this world."Angela chuckled, taking a sip of her champagne. "No, Ms. Taylor. I simply stopped lowering myself to please others."Sofia’s expression darkened, but before she could retort, Jorge appeared behind her."Ms. Taylor," Jorge’s deep voice interrupted, "why are you wasting your time here?"Sofia turned, her eyes lighting up as she looked at Jorge. "I was just catching up with Angela."Jorge’s gaze remained on Angela. His eyes were unreadable, but there was something unsettling in the way he observed her.Angela met his gaze without flinching. She refused to let him see even a flicker of discomfort.Michael Reed, sensing the tension, gently placed his hand on Angela’s waist."Angela, the next round of negotiations will be crucial," Michael said, deliberately ignoring Jorge’s presence. "We should prepare together."Angela nodded and leaned slightly into Michael’s touch.Jorge’s expression darkened even further.David Bardem, who had been observing from a distance, smirked and whispered to a nearby friend, "I think Jorge is regretting his choices."Jorge clenched his jaw. Without another word, he turned on his heels and walked away.Angela watched his retreating figure and smiled faintly.‘Regret?’ she thought.It was too late for that.Continue....✍ Atrayee Sarkar