As Sadie watched the exchange, a cold realization washed over her. Kyla was orchestrating a spectacle, a deliberate move to corner her into submission, to strip her of the option to decline. It was a power play meant to showcase dominance, and Sadie was the chosen pawn.
Forcing a calm facade, she took a deep breath and curved her lips into a smile at Kyla. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to support the company, Miss Wade.”
Together, the three of them made their way to a private room at a restaurant. Mack took the lead, his steps brisk with newfound importance, while Kyla and Sadie followed, their pace more measured. Sadie could feel Kyla’s eyes on her, studying her, dissecting her every move with a mix of curiosity and a subtle glint of victory.
As they approached the door, Kyla halted abruptly, wearing an apologetic smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.
“Mack, Sadie, I apologize for imposing this social obligation on you both. As you’re aware, I’ve just returned from the hospital due to my heart condition, and the doctor has expressly forbidden me from drinking. However, this collaboration is vital, and if the occasion calls for a toast later, I’ll have to rely on you,” Kyla stated with a charming smile, her tone laced with subtle persuasion.
Mack immediately thumped his chest with a reassuring grin. “No worries at all, Miss Wade. You’re a valued guest of our company, and it’s admirable that you’re still pushing through for us despite your illness. Managing the drinks is the least we can do to help!”
Kyla nodded appreciatively, her satisfaction clear. However, her smile waned as she turned to Sadie, her voice adopting a slightly sharper tone. “Sadie, your dedication precedes you. Even before I came aboard, I heard tales of how you immerse yourself in work, earning quite the ‘workaholic’ badge. I trust you’ll handle this situation with your usual flair, right?”
The term “workaholic” struck Sadie like a sharp jab to the heart. It was clear that Kyla was intentionally putting her on the spot, trying to rattle her in front of Mack.
Before Sadie could respond, Kyla casually shifted her gaze away and dismissed the tension with a wave of her hand. “Let’s head inside.”
Mack, noticing the subtle shift in Sadie’s demeanor, leaned closer and whispered, “Sadie, don’t stress over the drinking or what Miss Wade said. Being new to the company, she might not fully understand how things work yet.”
Sadie forced a strained smile as she murmured, “Thank you, Mack.”
As they opened the door to the secluded room, they were immediately enveloped by an air of sheer luxury. Above them, a crystal chandelier cast a cascade of twinkling lights across a table heaped with gourmet treats and bottles of fine wine. The room was heavy with the rich aromas of costly perfumes, subtly blending with a lingering trace of tobacco smoke.
Kyla entered with an elegant glide, her voice soft yet clear. “Mr. Valdez, Mr. Crawford, I hope I didn’t keep you waiting too long.”
The two men, previously engaged in light-hearted banter with their female companions, ceased their flirtations and rose promptly. Their expressions shifted to one of courteous eagerness.
“Oh, not at all, Miss Wade, you’ve arrived just in time,” replied one of them, his tone infused with gentle admiration.
“Indeed! Considering your hectic schedule, it’s truly a privilege that you’ve spared a moment to dine with us,” added the other, his smile broadening in genuine delight.
Kyla responded with a radiant smile that lit up the room, her eyes twinkling mischievously. “You flatter me, gentlemen. Truly, it is a pleasure to work alongside you.”
After exchanging a round of warm pleasantries, they all settled into the plush sofas.
Platt Crawford’s gaze then drifted over to Sadie and Mack, pausing with a hint of undisguised interest.
“And who might these two be?” Platt inquired, his curiosity piqued.
Kyla, putting on a fleeting act of modesty, swiftly handled the introductions. “Oh, these are my colleagues. Noah was concerned that drinking might not be the best idea for me while I’m still recovering, so he let me bring two assistants instead. Hope that’s alright!”
She emphasized the name “Noah” with a hint of pride, as if to underscore her special connection to him.
A shadow of discomfort briefly crossed Sadie’s features, her pupils narrowing as a subtle wave of bitterness washed over her.
In Kyla’s narrative, Noah was someone she spoke of with endearing familiarity, while Sadie was relegated to the role of a mere assistant.
The two men, skilled in the art of reading between the lines, exchanged knowing glances. Platt let out a hearty laugh, his voice filling the room. “I’ve often heard rumors of how close you and Mr. Wall are,” he said lightly. “Now that I see it for myself, I totally get it… Haha, should we start picking out gifts for the wedding?”
Kyla basked in the warm glow of the spotlight, her eyes briefly flicking to Sadie, who appeared lost and dejected. A sly smirk played at the corners of Kyla’s lips as a sense of victory surged through her.
She leaned in slightly, her voice dipping into a playfully ambiguous cadence as she addressed Platt. “You must be kidding. Mr. Wall would extend his concern to any colleague, wouldn’t he?”
She paused, letting the words linger, her tone laced with teasing suggestiveness. “After all, his kindness towards his team is quite legendary.”
Her carefully chosen words danced around the truth, insinuating yet never confirming her rumored ties to Noah. This veiled implication left room for rampant speculation, stirring the imaginations of her listeners.
The more experienced members of the group, seasoned in corporate subtleties, caught the drift of her insinuations and shared knowing glances, their smiles crinkling at the edges of their eyes. As the conversation turned to more pressing matters, Mack shifted his focus, his voice imbued with a supportive undertone.
“Sadie, would you do us the honor of presenting the project to Mr. Valdez and Mr. Crawford?” His gaze fell encouragingly on Sadie, who inhaled deeply, her demeanor shifting as she steeled herself against the emotions from earlier.
With a newly minted smile of confidence, she nodded. “Certainly, Mack.”
As she stepped into her professional role, Sadie seemed to transform before their eyes. Her stance became poised, her eyes sharp and focused. Her voice resonated with clarity and conviction as she detailed the project’s merits and potential. Each movement she made was charged with assurance, painting her as the epitome of a driven and formidable leader.
Kyla’s look of slight disdain towards Sadie gradually shifted to one of seriousness. As Sadie’s presentation unfolded, Kyla was forced to acknowledge the talent Sadie displayed, a talent that clearly justified Noah’s high opinion of her. This recognition stoked a fire of jealousy in Kyla, simmering with quiet intensity that threatened to engulf her.
As Sadie wrapped up her detailed presentation, the room erupted into enthusiastic applause.
“Absolutely brilliant! Miss Hudson, your insight was not only enlightening but also instills a solid confidence in our future collaboration!” Platt exclaimed, leading the applause. His admiration wasn’t just professional-his eyes briefly betrayed him, lingering appreciatively on Sadie’s poised figure.
Feeling a wave of satisfaction from the reception, Sadie was nonetheless eager to conclude the meeting. The tension with Kyla hung heavily in the air, making her want to escape the charged atmosphere. “With this in mind, concerning our collaboration…” she began, aiming to steer the conversation towards finalizing their agreement.
However, Platt interrupted, his tone taking on an unsettling quality as his eyes roamed over Sadie. “Miss Hudson, while signing the contract is certainly crucial, let’s not overlook the importance of building stronger personal connections while we’re all here,” he suggested, his gaze overtly sweeping across her and pausing suggestively at her waist with a sleazy grin.
“Miss Wade said you’re the kind of person who gives it their all for work. That’s exactly what a company needs. Let’s drink to that!” he declared, picking up a bottle of red wine from the center of the table. “We just received this incredibly strong wine-one sip, and you might feel it right away. Why not give it a shot?”
Sadie’s gaze shifted to the bottle of red wine. The liquid’s deep, dark red hue was mesmerizing under the soft glow of the overhead lights-a rich color that hinted at a dangerously high alcohol content.
“You flatter me, Mr. Crawford, but I must confess, my tolerance for alcohol is embarrassingly low. I’m afraid I’ll bring the mood down instead of adding to the fun tonight,” Sadie replied.
“Oh, come now, Miss Hudson! Don’t sell yourself short,” Platt insisted, a playful edge to his voice. “Everyone harbors hidden strengths. How will you discover your limits if you never test them? Surely, you wouldn’t want to make me think you’re doubting my company, would you?”
Platt’s stare bored into Sadie, his eyes shimmering with undisguised greed, as if she were a trophy awaiting his claim.
Under the weight of his gaze, Sadie shifted uncomfortably, her voice faltering as she attempted another refusal. “Well, Mr. Crawford…”
“How about this, Miss Hudson,” Platt cut in, his voice dripping with allure. “I’ve got a major government project in the works. Drink this, and not only will I partner with your company, but I’ll also put you in charge. What do you say?”
The proposition hung in the air, tantalizingly within reach. Landing this project could secure a hefty commission and a much-needed bonus.
With her divorce from Noah looming and the financial strain of her baby’s future pressing on her mind, Sadie’s resolve hardened. “I’m in,” she declared, nodding with determination.
With a shaky hand, Sadie reached for the bottle and poured herself half a glass of wine. Normally, wine was a familiar comfort, but tonight, with the flutter of nerves in her stomach and the knowledge of her pregnancy, it felt like a betrayal.
The scrutinizing eyes of the onlookers burned into her, spotlighting her every move.
Kyla watched from across the room, her chin propped on her entwined fingers, a sly smirk curving her lips. Her eyes sparkled with mockery, enjoying the unfolding drama with a predatory glee.
A deep crease formed on Mack’s forehead as he paused, clearly torn on whether to speak.
Platt, however, watched with anticipation, as if waiting for the main event to begin.
Under the intense scrutiny of those around her, Sadie drew a deep, steadying breath and tipped the glass back, the wine disappearing in a single, determined gulp.
The moment the liquid scorched her throat, a fierce burning sensation erupted, sending her into a fit of violent coughing. Her body bent over in response, hands clutching the edge of the table for support, her posture a stark display of agony.
“Oh dear, Sadie,” Kyla exclaimed, her voice thick with mock concern as she delicately covered her mouth with a slender hand, her eyes twinkling maliciously. “Is that truly the extent of your tolerance? Surely, you’re not pretending?”
Mack’s expression softened, concern washing over his features. “Are you alright, Sadie?” he asked gently, his voice low and filled with worry.
Sadie waved her hand, a feeble attempt to dismiss their concern. Words failed her as the turmoil churned in her stomach, leaving her nearly voiceless.
“Really, Miss Hudson, if you didn’t wish to drink, you could have simply said so. But to drink and then cause such a spectacle? What are you trying to prove? Are you challenging me?” Platt’s expression darkened, his displeasure palpable as he took in Sadie’s disheveled state.
The atmosphere in the private room grew thick with tension, the air charged with an uncomfortable silence.
Amidst this, Kyla cleared her throat with an uneasy giggle, then turned apologetically toward Platt. “Mr. Crawford, I’m truly sorry for this lapse. It seems I haven’t disciplined my team well enough. Please, don’t take it to heart.”
Kyla turned sharply to Sadie, her demeanor shifting to one of stern reproach. “Miss Hudson, what has gotten into you today? You’ve never behaved this way before. Quickly, apologize to Mr. Crawford-he’s one of our key clients!” Her words cut through the silence, sharp and accusatory, piercing Sadie’s composure.
After battling a wave of nausea, Sadie managed to steady herself. She raised her pale face, eyes narrowing as she caught the flicker of smug satisfaction dancing in Kyla’s eyes. With a cold, mocking sneer, Sadie retorted, “Kyla, is this the best you can do-resorting to such petty schemes?”
Her voice, though soft, carried a chilling undertone that instantly wiped the smugness off Kyla’s face. Kyla, taken aback, struggled to respond.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.
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