Chapter 312
Zola flinched, her expression shifting abruptly. Before she could voice her disapproval, Leland spoke first.
“Oh my, look at me, getting carried away by your charm and touching where I shouldn’t have. You’re not upset, are you?” he said, his tone laced with mock innocence.
His eyes were lecherous, showing no hint of remorse, and his breath reeked as he spoke.
His words were crafted in such a way that they were difficult to contest. Zola, needing his cooperation, was forced to tolerate it.
“I’m flattered, Mr. Walsh,” Zola said, her tone strained but polite.
“I’m not joking; I’m serious,” Leland replied as he guided Zola to a seat next to him.
He even went so far as to deliberately pull their two chairs closer together.
Zola shot a desperate look at Kian, hoping he would step in to help her.
However, Kian avoided her gaze, instead pulling out a chair for himself and signaling the waiter to come over.
“Miss Murray, please take a seat,” Leland said with a grin, his yellow teeth on full display.
Zola reluctantly sat down. “Thank you, Mr. Walsh,” she muttered, forcing a tight smile.
To avoid any further small talk with Leland, Zola immediately began discussing the project as soon as they finished ordering the food.
“You know the capabilities of Apex Group. Just hand us the project, and you can relax and watch the profits roll in,” she said confidently.
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She emphasized this point because the project was crucial for the survival of Apex Group.
The project wouldn’t begin for a few more months, and by that time, all of Apex Group’s current projects would be nearing completion.
If she failed to secure this project, Apex Group would be doomed!
“This project is still in the early stages of planning. I know it’s a lucrative opportunity and that many are interested. I’m also aware of what Apex Group can offer, but we’re waiting for some operational funds before it can officially commence. There’s still plenty of time; it’s too early to finalize anything now,” Leland responded smoothly, his tone calm but calculated.
His response effectively delayed the project’s start by several months.
But Zola was determined to secure the project to alleviate her challenges at Apex Group.
This was crucial not only because of the expectations from Apex Group’s shareholders but also due to the overwhelming pressure from Brandon.
“Mr. Walsh, it’s prudent to finalize certain matters early,” Zola said, her tone firm yet respectful. “If you trust Apex Group, we could seal this deal now and rest easy later.”
She subtly hinted that securing the deal now would keep other suitors at bay.
It was a flimsy pretext, but Leland pretended not to catch on, his eyes fixed on Zola as she spoke.
He inhaled deeply, clearly enjoying the scent of her perfume.
Zola fit Leland’s ideal type perfectly.
He reached out, his fingers brushing her leg, as he commented with feigned concern, “It’s quite cold now, isn’t it? Are you dressed warmly enough, Miss Murray?”
Zola’s eyes widened in shock, and she immediately stood up, her sudden movement causing the table to shift.
Her heart pounded in her chest as she faced Leland with a mix of embarrassment and barely restrained anger.
“Mr. Walsh, please keep your hands to yourself!” she said firmly, her eyes blazing with defiance.
She moved behind Kian, her breathing unsteady. Leaning in, she whispered to him.
“Kian, it’s good you’re here today. He…” her voice trembled as she sought his support.
“What do you mean?” Leland asked, looking displeased. “Am I not just showing concern for you? Why are you being so ungrateful?”
“Mr. Walsh, please calm down,” Kian said smoothly. “Zola isn’t used to business dealings, and this is her first encounter with you. There might be some misunderstandings.”
Upon hearing this, Zola looked at Kian in disbelief.
Leland had inappropriately touched her, and she had expected Kian to react more assertively.
“Kian, what are you saying? This has nothing to do with my business experience. He touched me inappropriately!” Zola protested, her voice firm.
Leland’s scowl deepened. He stood up abruptly and declared, “If Miss Murray disrespects me so much, then forget it! You don’t value kindness, and yet you still expect to collaborate with me? In your dreams!”
With that, he snatched up his bag and stormed out.
The private room was left with just Kian and Zola.
Zola, looking frustrated, turned to Kian. “He’s even cruder than people suggested,” she muttered.
“But he’s the key to solidifying your position at Apex Group,” Kian responded calmly. “Sometimes, you might have to tolerate a few unwanted advances. The main goal is to secure the project.”
His words hung in the air, serious and weighty. It took Zola a few seconds to realize that Kian genuinely expected her to endure such behavior.
“Now it’s just a few unwanted touches,” Zola said, her voice sharp with disbelief. “If I say nothing, it will only get worse. Kian, since when is this how you conduct business?”
Kian raised an eyebrow, his eyes briefly scanning her legs clad in black stockings. He adjusted his tie, a sly smirk forming on his lips.
He suddenly grabbed her wrist and pulled her close, his hand sliding onto her leg.
“Did he touch you here?” Kian’s voice was soft, his tone unsettlingly gentle. “I’ll wipe it off for you.”
Zola’s anger wavered for a moment, her breath hitching.
“If getting this project means I have to compromise myself, I’d rather not pursue it. I thought you wouldn’t want me to be mistreated either,” she said firmly, her eyes locked on his.
But Kian didn’t pull away. His hand moved higher up her thigh, his eyes burning with bold intensity.
“He wouldn’t dare truly do anything to you,” Kian whispered, his gaze steady on hers. “Firstly, I’m here. Secondly, you represent Apex Group. The worst he could do is make a few inappropriate gestures.”
His hand ventured too far, and Zola stiffened, her eyes darting around anxiously.
“Stop it. There are cameras here,” she said, her voice barely a whisper.
“That kind of thing is just for show,” Kian said with a smirk, raising an eyebrow. “Nobody reviews the surveillance footage from private rooms. And wouldn’t it be better for us to… do something here?”
His implications were crystal clear.
Zola felt disgusted. She was already grappling with the collapse of her dealings with Leland and now had to depend on Kian to arrange another meeting or to negotiate with him.
Her fingers clenched, nails pressing into her palms, but ultimately, she didn’t push him away.
Her face was tense with silent resolve as she walked to the door, locked it, and switched off the lights, leaving only the faint glow of neon lights from outside seeping into the room.
The camera in the corner captured everything.
The encounter was brief, but Kian’s demeanor was forceful, and Zola’s heart felt heavy with shame and degradation.
Afterward, Kian left first, adjusting his tie as if nothing had happened.
“I have other business to attend to,” he said casually. “You should head back first.”
Ten minutes later, a hotel staff member approached Kian shyly, holding a small USB drive.
“Mr. Warren, here is what you requested,” the staff member said, his eyes lowered.
Kian took the USB, inserted it into his phone, and replayed the footage of the private room from earlier.
The neon lights flickered faintly on the screen, capturing the moment in full clarity.
His lips curled into a smile, his eyes fixed on the screen, watching intently.
Just then, Leland bumped into him, his gaze shifting toward Kian’s phone screen.
His eyes widened slightly as he recognized what was playing.
He caught the entire display — every detail. Despite Zola’s status and dignity, here she was, compelled to appease Kian.
A twisted grin formed on Leland’s face.
“Mr. Warren,” Leland said, his voice low but filled with amusement. “Didn’t you promise I’d get to experience what a woman feels like?”
He stepped closer, eyes gleaming with malice. “Are you really willing to share her with me?”
Kian’s eyes narrowed, and his jaw tightened.
“Without my consent, you only get to touch her,” Kian said coldly as he pocketed his phone and shot a sidelong glance at Leland. “If you’re interested, feel free to ask her out. You can do whatever you want with her — just don’t sleep with her yet.”
He wasn’t done with Zola yet, and the thought of anyone else touching her left a bitter taste in his mouth.
“Alright, I’ll follow your advice, but… I’m concerned about being found out!” Leland expressed his unease, his voice low. “What if she realizes I’m not the real Mr. Walsh?”
“Just avoid discussing the project directly; focus on personal interactions. If she brings it up, play it cool. Keep her hopeful and leverage as much as you can without exposing yourself,” Kian replied, his voice full of confidence.
Given Leland’s notorious reputation, the idea of an imposter delaying cooperation while showing interest in Zola wouldn’t raise her suspicions.
“Will you give me the go-ahead?” Leland asked, his eyes scrutinizing Kian’s expression.
“Wait for my order,” Kian responded as he lit a cigarette, his gaze as icy as his words.
He avoided direct interaction with Zola because any confrontation would only make him feel more powerless.
This kind of underhanded tactic was something he wouldn’t admit openly, but he felt compelled to resort to it.
Meanwhile
Julio was also interested in the project Leland was involved with.
He had been preparing early and was now discussing the situation with Eileen over a video call.
“Leland has a reputation for being lascivious,” Julio said with a frown. “And now with Zola as the general manager of Apex Group, I’m concerned that if she succumbs to his advances, our chances might be compromised.”
Eileen thought for a moment before responding, “It’s too undignified to exploit her own allure as a strategy. Perhaps we should have someone monitor Leland’s actions.”
That way, if anything happened, they would be prepared to handle it promptly.
“Your insight is sharp,” Julio said, feeling reassured by her response. “I have good news for you. Benjamin has officially resigned from the Warren Group. After a seven-day transition period, he’ll be able to join the Ferguson Group.”
Eileen remained calm despite his praise.
“What position have you arranged for him?” she asked.
Julio responded, “I plan to set up a new branch of Ferguson Group in the South and have him manage it. Before that, he will serve as the deputy general manager of Ferguson Group.”
Eileen paused for a few seconds before saying, “When I return to assume the role of general manager of Ferguson Group, you’ll hand over the branch to Benjamin. What role will you take on then?”
“Do you think I’m only aiming to control Ferguson Group?” Julio laughed, his tone full of determination. “My ambitions extend to the entire Ferguson family.”
While Ferguson Group was under Julio’s control, he was still estranged from the Ferguson family.
In high society, the head of a company without the backing of a prestigious family often wasn’t taken seriously.
For instance, Julio’s current situation was somewhat awkward — should invitations to social events be addressed to the Ferguson family or to Julio personally?
The distinction was subtle, yet it carried significant weight.
“I am the eldest son of the Ferguson family. It’s only natural that I reclaim what rightfully belongs to me. The Ferguson family should be under my control,” Julio declared, his voice firm and unwavering.
Eileen remained unbothered by his ambitions and plans.
She now understood why Stella had avoided open conflict with Brandon unless absolutely necessary — to protect the integrity of the Dawson family.
In the world of high society, influence was everything.
Although Bryan had the capability to change the situation, he needed time to carefully plan and maintain overall stability.
“Good luck,” Eileen said to Julio, her tone calm but sincere.
They continued discussing the upcoming projects, but Julio seemed less engaged than usual.
Noticing this, Eileen tilted her head and suggested, “You seem tired. We can continue this conversation tomorrow.”
“I’m not tired,” Julio responded casually, leaning back in his chair. “When it’s time for Walsh’s project, you’ll be back in the country. I’ll just hand it over to you, so why should I stress over it?”
For the first time, Eileen was caught off guard by Julio’s words.
“Are you really just going to hand it over to me?” she asked, her eyes narrowing slightly.
“That’s right,” Julio confirmed, his tone light but firm. “So, thank you in advance. After you’ve given birth, I’ll have a significant gift ready for you.”
He paused briefly, as if contemplating his next words.
“Also,” he continued, his voice dropping into a more serious tone, “I hope you can rest over the next few months. Your biggest challenge upon returning will be competing with Apex Group for Walsh’s project.”
Eileen’s expression shifted ever so slightly. She knew Julio wasn’t exaggerating.
Her return as the general manager of Ferguson Group would likely be met with skepticism from others.
Her absence, coupled with her new role as a mother, would undoubtedly make some people doubt her capabilities.
Lacking sufficient power of her own, Eileen had always preferred to stay behind the scenes. She had no desire to expose herself as the strategic force behind Julio’s recent successes.
But now, with Walsh’s project on the horizon, she realized that hiding in the shadows might no longer be an option.
.
.
.