Chapter 177
“I should be the one to go,” Violet said. “I can represent Quantum Core Technologies, The Langford Group, and Golden Era Enterprises-three of the biggest players in the industry. I’ve done my homework, and I’m fully prepared with all the information on our new drone. Mr. Campbell should be willing to meet me.”
Simms chimed in support. “Let Violet give it a try. She’s well-known internationally, and with the F1 race coming up in two days, Mr. Campbell definitely knows who she is.”
McNeil hesitated for a moment, then gave her a nod. “Alright. If you run into any trouble, come back and let me know.”
Violet stood up, her tall, sharp figure and crisp suit immediately drawing attention. Brimming with confidence, she grabbed the file and set off. But before she even reached Campbell’s lounge, a group of men in black intercepted her.
The hallway leading to Campbell’s room was heavily guarded. Every few steps, another suited guard stood watch, each one clearly armed beneath his jacket.
“Is Mr. Campbell in? I need to speak with him,” Violet said to a man who looked like the head of security. He barely spared her a glance.
“Mr. Campbell isn’t seeing anyone.”
“I’m here on behalf of The Langford Group, Golden Era Enterprises, and Quantum Core Technologies. Please let Mr. Campbell know I’m waiting out here.”
Just then, Campbell himself emerged. Violet had always pictured him as a middle- aged man in his fifties, but as he drew closer, she realized his athletic build- encased in a sleek executive jacket-rivaled McNeil’s. He looked like someone who spent serious time at the gym.
Eager, Violet moved forward, but the guards blocked her path. Annoyed, she called out directly.
“Mr. Campbell, I need to speak with you. Just five minutes, please.”
Campbell didn’t even glance her way. His phone rang, and he paused to answer
it.
“Vicky?” he said.
“Big brother, my assistant is on her way to see you. Can you give her a few minutes?”
Finally, Campbell looked over at Violet. “What’s your assistant’s name? What’s she wearing?”
“Yasmine. She’s in a beige trench coat. She’s still in the main hall, but I’ll have her meet you right away.”
Violet caught the look Campbell gave her and felt a flicker of hope. The way he looked at her was unmistakably that of a man sizing up a woman.
She’d dressed with intention today-not just to win over Campbell, a potential partner with military connections, but also to promote herself ahead of the upcoming rally. Several media outlets she’d recruited were scattered throughout the venue. There was no way she’d waste any opportunity for publicity. Campbell was, of course, part of her plan.
But-
“Alright, I’ll give her fifteen minutes. Have her wait in the lounge,” Campbell said, turning his gaze away and issuing instructions to his security team. “I have a VIP guest arriving. Clear out anyone who doesn’t belong.”
Violet thought he meant her, but Campbell turned and strode back inside.
“Please leave, or you’ll be escorted out,” one of the guards said, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Violet was stunned. Who could possibly interest Campbell more than representatives from three industry giants?
Realizing she couldn’t linger any longer, she turned and walked away, irritation simmering beneath her calm exterior.
As she made her way back, Violet spotted a woman flanked by two bodyguards hurrying toward Campbell’s lounge. She couldn’t make out the woman’s face, but she remembered seeing her earlier, sitting quietly in the front row-someone so inconspicuous, Violet hadn’t even caught her name.
Quickening her pace, Violet pulled out her phone and dialed the expo manager. “Find out which company that woman in the third seat, front row, is with for me.”