Chapter 5 More Ruthless Than He Thought
923 Words
"Breaking News!"
"Our hottest bachelor is back! Watch out, ladies! Who will get lucky and win the sexiest Alpha's heart?"
"Ryan Boston is single again!"
"Sources reveal that at tonight's annual charity gala, Ryan openly disclosed his return to singlehood and his full dedication to work! Wow! The handsome CEO of Boston Group is back on the dating market! But he says his dates are now his briefcase and the boardroom!"
"Really, Ryan? Besides Caroline, there are thousands of ladies vying to become Mrs. Boston!"
The exaggerated, dramatic news broadcast on the car radio plunged the vehicle into silence.
Andrew glanced over at Scarlett as he drove, his voice gentle. "Are you okay, Scarlett?"
Scarlett was initially stunned.
The divorce papers were barely signed, and within hours, Ryan was already declaring his singlehood.
Was he that desperate to find a new partner?
But she quickly shrugged it off. This was what Ryan wanted, wasn't it?
"I'm fine. What are Ford Group's chances of winning the bid?" she asked.
Andrew's expression momentarily stiffened, a detail Scarlett didn't miss.
"Is it challenging?" she probed. "What do I need to do?"
"Actually, Ford is well-prepared, and our chances aren't low. We're one of the few established groups, but..." Andrew frowned, "our base isn't in this city. Public relations suggest that to secure the bid, we must increase our corporate visibility..."
Visibility?
Scarlett's heart skipped a beat.
Unfortunately, she excelled at that. Now that she had become the ex-wife of the "hottest bachelor," her visibility was overwhelming.
"I'll report to your office tomorrow," she replied. "Don't worry, I'll be ready."
"Great! Excellent!" Andrew's excitement was palpable. "I knew I could count on you, Scarlett. By the way..."
He added, "You don't have a place to stay right now, do you? I have an apartment near the office. Why don't you stay there for now?"
"Wouldn't that be too much trouble?"
"Of course not." Andrew's honey-colored eyes sparkled with warmth. "You joining my team is already a great favor."
Scarlett felt slightly embarrassed under his gaze.
When they reached the apartment building, she declined Andrew's offer to see her up and entered the elevator alone.
The serviced apartment was spacious, bright, and fitted with the latest appliances. But she didn't bother to admire the décor, instead collapsing onto the bed after taking off her coat.
In just one day, too much had happened. Scarlett closed her eyes, feeling exhausted.
Yet, luckily, she fell into a dreamless sleep and didn't wake up until the next morning.
A new day had come.
The general manager's office was located on the top floor of Ford Group, surrounded by glass walls, offering a panoramic view of the city.
Scarlett, however, wasn't interested in the scenery. Early in the morning, she arrived at the office that Andrew had prepared for her and immediately immersed herself in project files.
After a round of coffee, she had her answer.
She called for the secretary. "The government previously announced plans to convert that suburban landfill into a men's prison. Ford Group also received an invitation to participate in that project, right? Why is it still pending?"
"Indeed," the secretary confirmed. "The government invited several real estate companies, including us. But... such projects have limited profit. The other companies also showed little interest."
Limited profit?
Perfect!
Scarlett smiled, "Got it. You can go back to your work."
"No problem, Ms. Stuart. Mr. Ford said to let us know if you need anything."
*****
"Breaking news: Ford Group starts aggressive expansion! Are new investors entering the fray?"
"Real estate shake-up! How did Ford snatch Boston's major clients?"
"Ryan, wake up! While you're making headlines in the tabloids, Boston Group's market is being eaten away by Ford!"
Within days, Ford Group's bold moves stirred the financial market.
Scarlett also noticed it. The media's tendency to exaggerate normal business activities into entertainment gossip made her chuckle.
However, Ryan was indeed feeling the heat!
In just a week, several long-time major clients terminated their contracts with Boston Group, even switching to Ford Group with strategic agreements!
What did this mean?
Damn it! Ford Group was poaching his clients with underhanded tactics!
This targeted assault couldn't be coincidental!
Sure enough, after some digging, Ryan found out that Andrew Ford, the heir to Ford Group, was the man he saw at Bloodmoon Church!
That man had dared to embrace Scarlett right in front of him!
And Scarlett had joined Ford Group as well!
Ryan's anger flared.
To quickly settle the 360-million-dollar divorce fee, he had diverted funds from various projects, slowing the company's cash flow.
Now, Scarlett was using that money to help another man compete against him?
Without hesitation, Ryan stormed to Ford Group's headquarters. He needed answers from Scarlett!
At Ford Group, everyone recognized the frequently televised face. Unimpeded, Ryan marched straight into Scarlett's office on the top floor.
"Using my money to help your new flame steal my business? Is that what you're doing? You're even more ruthless than I thought, Scarlett!"
Ryan couldn't help but growl as he watched Scarlett, who was hunched over her desk. Yet somehow, he instinctively softened his voice.
A voice in his head whispered, "Scarlett can explain. Let her explain."
If she wanted to explain and come back to him...
Looking at her familiar red hair, he suddenly noticed that she had lost weight in just a few days, appearing more fragile, almost making him want to hold her...
But the next second, Scarlett looked up and sneered, "Your money? I find it disgusting."
- Writer
