Chapter 30

“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?”

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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.

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