Business with Holden?
My first instinct was Holden bringing over some call girls into the office and basically destroying my innocence.
Instantly, I was on high alert. “What business could we even do together?”
“Don’t say that.” Holden tapped his chest lightly with a fist where he had just placed the dictaphone. “I may be helping Ashton find someone as of right now, but if you have anything to tell Marcus in private, I can ask my subordinates to pass on the message. I can even ensure an instant reply. How does that sound?”
While the person mimicking me was technically a real human being, there was no way they could copy all my mannerisms and my way of speaking. Marcus was smart enough that he would definitely realize after just a few sentences. If Holden really could get me to talk to Marcus directly, things would go much more smoothly.
Still, I kept in mind that there was no such thing as a free lunch. “What do you want in return?”
Holden’s glad eyes suddenly creased into smiling crescent moons. “I just want some of your help. You’re the general manager of White Corporation after all. A nod from you is all I need.”
I knew from experience that a smile like that from Holden simply meant there was much more to his words. My frown deepened and I asked in suspicion, “Are you sure it is just some help?”
Holden smiled and sat down next to me. He turned to face me with an almost sensual attitude. “To be honest, it will sound a little complicated. The White Corporation tried to take over the phone industry a few years ago and got approval from the communication base station. Since things are quite strictly guarded over there, I was hoping that the White Corporation’s workers could take some of my own technicians over so they can learn a thing or two.”
I looked at him in shock. That wasn’t just ‘some help’. He was clearly trying to worm through a loophole in the system. I hadn’t even taken my bar exam yet, but Holden was being so obvious that even a rookie in law could tell what he was planning.
After a moment of surprise, I shook my head. “That’s impossible. Don’t even think about it. Ask for something else.”
Holden’s expression immediately darkened at my answer. His pale, slender fingers toyed with the glass on the table. Almost nonchalantly, he said, “I guess it’s a no-go then. Business should always be a win-win situation, you see. If you can’t give me what I need, then I suppose we should call it off. Just take it that I have never said anything.”
I knew very well he was trying to trick me using reverse psychology. Despite that, I was still worried for Marcus while being annoyed that Holden practically had me exactly where he wanted. My brows were almost knotted together in my anger.
Ashton came back from the balcony with his phone in hand. He frowned slightly at the sight of my angry expression but quickly rearranged his features into his usual calm mask. He said, “That’s business. There’s no such thing as doing someone a favor. You worked hard to get where you are today too. We can’t change anything between just the two of us. Something happened at the company and I need to make a stop at the hospital. Don’t wait up for me.”
After that, he put his phone into his pocket and picked his jacket up from the living room before walking toward the door.
He stopped right before walking out and looked back. “If you want to actually get your benefits, then come with me.”
That was directed at Holden. He scoffed before following Ashton out. Before he left, he even whispered a reminder to think about our possible exchange.
