Chapter 122

That was just her style. She liked to use those calm, everyday scenes to get under my skin.

They didn’t look like they were doing anything intimate. At least, I didn’t catch them in bed together. But it was those little moments of sweetness, the silent display of how close they were, that stung even more.

Tracy had always played her games this way.

I knew her all too well, so I had to beat her at her own game. She wanted me to watch. Well, I watched, but so what now?

Owen went to place the order, and before long, Jared came over, with Tracy right by his side.

If one didn’t know the real story, seeing them standing together like that, one would honestly think they looked more like husband and wife.

“Mrs. Holcomb, what a surprise to see you here,” Tracy put on a look of shock, then turned to Owen. “Are you treating Mrs. Holcomb and her team to lunch today? Is it because she’s decided to work with you on the panel business?”

Owen grinned. “Mrs. Holcomb is still considering it, but I’m serious about making this deal happen. With Mr. Holcomb and you here, I can guarantee the panels I provide will be top quality and at the best price.”

Jared just stood there, his gaze deep and unreadable, saying nothing.

I propped my chin on my hand, flashing Owen a bright smile. “Alright, since you said that, I might just consider it. But don’t think you can get away with anything sneaky just because Tracy’s the VP.”

“No way. You’re the boss’s wife,” Owen said, quickly topping off my coffee.

I picked up my cup and took a light sip. “Well then, here’s to a smooth partnership.”

Owen’s squinty eyes turned into little lines as he grinned, his face flushing red as he looked at me.

Once we finished talking business, I finally pretended to notice Jared standing nearby. “Jared, are you and Tracy done eating? Want to have some more with us?”

Jared’s face didn’t look too good, his voice dropping low. “No, you guys go ahead.”

With that, he turned and walked out. Tracy immediately turned to Owen and said, “Make sure you take good care of Mrs. Holcomb. Don’t let her feel neglected.”

Owen practically jumped at the chance. “Don’t worry. Mrs. Holcomb is like a goddess to me right now. I’ll make sure she’s well taken care of.”

I didn’t let Jared’s dark look get to me. I just sat down and had a meal with Owen and the others. I used to think these business dinners were a total drag, and all that drinking culture was just a headache.

But when you’re the one calling the shots at the table, all those rituals suddenly feel like they’re under your control—and honestly, it’s not boring at all.

Since I had to drive, I didn’t touch a drop, and nobody even tried to get me to drink. I just sat back, listening to the guys shooting the breeze and cracking jokes, and I actually found myself in a pretty good mood.

That afternoon, just as I was about to sign the contract with Owen, I got a call from headquarters. They very politely told me they’d already arranged a new supplier for me—and made sure to mention it was Jared’s decision.

My hand froze mid-signature. Owen was watching me anxiously, waiting for me to sign. When I put my phone down, his expression froze too.

I gave him an apologetic look. “Sorry, Mr. Maxwell, but the head office has already found another supplier. The deal is already set.”

“What do you mean?” Owen’s eyes went wide.

I leaned back in my chair, my voice calm. “It just means we can’t work together. Maybe next time, if there’s a chance.”

Owen’s voice got urgent. “But Tracy’s the VP, and she’s my cousin.”

“Oh, well, maybe she can’t make the final call. Mr. Maxwell, you seem like a straightforward guy, and I’d love to do business with you. Why don’t you ask her where things went wrong?” I said with a crafty smile.

Owen hurried out to make a call.

I spun the pen between my fingers, a sly smile tugging at my lips. That crazy Jared—he just can’t help but stir up trouble behind my back, I thought to myself.

Tsk, men were so petty sometimes. He could have a romantic dinner with another woman, but the moment I talked business with another guy, he just had to butt in and ruin it for me.