Chapter 13: Business on a Blind Date

“I’m sorry I’m late!” Emmanuel apologized.

Milani furrowed her brows, staring at him before exclaiming, “What’s wrong with you, Emmanuel? This isn’t a blind date. Why are you here? Leave! I have important business today!”

She wanted to physically remove him. What I’m here to discuss will enormously affect my future! I can’t mess this up!

Emmanuel smiled. “It’s a coincidence! I’m not here for a blind date either. I’m…”

Milani wasn’t listening. If this man leaves, so does my chance for promotion! My mission is to minimize the company’s penalty.

“Behave yourself, Ms. Zimmerman!” Emmanuel said, staring intently at her. “We aren’t dating; this is strictly professional.”

Tch! He’s so pretentious! Milani fumed inwardly. That lustful man! Why else would he examine women's bodies at the hospital? How did a gynecologist become a Terence Group representative? He’s just a runner using Terence Group to boss me around! Despicable!

She gritted her teeth, then flashed a smile. “I apologize, Mr. Lowe. I was upset. Let’s discuss this.”

Emmanuel, whose goal was to ensure Cloud Construction delivered the project on time (and ultimately, bring Mackenzie home to meet his parents), sat down.

“Mr. Lowe, what’s your position at Terence Group?” Milani asked, her eyes dubious.

“I don’t currently hold a position. Terence Group’s executives appointed me to ensure your company delivers the project on time,” Emmanuel replied truthfully. (Mackenzie was his superior, and he’d never even been to the Terence Group offices.)

Milani discreetly rolled her eyes. A third-party employee? A part-time job? Regardless of her opinion, he represented her client.

“Ms. Zimmerman, on behalf of Terence Group, the project must be delivered by the end of the month. Otherwise, it’s a breach of contract,” Emmanuel stated firmly.

Milani looked troubled. If Cloud Construction could deliver by the end of the month, they wouldn’t have appointed me project manager.

“What’s the matter?” Emmanuel frowned, aware that Mackenzie prioritized timely delivery over penalty payments. He needed to understand the delay.

Milani, unwilling to humble herself, said authoritatively, “Mr. Lowe, perhaps you could persuade Terence Group to extend the deadline by three months?”

Emmanuel was amused. Does she still think this is a date? “Is that the approach to take when requesting a favor?”

Milani bit her lip. I hope you're infertile and never have kids, Emmanuel! She forced a smile, even attempting to seduce him. She took his hand. “I beg you, Mr. Lowe! I’ll even go on a date with you if you secure a three-month extension.”

“Let go of me!” Emmanuel demanded coldly.

Milani seethed. How shameless! Before, he and his family wanted to marry me. Now he plays hard to get?

She released his hand.

“Why can’t Cloud Construction deliver on time?” Emmanuel asked. I need to identify and fix the problem.

“Hmph! There’s a land dispute! Thugs are protecting the land and deliberately delaying our work!” Milani grumbled, shifting blame.

Emmanuel was surprised. “Cloud Construction is a large corporation. Why can’t you handle some thugs? Why not call the police?”

Milani scoffed. “If it were that easy, we’d have solved it already.” (She knew the thug leader, a ruthless man who threatened to kill the project manager’s family if the police were involved. The previous manager was too afraid to act.) She was content to drag things out and collect her salary for a few more months.

Emmanuel, however, couldn't afford delays. “Bring me to the project site tomorrow,” he ordered.

Milani’s disdain increased. Three legal teams failed. Can a gynecologist solve this? No! But he’s the client’s representative. If I don’t cooperate, he can sue us, and I lose my bonus!

She lacked the courage to voice her concerns. “I have plans tomorrow. I’ll send the company’s legal officer, Sheldon Zophar, instead.” He can deal with the thugs. I’m staying out of it.

Emmanuel only cared about resolving the issue and fulfilling Mackenzie’s goal.

The next day, Emmanuel arrived at Cloud Construction. Milani appeared with a man wearing glasses.

“You’re Emmanuel?” the man said. “I’m Sheldon Zophar, Cloud Construction’s legal officer. Let’s be clear: I’m only taking you to the site. I won’t help you remove those people. The thug leader, Samuel Webber, is a powerful figure we can’t afford to antagonize.”

Emmanuel frowned at Sheldon’s immediate disengagement.

Milani, unable to resist, chimed in. “Seriously? You’ll chase those thugs away? Do you have a death wish? Must you risk your life for so little money?”

Emmanuel mocked her. “I’d rather risk my life for money than be a free-loading coward like you!”

Milani was furious but speechless.

“No wonder Cloud Construction is behind schedule. You have a useless project manager! Just wait! If you fail, you’ll lose your job!” Emmanuel declared, then left with Sheldon.

Milani stomped her feet, cursing, “You’re a bastard, Emmanuel! Mr. Webber has many capable men. I hope they kill you! I’ll dance on your grave!”

(Note: The seemingly random "Candy Crush Saga" at the end was removed. It was likely an unrelated entry.)