Chapter 14

Cynthia's quick agreement sent Jonathan's heart racing, sparking a wave of suspicion. However, he currently lacked proof. He sent the bidding documents to Yates Construction as promised.

Meanwhile, Filip was stuck in a company meeting. Yates Construction was juggling multiple projects, half of which were hemorrhaging money. The figures were alarming. Failure to secure the Paradise Resort project would be disastrous.

Thousands of construction companies nationwide coveted this opportunity. Roncrity alone boasted dozens, if not hundreds, of bidders. Yet, Bennett Group hadn't even invited Yates Construction to bid. The project seemed unattainable.

For days, they'd been brainstorming ways to change Jonathan's mind, even researching his preferences. But what could they do with a man who seemed to have everything?

Just then, the secretary rushed in with her laptop, visibly agitated. "Mr. Yates!"

Filip snapped, annoyed. "What is it? Can't you see we're in a meeting?"

"Bennett Group sent us the bidding documents!" the secretary replied.

Filip froze, then leaped from his chair, adrenaline surging. "Really? Let me see!"

He checked his email—there they were, the official bidding documents from Bennett Group. Yates Construction finally had a chance to compete.

Relief washed over Filip, quickly replaced by confusion. "Why did Bennett Group suddenly change their mind?"

The secretary, still excited, offered, "I have no idea. Maybe Mr. Bennett was touched by your sincerity?"

The others chimed in with compliments.

"Yates Construction might not rival Bennett Group, but you're special, Mr. Yates. You visited in person multiple times, and even if Mr. Bennett didn't meet you, he must have noticed."

"You can handle any situation. Your success will eclipse Mr. Bennett's."

"Under your leadership, Yates Construction will only improve!"

But Filip frowned, lost in thought. He'd visited the BJ Building four times without success. Now, after Cynthia's visit, the bidding documents had materialized. Could it be a coincidence?

Cynthia, having confirmed the bidding documents were sent, prepared to leave, quickening her pace.

As she reached the door, Jonathan's stomach churned. He called after her, "I'll be waiting for you at Greenfield Villa tonight."

Cynthia didn't respond and left without looking back. Jonathan watched her go, still feeling uneasy.

Later that evening, around nine, Cynthia was showering at the Yates residence when her phone rang. It was Jonathan, his voice barely concealing his anger. "Cynthia, are you seriously standing me up?"

Cynthia chuckled lightly. "What do you mean?"

Jonathan said angrily, "You promised you'd move from the Yates residence to Greenfield Villa!"

"I said I'd move, but I never specified when. I plan to do it in five years," Cynthia replied casually. Jonathan could easily imagine her lounging with her phone.

Five years? By then, the Paradise Resort project would be completed, and Jonathan would likely no longer be at Roncrity.

He laughed angrily. "Five years? Why not fifty?"

Cynthia maintained her cheerful tone. "Do you need anything else, Mr. Bennett? If not, I'm hanging up. Goodnight." She ended the call abruptly.

On the third-floor balcony of Greenfield Villa, Jonathan tossed his phone in frustration. "Cynthia, seriously? I never realized you could be this relentless!"

Cynthia wasn't worried. Her mission was accomplished. The Paradise Resort project required special government approval, necessitating an open bidding process—no underhanded deals allowed.

As long as Yates Construction received the bidding documents, everything would proceed according to the rules. Government oversight would prevent Bennett Group from manipulating the process. If Yates Construction didn't win, that was on them, not her.

Cynthia slept soundly. The next morning, she went to the TV station. As a reporter, she often gathered her own material.

Upon entering the office, she overheard her colleagues gossiping.

"Did you hear about the new hire? She graduated from Coluria University's journalism school and interned at NBC. An impressive resume."

"Seriously, someone like that could work at BCB. What's she doing here?"

"So, do you think Cynthia's top anchor spot is at risk?"

"Bringing in someone with that experience? Freddie's definitely up to something."

"Well, Cynthia's just been coasting on her looks and the revenue she brings in. She's only been here a year. Let's be real, everyone here is more qualified."

Cynthia listened as she walked to her desk. The gossiping women noticed her and their expressions changed.

"Cynthia! When did you get here?" one asked, feigning surprise.

"Just as you were busy praising my looks," Cynthia smiled. Her beauty was undeniable, especially her captivating smile. She appeared unfazed.

The gossipers forced smiles, seething with jealousy—Cynthia always seemed composed, making them look foolish.

Vivian Smith, the morning news host, interjected. "Cynthia, we were just joking. Don't take it seriously. We're worried you might lose your top anchor position. We have a new colleague who graduated from Coluria University. Freddie seems eager for her to replace Linda."

Another woman, dressed in Chanel, added, "Honestly, with Linda leaving, that role should've been yours. You bring in so many sponsorships and generate tons of revenue for the station."

Vivian's smile sharpened. "But let's face it, the primetime news slot needs a professional anchor, not just a sales champion. Cynthia, you're really at risk this time."

Cynthia knew they were mocking her, but she didn't care. "Being a sales champion is still better than being a leech. Besides, it's up to Freddie to decide. If I remember correctly, the morning news ad slots haven't sold out this month, and Freddie's already unhappy. Maybe you should focus on your own jobs instead?"

"Cynthia, who do you think you're calling a leech? And by the way, those 3 AM news slots are hard to fill—ads not selling isn't uncommon. If you're so great, why don't you sell out all the 3 AM slots? It's easy to talk big."

"What's all this noise?" Freddie Stewart, the station's news director, approached.

"We have a new coworker starting today." He grinned, turning to Lilian beside him. "Why don't you introduce yourself?"

"Hi everyone, I'm Lilian Sheppard."