Chapter 1124
Andrew said indifferently, “I was just being honest. I don’t see how that counts as a joke. And besides, didn’t you dress up to please Mr. McCormick’s eyes?”
Chantelle, who usually stayed cool as ice, immediately felt her temper flare. “You…”
Andrew could not be bothered to deal with her. Without waiting for any announcement, he pushed open Derek’s office door and swaggered in.
“Uncouth brute…” Chantelle gritted her teeth and followed behind him with a scowl.
Derek’s office, just like his reputation, was simple and understated. Aside from two traditional landscape paintings and a few framed family photos, Andrew did not see a single decorative item inside.
“Mr. Lloyd, you’re here–please, have a seat!” Derek stood up with a warm smile the moment Andrew walked in.
Andrew chuckled. “Mr. McCormick, you’re the top official in Gabo Creek Province. If you’re personally welcoming me, I might start getting a big head. You go ahead and sit–I’ll manage just fine.”
Derek took his seat and casually poured a cup of tea for Andrew.
Andrew sat down in the chair beside him without the slightest hesitation and lifted the teacup for a sip.
Chantelle watched it all in silence, her eyes nearly spitting fire. She thought not only was this guy rude, he was completely uncultured. If someone like him could run a business in Blumedale, it had to be pure dumb luck, or he was just another loud-mouthed, nouveau riche nobody.
Her disdain for Andrew grew even stronger.
Derek, on the other hand, clearly appreciated Andrew’s lack of pretense and smiled. “Mr. Lloyd, how’s that public project your company took on during the charity event coming along?”
Andrew set the teacup down and shook his head. “Total disaster–practically no progress at all.
Derek did not look the least bit angry or surprised. In fact, he chuckled and said, “Oh? Did you run into some difficulties? Or is there something else going on? Tell me.”
Andrew answered directly, “Internally, we’ve had zero issues at Supreme Capital Group. Our strength speaks for itself. But while we’ve been solid on our end, the external problems? Those are massive.
“Like the Goldings, the Haywoods, and that rich brat Quinton Wright–Mr. McCormick, you wouldn’t believe it. Every single one of them seems hell-bent on trying to bury me alive!
“So if I can’t even guarantee my own safety, how the hell am I supposed to focus and get things done for you?”
He looked genuinely aggrieved, and Chantelle’s disdain deepened. What a pitiful excuse of a man. She had known that he would not last three days before crawling to Derek to whine and beg.
Derek’s expression darkened. His tone was cold as he asked, “Is that true? Ms. Garcia, is there any merit to what Mr. Lloyd is saying? I want a full report–now.”
Chantelle replied in a steady tone, “Mr. McCormick, Supreme Capital Group has indeed been facing a number of challenges. But as far as I know, most of them were caused by Mr. Lloyd himself.
“And the situation isn’t nearly as dramatic as he makes it sound. It’s far from being a disaster. It’s more like a few local families in Blumedale got jealous after seeing Supreme Capital land the contract, so they started meddling.”
Derek gave a sharp snort. “The project we handed to Supreme Capital is crucial. It’s tied directly to public welfare. Anyone trying to sabotage that for personal reasons clearly doesn’t understand the bigger picture–and that’s utterly reckless.”