Chapter 1845: An Issue With the Payment

A newly constructed office building in Horington officially opened that day, housing a prestigious enterprise. Crawford Heights Group occupied twenty of the building's hundred-plus floors. Coralie, dressed in business attire, audited the month's export sales in the CFO's office. Completing the report, a broad grin spread across her face. She immediately called her brother.

“Congrats, Shawn! Our sales have skyrocketed this month! They're over one hundred and thirty percent higher than last month. We'll achieve your plan soon!”

Shawn responded, “We’re still far from our goal. To generate these sales by acquiring only three Farwell Group clients… Lucian’s business acumen is truly formidable.” Rather than basking in their success, Shawn felt a chilling awareness of Lucian’s power. His company was a fraction of Farwell Group's size; while Farwell occupied two city blocks, including a vast industrial area, Shawn’s company occupied a mere twenty floors in a single building.

“Give them credit, Shawn, but don't undervalue your own accomplishments,” Coralie said. “We're not established in this city; we must take things one step at a time. This is just the beginning. I believe in you!”

After hanging up, Coralie finished her work and closed her laptop, a subtle smile playing on her lips. Ironically, the man involved in the recent car accident was Jonathan, Frieda’s older brother—a strange twist of fate linking both women and their brothers.

A knock sounded. “Come in!” Coralie called.

Frieda, Coralie's assistant and Crawford Heights Group's deputy CFO, entered with an erect posture. The position suited her; she found far greater satisfaction managing the finance of this large trading company than her previous work with fourteen herbal suppliers.

“Ms. Crawford, I’ve finished compiling the import statistics. Please review them,” Frieda said, glancing up nervously. She felt apprehensive around Coralie.

Coralie smiled. “Relax, Frieda. Just call me Coralie. And let’s have dinner after work.”

Frieda nodded, inwardly worried that Coralie might resent her for the slap she’d delivered earlier. She left, returning to her own office—smaller than Coralie's but spacious enough, complete with a secretary.

Frieda understood Coralie's sudden friendliness but couldn't fathom how she knew Jonathan. She must have a crush on him! Frieda thought. How absurd! If they marry, what will that mean for our relationship? Her thoughts spiraled.

Suddenly, her secretary burst in, panicked.

“Ms. Queen, I have something to report.”

Seeing the secretary’s distress, Frieda urged, “What is it?”

“Several clients haven't paid their outstanding balances. The three new clients are past their grace period. If they don't pay, our suppliers will demand payment from us!”

Frieda froze. Those were the clients Shawn recently secured. One was Paolo, who had openly defied Lucian. Frieda immediately headed to Coralie's office.