Chapter 5

A nervous male colleague outside the meeting room door spoke to us. The manager sighed, looking at me. I watched the supplier approach, step by step, the show about to begin. Leonard looked proud, exchanging a glance with Gisselle. He had manipulated Gisselle into creating a disturbance at Mality, forcing her resignation.

Representing the Purchasing Department, I attempted to turn the tide. The foreign supplier entered, and Leonard immediately approached, shaking his hand. "I'm sorry," Leonard said, "but our Purchasing Department is missing a quotation form. We may not be able to discuss cooperation today."

The supplier was confused. Seeing me seated at the head of the table, he bypassed Leonard to shake my hand. "Audrey has already sent me your company's quotation document. Let's proceed with the meeting."

Silence fell. Leonard and Gisselle were stunned. Audrey had already sent the documents. Leonard was further chilled by the apparent familiarity between me and the supplier.

I invited the supplier to sit. He had, in fact, been introduced to me by an acquaintance. I had anticipated Leonard tampering with documents to harm me, and I was prepared.

The manager witnessed the situation's dramatic shift, regarding me with admiration. "She truly is her father's daughter," the manager murmured, "and she still has some skills."

Ignored and humiliated, Leonard’s temples throbbed with anger. He clenched his fists, realizing he’d become a fool. Gisselle, unable to explode, silently tugged at Leonard’s clothes, furious and seeking instructions.

The collaboration proceeded smoothly. The supplier was cooperative and satisfied with our company's price.

Throughout, Leonard and Gisselle remained silent, avoiding eye contact. As the manager saw the supplier off, he commented, "It is an honor for our company to cooperate with yours."

The supplier nodded at me. "It's Audrey's credit," he said. "If she hadn't found me, today's collaboration wouldn't have happened."

Everyone's gaze shifted towards me. They knew I'd secured the deal. After accompanying the supplier to his car, I returned to the office. A former friend of Gisselle approached. "Audrey," she said, "you were amazing today." Others chimed in with similar praise, overwhelming me. I suggested afternoon tea, eliciting cheers. Only Leonard, ignored in the corner with Gisselle, remained silent. His face was pale. His chances were gone. He had made a mistake, and I would never trust him again.

Gisselle watched Leonard stare at my back, brooding. Resentment simmered; she vowed revenge.

The manager approached. "So, what happened with that document?" he asked.

I looked at Leonard and Gisselle. "We'll have to ask Leonard and Gisselle," I replied.

It was time to settle accounts.