Ch. 168..169: Mr. Edwards’ Unraveled Life chapter 168 - 169
chapter 168
Jamie strode confidently toward Norah, a bright smile on her face. Today, her attitude seemed far warmer than it had been yesterday.
Norah matched Jamie’s smile and gestured for Shelby to step forward. “Shelby, come meet our partner.”
Though Jamie’s demeanor had softened, she couldn't entirely hide her frustration. Norah was well aware of Kevin’s intention to have Shelby manage the Jenkins account, so she took the opportunity to introduce them.
Despite her internal annoyance, Jamie kept her composure. “So, Secretary White, has your company been onboarding a lot of new hires recently?”
With Kevin out of sight, Jamie’s irritation simmered beneath her polite surface. She subtly pressed Norah, aiming to steer the conversation toward the issue she truly cared about.
Norah replied diplomatically, “Miss Jenkins, if you’re worried about project delays, rest assured that Mr. Edwards will personally oversee any agreements.”
Jamie’s mouth tightened. “Then why don’t we discuss the plan back at Edwards Group? What are your thoughts on the proposal?”
After Norah had left the previous day, Jamie learned Norah had been Kevin’s secretary for seven years—a fact that only fueled Jamie’s desire to bypass her entirely.
With calm professionalism, Norah replied, “Miss Jenkins, your proposal doesn’t align with standard practices. What is the reasoning behind a 15-day delay for a 20% payment after the contract is signed?”
Jamie’s lips curved into a sly smile. “Given that this is our first partnership, that’s just a safeguard. Didn’t you read the fine print? Clause three specifically states full payment is due within one month of completion.”
Norah maintained her polite tone. “Miss Jenkins, we’re here to discuss serious business. This is not how partnerships are usually structured. It’s common to set clear payment terms upfront to maintain trust.”
Jamie’s face flushed with frustration. “Enough,” she snapped, “I’m done discussing this with a secretary. I’m going directly to Kevin!”
Norah wasted no time, calling Kevin as Jamie had ordered.
Kevin answered in an icy tone, “What’s going on?”
“Miss Jenkins is on her way to Edwards Group to discuss the contract,” Norah replied, summarizing the situation.
Kevin didn’t reply, and Norah took that as acknowledgment. She hung up, took a shortcut to the office, and arrived before Jamie. She left Shelby at the front desk and went straight to the president’s office, calmly setting out tea in preparation for Jamie’s arrival.
When Jamie arrived, she looked distinctly displeased. As Norah handed her a cup of tea, it accidentally spilled, splashing hot liquid on Jamie’s hand.
“Ow!” Jamie cried, glaring at Norah. “Did you do that on purpose?”
Norah remained composed. “Miss Jenkins, I assure you, it wasn’t intentional. It just slipped.”
Jamie’s eyes narrowed, suspicion filling her voice. “Really? I bring up a concern, and suddenly I’m splashed with hot tea? Mr. Edwards, your secretary seems to have quite an attitude!”
Kevin, standing nearby, gave Jamie an unimpressed look. “Miss Jenkins, if you’re concerned, we could review the surveillance footage.”
Jamie froze, visibly thrown off balance by his suggestion. Her composure faltered. She had underestimated how much Kevin valued Norah’s work ethic.
“Fine,” Jamie conceded, struggling to maintain her dignity. “But the tea still burned my hand, and I’d expect a little consideration from your team.”
Norah spoke up calmly, “Miss Jenkins, if I had spilled tea on myself, I’d handle it with a bit of embarrassment. However, since you’re concerned, I can arrange for an ice pack and make an appointment at the best dermatology clinic in town.”
Jamie waved her hand dismissively. “Ice will be fine.”
Kevin watched the exchange with a barely concealed smirk. When Norah left to get the ice, Jamie turned to him, sensing her chance to press the issue.
Kevin's expression shifted to one of mild impatience. “Norah has worked with me for seven years. She has my trust and the authority to make decisions. If you wish to proceed with this partnership, it would be wise to ensure smooth communication with my team.” His words were slow and deliberate, the message unmistakable.
Jamie’s face betrayed her frustration. She realized that if she wanted this partnership, she’d need to make amends with Norah.
chapter 169
Jamie’s face tightened. “Mr. Edwards, I’ve had some disagreements with Secretary White, and frankly, anyone would assume her actions were intentional. Also… do you really not recognize me?”
Kevin's expression remained cool. “I know exactly who you are. That’s irrelevant here.”
His calm, dismissive response left Jamie stunned and fuming.
Just then, Norah returned with an ice pack. “Miss Jenkins, here’s the ice.”
Norah’s expression was unbothered, in sharp contrast to Jamie’s growing frustration. And from Kevin’s cold stare, it was clear that he expected an apology if the partnership was to move forward. This collaboration was something Jamie had fought hard to secure, convincing both her father and brother to entrust her with it.
Forced into a corner, Jamie took a breath and said reluctantly, “Secretary White, I apologize for earlier. I shouldn’t have blamed you for the tea incident. I hope you’ll forgive me.”
Norah, taken aback for a moment, noticed Kevin watching the exchange, his eyes fierce and unwavering. She managed a polite smile. “Miss Jenkins, we’ve discussed this already; no need to dwell on it.”
Not wanting to linger in the tension-filled room, Norah added, “I’ll leave the ice pack here for you. I’ll step out so you and Mr. Edwards can continue your discussion.”
Once Norah left, Kevin’s voice was low and firm. “Miss Jenkins, it might be best to avoid acting entitled.”
Jamie’s frustration surged, but she forced a calm tone. “Mr. Edwards, are we still moving forward with this partnership?”
Kevin turned to face her. “If you want to discuss business, I need to see real commitment from you.”
Knowing she had no choice, Jamie tried to soften her approach. “I may have mishandled things, and my initial proposal wasn’t perfect. How about I offer a two percent reduction on the KK project as a goodwill gesture?”
Kevin didn’t respond, keeping his back to her, which only added to her humiliation.
At home, Jamie was revered as the eldest daughter of the Jenkins family. People treated her with deference, but here she was, humbled before a secretary and practically begging Kevin for business.
She fought to hold back her frustration as Kevin finally spoke, his tone mocking. “You traveled all this way to negotiate for just two percent? Doesn’t that seem like a poor trade?”
Jamie felt her pride sting. This project was a major international venture, and she had crafted the proposal hoping to impress Kevin, not to have it scrutinized by his secretary. But now, with her back against the wall, she swallowed her pride. “Mr. Edwards, sometimes we have to look at the big picture. Sacrificing a small amount now secures a long-term partnership. My offer is twenty percent; I can’t go any lower.”
“Fine,” Kevin agreed quickly, though his calm acceptance only deepened Jamie’s resentment.
“Mr. Edwards, since we’ve reached an agreement, I’d like to invite you to a dinner I’m hosting at Red Leaf Villa tomorrow. I hope you’ll attend.”
He nodded, not bothering with further pleasantries. “Norah, show Miss Jenkins out.”
Jamie held her tongue as Norah returned, though once Kevin was out of earshot, she said quietly to Norah, “That apology? It was only for Mr. Edwards’ benefit.”
Norah gave her a measured smile. “Miss Jenkins, I’d advise letting go of grudges. Holding onto them only creates unnecessary stress. I’ll be by Mr. Edwards’ side every day.”
Norah’s gaze held a hint of ice, making it clear she wouldn’t back down. Jamie’s face twisted with resentment as she muttered, “We’ll see how long that lasts.”
Without another word, she turned and strode off.
Norah, unfazed, returned to the office. As soon as she stepped off the elevator, she heard Kevin call from his office.
When she entered, Kevin was leaning back in his chair, a lit cigarette in his hand, eyeing her with an appreciative look. “Thanks to you, we got a twenty percent concession. Should I reward you?”
Norah remained steady. “If you’re serious, I’d prefer something more in line with my interests.”
Kevin raised an eyebrow, a faint smirk on his lips. “I should have known.”
He leaned forward, studying her. “You’re so calm about everything. Doesn’t anything faze you?”
Norah kept her tone light. “Only when people make moves behind my back. It’s hard to take things seriously if they’re not upfront.”
Her suspicion had been confirmed—Bonian, the lawyer she’d consulted about her case, was one of Kevin’s close friends. Her efforts had been quietly stymied before they even began.
Kevin’s expression grew colder. “I refuse to let you turn my life into a public spectacle.”
The room filled with smoke, obscuring his face. Norah realized she couldn’t rely on anyone else here.