Melody’s face changed upon hearing this news. “That’s impossible! When did he call you?”
“Last night,” the security guard confirmed. “There are many important and sensitive documents in this office, and Mr. Grantham wants them to be secure. Mrs. Grantham, it’s in your best interest to leave now.”
This revelation only fueled Melody’s anger further. “York asked you to guard against me?” she exclaimed.
She pointed at Estelle accusingly, demanding an explanation, “And what about her? Why is she allowed to stay here?”
“Mr. Grantham only instructed us not to allow you access to his office, but he didn’t ask us to prevent Miss Hudson from staying here,” the security guard clarified.
Finally, Melody was escorted out, and the office returned to a state of calm.
Estelle then resumed her work. The company’s current situation was complicated and required her to invest time in organizing customer information and familiarizing herself with the project teams. This groundwork was essential for implementing her future plans.
With the mess that York had created in the company, Estelle knew she had to gradually restore it to order, one step at a time.
As she worked, Estelle felt a sense of gratitude that York wasn’t competent in managing the company. If he had been capable, reclaiming control of the company would have been even more challenging for her.
Later, the market manager knocked on the door. “Miss Hudson, may I come in?”
“Please come in,” Estelle replied.
The market manager entered and informed her, “Mr. Grantham had scheduled a golf appointment with a significant client of our company for today. Since he’s not available now, would you be willing to stand in for him?”
Estelle frowned and inquired, “Who is the big client?”
“Mr. Klein from Wispeak Corporation.”
“What time is the appointment?”
“Two o’clock in the afternoon.”
Upon hearing the market manager’s request, Estelle glanced at the time displayed in the lower right corner of her computer screen. It was then she realized that she had been working all morning, and it was already half past twelve.
Estelle had a recollection of Wispeak Corporation. As she had been sorting out important clients earlier, she discovered that Wispeak Corporation was the company’s largest and most significant client.
The Hudson Group primarily dealt with the sale of gemstones used in jewelry and luxury accessories, while Wispeak Corporation specialized in high-end watches and jewelry. Every year, Wispeak Corporation purchases a considerable amount of precious metals and gems from the Hudson Group family to use as components in their products.
Estelle acknowledged that York wasn’t as foolish as she initially thought. Despite the company losing many clients due to his incompetence, he had managed to maintain a good relationship with the president of Wispeak Corporation. However, their recent cooperation wasn’t going smoothly.
The situation became even more challenging for the Hudson Group as Wispeak Corporation had delayed the payment of about one million dollars, which was the remaining balance from their last transaction.
This delay worsened the company’s severe cash flow problem, putting them in an uncertain position.
The market manager expressed concern, “Mr. Klein has been meeting with Mr. Roberts from Only Love Jewelry recently. It seems they are considering a potential collaboration. If we lose Mr. Klein as a client, our company might not survive.”
Estelle inquired further, “Do you have any information about Mr. Klein’s preferences? Does he have a liking for famous paintings, antiques, or something else? As the market manager, you should be familiar with his preferences, right?”
The market manager hesitated for a moment before replying, “Yes, I do, but… It might not be easy to get what he likes.”
Estelle probed, “What’s the issue? Is it challenging to acquire what he prefers?”
The market manager shook her head and spoke with an uneasy expression, “If you personally go to see him, it might not be as difficult.”
Estelle was puzzled by her response and didn’t quite understand what she meant.
The golf course where the appointment was scheduled was situated halfway up the peak of Mount Cloud, and it would take an hour to reach there.
Feeling pressed for time, Estelle didn’t hesitate any longer. “Let’s go. I’ll meet him on behalf of my uncle.”
The market manager nodded, and they immediately set off, with the market manager driving Estelle to the golf course.
During the drive, Estelle took the opportunity to touch up her makeup using the rearview mirror.
Observing her light makeup, the market manager suggested, “Miss Hudson, you might want to consider wearing heavier makeup to enhance your appearance.”
Estelle thought her words made sense and didn’t doubt her.
‘This is my first meeting with Mr. Klein. I should show a good image.’
Without decent sleep the previous night, Estelle appeared somewhat tired and haggard at that moment.
While she applied her makeup, she joked, “No matter how much makeup you put on, a woman’s age becomes evident once she’s past twenty-five.”
The market manager took a look at her in the rearview mirror and said softly, “Miss Hudson, you are young and pretty. Even a little makeup is enough to make you look young.”
“I hope so.”
Due to a traffic jam, it was already five minutes past two when they finally arrived at the golf course.
The market manager pointed out, “Miss Hudson, that’s Mr. Klein.”
In a hurry, Estelle stepped out of the car and looked in the direction indicated. There, she saw a middle-aged man dressed in sportswear.
Mr. Klein was supposed to be choosing a golf club, but instead, he was being overly familiar with a beautiful girl standing beside him, casting inappropriate glances at her.
“That girl seems familiar,” Estelle remarked.
“She appears to be an influencer who’s been quite popular lately,” the market manager informed.
Estelle nodded in recognition. “Is she the brand ambassador of Wispeak Corporation?” she inquired.
The market manager replied with a smile, “It’s possible. Miss Hudson, I’ll be waiting for you in the lounge.”
Estelle acknowledged and made her way toward Mr. Klein.
Upon seeing her approach, Mr. Klein appeared to take notice and regarded her with a cautious expression.
With a warm and friendly smile, Estelle extended her hand and introduced herself, “Hello, Mr. Klein. I’m Estelle from the Hudson Group.”
Mr. Klein regarded her suspiciously and inquired, “York isn’t coming?”
Estelle responded calmly, “My uncle has some urgent matters to attend to abroad, so I’m here representing him today. Please rest assured, Mr. Klein. Our company has always prioritized sincerity in all our collaborations. If you have any thoughts or suggestions about our cooperation, feel free to share them with me.”
In response to her words, Mr. Klein snorted derisively, “Do you even have the authority to make decisions for the company? By the way, is York truly your uncle?”
“Yes.”
“So you are… George’s daughter?” Mr. Klein’s eyes suddenly brightened.
“Yes,” Estelle nodded and answered.
“No wonder…”