Aaron Jackson grew even more impatient after hearing Karen's words. After all, the night before, he'd had to deal with a drunk-driving madwoman and was ordered to let her go. Anyone in his position would feel resentful."I'm on duty here. Don't even think about making a phone call. Just come with me," Aaron snapped, his tone sharp. He had already cut the Moore family some slack last night; there was no way he was going to do it again today."Please, Officer Jackson, you've met my grandfather. Just let me make one quick call," Karen pleaded, her voice tinged with panic.Aaron scoffed coldly. "If your grandfather is so powerful, let him come to the police station and bail you out himself."Without giving her a chance to argue, Aaron grabbed Karen and dragged her into the police car.As she was forced into the vehicle, Karen turned back to glare at me, her eyes filled with resentment. "Andy, I'll make you pay for this!"Watching her tantrum, I couldn't hel

I regained my composure and quickly explained, "Please don't misunderstand my relationship with Donna. We're really just ordinary friends."Lily smiled and waved her hand dismissively. "It doesn't matter what kind of relationship you have. As long as you treat Donna well, that's enough. As for the project, as long as it meets the standards, it doesn't matter who gets it. I'm only giving you some consideration because of Donna."It was then I realized how close Lily and Donna were. But even without her reminder, I wouldn't let Donna down. After all, she was a good person who had helped me many times.I made a serious promise, "Even without this project, I would still treat Donna well.""Really? And why's that?" Lily asked, raising an eyebrow."The reason is simple. We're friends, and the word 'friend' is worth more than anything."Lily smiled in satisfaction. "Follow the suggestions I gave you. Once you've made the adjustments, come to my office to submi

Henry waved dismissively at the security guard and ordered, "Get this guy out of here!"Karen looked at me smugly, her lips curling into a sneer. "Serves you right! How dare you offend Henry and still think you can meet Ms. Griffin? Keep dreaming!"Wilfred didn't say a word, but his expression made it clear he was eagerly waiting to see me humiliated.I stayed perfectly calm and raised a hand to stop the security guard. "Hold on a moment...""You scumbag! Don't wanna leave, huh?" Karen cut me off sharply."I just wanted to remind you all. If I leave like this, you might end up offending Ms. Griffin."The next moment, Henry and Wilfred's faces twisted with disdain, and Karen burst into laughter, mocking me."You're fucking delusional! Now leave on your own, or it'll be even more embarrassing when the security drags you out," she sneered.I glanced at the three of them and said calmly, "Alright, let's do this. Do any of you dare to give me a mom

Donna's face flushed bright red when she noticed the determination in my expression.Fueled by a competitive streak, I smirked and teased, "How about this: you change into this nightgown in front of me. Deal?""In front of you? No... absolutely not!" she stammered.Satisfied with her reaction, I burst out laughing and decided to ease off. "Scared, huh? Alright, let's just drop it."But maybe my laughter gave me away because Donna's demeanor shifted in an instant. Her hesitation disappeared. "I'm not scared at all! I just don't want to give you the satisfaction of seeing me naked. This time, you'll only see me in the nightgown."Now it was my turn to be caught off guard. I stammered, "I... I was just joking...""I'm not joking! First, you see me in the nightgown. If you can handle that, then I'll strip in front of you.""No, seriously, let's just forget it!" I protested."No way, you have to look!" she declared.Seeing me back down only se

After Lily's introduction, the bidding began. The process was quite straightforward: the project leader would take the stage to present the project, discussing its outcomes and future prospects following implementation.Bidders would upload their confidential documents, including investment valuations and equity distribution, sealed for the investment office. Ultimately, the project team and the government would conduct a comprehensive selection.In addition to being compliant and legal, the rest hinged on interpersonal relationships.With so many investors present, fair competition was nearly impossible. Behind the scenes, everyone had connections guiding their decisions.The major projects were presented in the morning, while the smaller project I was interested in might not come up until the afternoon or even the next day.Before I realized it, lunchtime arrived. The organizing committee had prepared boxed lunches, served in a makeshift cafeteria.Lu