Chapter 416 Failed Discussion
Since my intention in going there that day was to have an open discussion so that I could take away Michael’s deal, I naturally would not give up so easily.
Looking at how resolute I was, a troubled expression appeared on Chris’ face.
“Ms. Garcia, I have been working with Mr. Shaw for many years now. Furthermore, my contract with his company has yet to expire. You coming to see me now will affect my company negatively.”
“Mr. Lobston, there’s still another month before your contract with Joyful Success ends. This is the most suitable time for my company to approach you for a discussion on our future collaboration.”
Before coming to Red Star, I had already understood the ins and outs of the company. If I could not even get something as trivial as that right, I would not be there for a discussion.
However, I assumed Chris did not expect me to be so well-prepared. That was why he looked even more tense and troubled.
“Ms. Garcia, forget about the collaboration between our companies. Before you came here, I have already spoken with Mr. Shaw regarding the extension of our contract. Therefore, there’s nothing much I can do for you.”
Now I knew why Chris refused to talk to me about our collaboration. That was because Michael had already beaten me to it.
Since Chris had already agreed to work with Michael, nothing that I was about to say would be of any use. I was fuming.
I did not expect Michael to act so swiftly. Initially, I had thought that my company was swift in preparing to secure a contract with Red Star. Little did I realize that he was even faster.
No matter how furious I was deep down inside, I smiled and spoke politely to Chris, “All right then. Since you have already agreed to work with Joyful Success, then I can only hope to work with your company another time. Hopefully, you will be able to give my company a chance the next time around.”
“Sure! Most definitely!”
Chris heaved a sigh of relief the moment he heard me say that.
Both of us were only being polite. I had no idea when the new contract would end. He might agree to give my company a chance next time, but he might not keep his word when the time arrived.
That was how the business world was. Everyone would say one thing and do another. I was the same too.
“Mr. Lobston, I won’t take up any more of your time then. I shall make a move first.”
Since the talk on the collaboration did not go through, there was no point in staying on. I stood up as I was telling Chris that and turned to leave.
He could not wait for me to be gone and immediately sent his secretary to see me out.
When I arrived at the ground floor of Red Star, I was feeling disappointed. That was my first mission upon returning to the country, and I failed. It made me anxious.
I had underestimated Michael’s abilities. Despite spending the past year overseas and learning how to manage a business, I was still not at his level. It was impossible to beat him.
I took a deep breath and tried hard to calm myself down.
Taking out my phone, I made a call to Nicholas. The call was answered after a few seconds.
“How was it? Did the discussion go on smoothly?”
Nicholas’ gentle voice sounded so confident that I would win the contract.
After hearing him, I became even more depressed. It was only after a while before I could reply indifferently, “No. It’s impossible for us to collaborate with Red Star because Michael has already sealed the deal with Mr. Lobston before I came.”
I felt even more down after I said that.
There was a moment of silence from the other end of the phone. Nicholas’ voice rang out again, “It’s fine. It’s only a contract. If we can catch him off-guard so easily, then he wouldn’t be Michael.”
I had thought that Nicholas would be very disappointed, but he was calmer than I had expected. Perhaps, he was mentally prepared. That was why he was not as crestfallen as me.
“Nicholas, I feel very uneasy. This is just the start, and I have already lost. I really have no confidence that I can help you beat Joyful Success. I don’t even think I have the ability to get Amaury back.”
I have been so sure of myself. Why am I at a loss now? Why am I always the weakest person?
“Anna, don’t think too much. This is only the beginning. I didn’t think things through enough. Next time, we’ll definitely succeed. Believe me!”
Maybe, I was too dejected currently. Nicholas sounded a little desperate to me.
Unfortunately, I did not feel better in spite of his consolation. However, I knew I could not give up just like that. If I gave up so easily after my first attempt, I would not stand a chance to get Amaury back to my side in the future.
“Yes, I know. I’m not feeling too great at the moment. I need some time alone. Talk to you later.”
I did not wish to discuss the matter any further, so I ended the call.
Taking another deep inhalation, I tried to calm my emotions down and kept telling myself that I would be able to do it. I would never lose!
Just then, the honk of a car could be heard coming from behind me. I turned around and saw a black Mercedes-Benz SUV. It looked like the one Michael used to drive.
Thinking that it might be Michael in the car, I frowned and started to walk away. I had no wish in seeing him.
Sadly, he had no intention of letting me go. After a few steps, he drove up next to me.
Michael’s handsome face appeared as the car window winded down, and he took a gander at me.
“You really don’t want to see me, do you? You’re in such a hurry to get away.”
His unflustered voice revealed no emotions whatsoever.
My plan had failed because he had come to an agreement with Chris beforehand. I was still angry with Michael.
I pretended not to hear him and continued walking.
His sudden appearance only caused me more frustration.
Seeing that I did not respond, Michael frowned and looked unhappy.
“Anna, are you ignoring me? I’m talking to you!”
Michael raised his voice and sounded annoyed.
My mood is already bad enough. Why is he shouting at me? Is he trying to irk me further?
Michael became infuriated when I refused to talk to him. He stopped the car and strode toward me.
Michael grabbed hold of my arm.
