Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run
Chapter 64

The manager took a deep breath. "Miss Clara has already sold all the apples from North Ashford. The CEO at Ferguson Corporation is interested in some spots there and is planning a tourism project. We had two sites in South Ashford shortlisted, but Ms. Quinn, your offer of ten million made the farmers greedy. They know Ferguson Corporation is loaded and had set a sky-high price of one hundred million to sell the sites. Ferguson Corporation said no, and now both South Ashford locations are out of the running."

Quinn heard the manager's accusations but kept her cool, casually leaning against the wall. "I'm sorry. I meant to use the ten million to ease everyone's losses, not to encourage them to break contracts with my sister or fuel their greed."

She sounded innocent, and when Quinn offered the ten million, she never told the farmers to ditch Clara. She was just good at steering conversations, making sure nothing could come back to bite her.

The manager was at a loss. South Ashford's apple situation was going south while North Ashford's was improving. Now that Dylan interested in investing over there, South Ashford couldn't just go begging him to come back, especially since the farmers wouldn't budge without that hundred million.

"Miss Quinn, maybe you should head home. Since you arrived, the farmers have become more restless. Our small town can't handle someone of your stature."

His words were direct. Quinn's face changed a few times, but she didn't snap and just smiled apologetically. Simon noticed her mood change, and pulled her into a hug.

"Quinn, it's okay. Let's head back to the Capital. Whoever wants to deal with this place can have it!"

Quinn was thinking the same. She already shifted the blame to Clara, plus she had eight million in pocket money from her family. Simon promised her a luxury car, and she'd raked in tens of millions in days. Why should she get upset with small-town folks?

The manager's face turned red with anger at Simon's words. "Mr. Simon, you can't say that. Do you really think Quinn is so innocent? She nudged the farmers to break contracts with Clara and kept it under wraps, leaving Clara unable to fulfill over twenty thousand orders after staying up all night. It was her cunning that drove Clara away. Go ahead and indulge her, but you'll regret it like I do!"

He now saw through Quinn's act. She was a wealthy heiress pretending to care about the common folk but always maintaining a high profile. Even her live broadcasts were from a lavish guesthouse; she hadn't set foot in the orchard once. In contrast, Clara went to the orchard on her first day, staying up all night in the rain.

The manager was filled with regret, but he had gone along with the farmers' actions. Now, it was too late, and he could only watch North Ashford prosper.

Simon was fuming and immediately left with Quinn for the Capital.

Back at the Bradford family home, Quinn found everyone in high spirits. She was surprised. "Dad, Mom, what's going on?"

Johnny sat on the couch, looking pleased, and Naomi shared his pride. "You silly girl, calls have been flooding in for your father, saying the farmers are banding together to give you a commendation. It won't be long before we hear about our bid being accepted. Get some rest. You've lost weight these past few days." Quinn was puzzled. When she left, weren't those farmers furious with her? Could it be they wanted to curry favor because of the money? A hint of disdain crossed her eyes. A mere commendation that could easily be bought online for a few bucks held no value for her. Still, her family's happiness made her accept the praise without hesitation.

"No, when I left, they were still upset. I thought they were displeased with me. Maybe they regretted it after I left and decided to send the commendation. Dad, I'm glad I can help the company. I'm not tired at all."

Naomi beamed, "When I was having tea with my friends, they mentioned you, Quinn. You might not know, but this aid mission wasn't simple. There's a significant project in Ashford, and the tourism development is just an appetizer. Many companies have their eyes on it. The Ferguson family, the Warren family, and others all want a piece. Helping the farmers is closely tied to this project. Your father and I only just found out, and my friends were so envious."

Quinn wasn't aware of this. So, there were other projects involved in the Ashford deal. No wonder Dylan himself went there. If the higher-ups had indeed called to commend her, would Dylan see her differently?

A smile played on her lips. She was determined to win him over.

Soon, Johnny's phone rang again. "Johnny, haven't you gone to Ashford yet? Several higher-ups have gone there. Your daughter's on the invitation list, too. I've seen her name. The press has been invited for interviews that will make the local papers. Your company will surely benefit policy-wise. Why are you still at home? Hurry up and get going!"

Johnny was visibly excited, quickly getting up and turning to Quinn. "Let's go back to Ashford for the interviews. Quinn, we owe this to you. Come along with me."

Naomi hugged Quinn's shoulders with delight. "What did I do in a past life to deserve such a wonderful daughter?"

"Quinn, congratulations!"

Quinn was completely bewildered. She had just returned from Ashford and now had to head back again. It was a bit annoying, but the thought of all those wealthy ladies singing her praises made it feel worthwhile.