The Apple of My Eye
Chapter 1712 Are You Okay

"Why do you hesitate? Are you considering rejecting my offer?" Ferry raised his brows as he questioned Holley. "Do I have a choice?" Holley countered, frustrated, knowing that she had no choice, and she was at his mercy.

"Listen, here are your only options. Either you replace out the contract price of the cooperated project between the Shining and Star Companies for me, as soon as possible, or you be a call girl!" Ferry hung up the phone as soon as he said his piece, not giving Holley any chance to reply.

Hearing the busy tone on the other end of the line, Holley almost went crazy.

In her fit of anger, she threw her phone, and it bounced on the far side of the room. Lately, it was her way to vent her anger after she talked to Ferry. Thankfully, she could always afford to buy a new one. It would really be very depressing for her if money would also be part of her problem.

Using her landline phone, she dialed Leila's number.

Shopping with Melissa, Leila was very happy for her plan had worked. However, when she saw the caller, her happy mood turned sour. She was having such a good time that she didn't want her day being ruined by someone like Holley.

"What's wrong, Leila?" Noticing the annoyed look on Leila's face, Melissa asked concernedly.

"Nothing, Aunt Melissa. It's just a friend calling me. I haven't seen her for a long time." Leila ignored the call and turned to Melissa to explain.

"Oh, okay. Check this out. Do these clothes fit me?" Melissa asked Leila instead, not worried anymore.

However, Leila was bothered by the call. Even though she didn't pick up the phone, she started to wonder what it could have been about. Thus, she could no longer focus on helping Melissa in choosing clothes. Instead, she would either mumble a few words or just nod her head when asked for her opinion.

There was also news about Holley on the internet these past few days. And that got Leila confused.

To add to her confusion was the sudden call, which she just received after not hearing from Holley for quite some time. Why would she call her now?

"Aunt Melissa, it looks perfect on you!" Smiling, Leila nodded her approval at Melissa as she looked at her from head to toe.

"I think so, too. I'm buying this!" Melissa then walked to the cashier to pay.

"Aunt Melissa, let me pay for you!" Leila stopped Melissa. She took the clothes and rushed to the cashier.

Nodding, Melissa smiled.

After shopping, Leila and Melissa went to a nearby coffee shop.

"Aunt Melissa, will you excuse me? I need to go to the bathroom." Leila asked Melissa after placing their orders.

"Sure, I will wait for you." Melissa answered while patting the back of Leila's hand.

Inside the bathroom, Leila looked around to make sure that no one was around before calling Holley back.

Annoyed, Holley was lost in thought since Leila hadn't answered her call. But when she heard the phone ring, she picked it up immediately.

"What happened?" Leila asked impatiently.

"How's your job in the Shining Company?" Holley asked immediately, not beating around the bush. She was dying to know Leila's progress. After Ferry had given her an ultimatum, she couldn't afford to fail. And there was no turning back now, especially if Ferry's plan worked. She would lose everything, even Black. No matter how much he loved her, she was sure he would definitely lose faith in her and would walk away. Therefore, she must do everything to succeed.

"What you're asking isn't like grabbing a cup of coffee. It isn't that easy! Don't pressure me." Leila couldn't help but roll her eyes.

When she saw the news about Holley online, Leila couldn't help, but look down on her. She always knew that Holley was somewhat dumb. But she had never imagined to replace out exactly how dumb Holley could really be. What was Holley thinking when she cut her ties with the Hu family? Holley knew very well that only the Hu family could help save her. Things changed when Holley made that mistake. Now, Holley was digging her own grave.

Understanding that Leila had the upper hand now, Holley hid her annoyance. She took a deep breath to compose herself. "I know it isn't easy. But you know that the bidding is going to begin very soon. If we can't get the price, we will be screwed."

"I know, I know. I wasn't born yesterday. Calm yourself down, okay? Being so anxious and pushy won't help you." Leila was losing her patience.

"I just want you to remember that if you need any help, just call me anytime. I will be more than happy to help you," Holley said.

After hearing Holley's last statement, Leila burst out laughing. She shook her head speechlessly and mocked Holley, "What can you possibly do for me? You're so famous on the Internet right now. If people see me hanging out with you, they will surely replace out about our relationship!"

Furrowing her brows, Holley knew Leila was mocking her. For the first time, she wanted to punch her, but all she could do was clench her fists.

"Leila, we're in the same boat. Have you forgotten that?" Holley asked, raising her voice in irritation.

For the second time around, Leila laughed out loud, totally forgetting that she was in a public place. When she was done laughing, she answered, "Holley, do you understand what you have just said? I am going to be the wife of the Shining Company's CEO. And you? Just look at yourself. You can't even get a loser like Black to stay with you. We are not in the same boat. You and I are on different levels." Holley remained silent.

Satisfied with Holley's silence, Leila continued, "I will do it in my own time. If you try to pressure me again, I can't guarantee you what will happen."

"Don't forget that you took my money!"

"Are you threatening me? Do you have any evidence? Holley, let me remind you of one important thing. I can quit anytime."

Leila was very disappointed with the fact that Holley now tried to blackmail her.

Holley's heart sunk. It had never occurred to her that Leila would kick down the ladder after she had helped her get rid of Sheryl.

With this turn of events, Holley could only blame herself for trusting the wrong person. She was the one who had decided to team up with Leila in the first place. Taking a deep breath, she explained anxiously, "Leila, that's not what I meant. Please, don't..."

"Stop! I am not the kind of person you think I am. Just wait for my call," Leila interrupted Holley, for she didn't want to listen to her anymore.

Then, Leila hung up.

It really drove Holley crazy being hung up on twice in a row. But what could she do? She couldn't mess with Ferry or Leila. She quietly sulked.

Meanwhile, Leila was very happy. She could imagine how frustrated Holley was. Leila looked at herself in the mirror and murmured, "Holley, you're just a puppet to me. How dare you threaten me?!" Walking out of the bathroom with her heels clicking, Leila held her head up high.

Not looking carefully, Leila bumped into a woman. It was Cassie! Leila didn't expect to see Cassie here.

"Sorry, Miss. Are you okay?" Cassie apologized politely.