Chapter 128
On the road to the airport, York was on the phone, arranging for a lavish gift.
Kristin didn’t intervene, just in case it came in handy.
“Our
held back a bottle of red wine last year in quite a collector’s piece, and the price
isn’t too steep either,” York mentioned to Rhett.
Rhett remained silent, glancing at Kristin.
“How much?” Kristin inquired.
“Over a million,” York said with a chuckle.
Kristin took a deep breath before saying, “I think we shouldn’t give gifts that are too extravagant. The Harborside Haven project is an open bid by Eddie, and the FitzGerald Group sets the industry standard. Just being willing to discuss the project and meet him in advance is already a big deal. A little respect given in business is enough. Otherwise, the other party might get cocky.”
York paused for a moment. “But gifting him some king crabs might be a bit too casual, doesn’t it?”
‘Eddie’s mother has a fondness for king crabs, and it’s not their season now. I’ve selected specially farmed crabs, which are raised in greenhouses by the farmers themselves. They’re plump and quite pricey..” Kristin defended her choice of king crabs.
Rhett, resting his chin on one hand, chuckled. “How much?”
“Well it’s three hundred bucks a pop, and I got fifteen female crabs.” Kristin felt the pinch.
“I still think.” York wasn’t entirely convinced.
“Vincent and Nicola got to Harborside Haven ahead of us, and they must have booked Eddie’s time. Nicola would’ve brought Eddie a grand gift. He isn’t blind to the dynamics within the FitzGerald Group. The more someone tries to suck up, the more it seems they’re lacking confidence. If Nicola is currying favor with Eddie, we should do the opposite to show we’re
solid.”
Kristin spoke softly, casting an uncertain glance at Rhett.
Rhett just looked at her, his gaze intense.
“Perhaps we could prepare two gifts and decide which one to gift based on the situation…” Kristin trailed off her voice, lacking confidence.
“Let’s go with Kristin’s plan,” Rhett said flatly.
York opened his mouth, sighed, and let it go.
Kristin sparkled her eyes as she sneaked a peek at Rhett, nervously clutching the hem of her
Chapter 120
dress and shrinking back towards the door.
“Mr. FitzGerald, I’ve reviewed the dossier on Neal from the Investment Division. His personal life is a mess and seems to have quite a few mistresses.” Kristin whispered, changing the subject.
Rhett hummed, closing his eyes. “Neal’s greatest talent is keeping his lovers and his wife in harmonious coexistence.”
So going after Neal’s personal life might not be the best angle.
“It’s not just that Neal has numerous mistresses. He enjoys parading them at social events, and most of these women are celebrities or models with top–notch looks and figures. This shows a man of extreme confidence and vanity. Plus, Neal is a company veteran, so deep down he values his contributions to the FitzGerald Group, believing that losing him would be a loss,” Kristin analyzed Neal in a hushed tone.
Rhett opened his eyes, surprised. “You have a deep understanding of human nature.”
Kristin had never met Neal. She had only read York’s investigative reports and yet had managed to get a pretty good read on Neal.
“In prison for five years, I was always studying psychology,” Kristin murmured.
Rhett bobbed his Adam’s apple but said nothing.
Kristin was undoubtedly a genius.
But only Kristin knew why she learned psychology was to save herself.
She suffered from severe depression and anxiety and wanted to heal on her own.
“Mr. FitzGerald, do we try to win Neal over or take him out?” Kristin looked to Rhett for guidance.
York, driving, slammed on the brakes at a traffic light and turned around in shock, looking at Kristin. She just went big.
Rhett instinctively reached out to protect Kristin, frowning at York. “Can you even drive?” “Mr. FitzGerald, my apologies,” York quickly conceded, always good at owning up to his mistakes. “Neal has been a sly old fox in the company. Mr. FitzGerald’s intention might be to get rid of him, but because he’s been around for so long, a direct dismissal would cause quite a stir, akin to ingratitude. Even with plenty of dirt on Neal, it’s not easy to just fire him. Mr. FitzGerald has been holding off.”
Kristin nodded, understanding. “With such a person, we might dismiss him with overwhelming promotion and praises.”
Rhett looked intrigued.
“He is vain, so we feed his vanity. Pride comes before a fall. I heard the Vice President position in operations is up for grabs, and Neal’s a prime contender,” Kristin said, head bowed, not
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Chapter 128
daring to look at Rhett.
He made Kristin nervous when he watched her like that.
“Indeed, Neal has hinted at it many times, overtly and covertly. I’ve never agreed,” Rhett nodded.
“This Harborside Haven project is an opportunity. Nicola and Vincent coming to see Eddie like that is too obvious. With Nicola’s scandal as a mistress dogging her, she’s getting desperate. The more she overdoes it, the more you can seem to panic. Why not use that as a pretext to let me please him in private?” Kristin said meaningfully, hoping Rhett would catch her drift.
“Your plan is sound, but you won’t be the one pleasing him. York will,” Rhett frowned.
How could Rhett use his wife to personally appease Neal? That would be giving Neal too much. credit.
“For anything, just order York to do it. He’s your lackey now,” Rhett said, the corner of his mouth tilting upward.
York rolled his eyes covertly, careful to keep driving.
He really was the fall guy.
Kristin was racing her heart a touch faster than usual, her gaze fixed on anything but Rhett as she stared out the car window.
A guy like him was hard not to be smitten.
But she just wasn’t in his league.
In the departure lounge at the airport.
“Rhett, what took you’so long? I was worried we’d miss the flight, but thank God we made it in time,” Hertha sighed in relief as she approached, her voice as smooth as silk. “York has been with you for ages, how could he make such a blunder?”
York opened his mouth, ready to shoulder the blame.
It wasn’t his fault they were late. Mr. FitzGerald had to play the hero, getting tangled up with Ruby and Vincent. They would have been here ages ago otherwise.
“Rhett, the omething I need to discuss with you.” Hertha pulled out her smartphone. “My
buddy sent me an address and said he’s hosting tonight. He mentioned he’d missed me and used to have a bit of a crush on me back in the day. I didn’t want him to get the wrong idea, so I mentioned our relationship. You don’t mind, do you?”
Hertha watched Rhett anxiously.
In the chat history, Hertha had declared Rhett to be her boyfriend, suggesting an engagement was imminent.
Clearly, Holcomb had agreed to an alliance with the Haywood family, giving Hertha a new sense
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of confidence.
Hertha deliberately brought up the chat and the fact that Eddie had once pursued her to let Rhett know that tonight’s arrangement was entirely because of her.
With her on board, the success of their project was virtually guaranteed.
Hertha was sending a clear message to Kristin and Rhett that she was the one of true value to
Rhett.
Kristin, trailing behind Rhett, felt her step falter. For some reason, she felt a pang of envy. She was envious that Hertha could be Rhett’s fiancée, officially and rightfully.
“What relationship?” Rhett stopped in his tracks, his voice deep and serious.
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