A message tone chimed on her phone. Opening it, she found a message from Jack.
[Penny, missing me? Your dearest third brother is longing for you! Let's meet in France soon.]
A shiver ran down Penelope's spine as her fingers swiftly typed back.
[Not at all.]
After sending the message, she instructed her assistant, "Handle the delivery for me and distribute the flowers among the female colleagues."
"Understood," replied the assistant, exiting the room.
Penelope resumed reading the documents when Carlos, the director of the expansion department, knocked on her door.
"Good morning, President Reed."
Carlos approached Penelope’s desk and handed over the folder, yet his eyes betrayed an inscrutable cunning. "Here's the profit statement for this month. Please review it."
Without accepting the folder, Penelope looked up calmly, "Director Bosh, is there something you need?"
She glanced at the documents in Carlos's hands, "Just leave it with my assistant. No need to make things complicated."
Carlos's smile deepened, his confident demeanor contrasting with the tension in their previous meetings.
"President Reed, I was blind during our last meeting and offended you."
Penelope lips curved into a distant smile, "It's alright, just forget about it."
"After reflecting on everything, guilt weighed heavier on my mind. I wondered if you'd join me for a casual meal tonight to put aside any lingering grievances. Would that be alright?"
"I have exclusive news about the Meyer Group that I'd like to share privately with President Reed."
Carlos's demeanor shifted, trying to be amicable, in stark contrast to his aggressive stance in the meeting room.
The individuals before her seemed unpredictable and capricious. Penelope interlocked his fingers thoughtfully, his gaze piercing, "Alright, I'll attend the meeting with Director Bosh today."
Having only recently met Levi from Meyer Group, and already knowing Carlos's intentions toward her, she was alert.
This place was Seattle’s hallmark, a must-visit for all celebrities looking to make their mark.
Carlos, being from a working-class background, might not have been able to afford such luxuries on his own. It appeared he had some influential connections backing him up.
Guided by the shimmering golden lights, Penelope located Carlos's table.
"President Reed, you're here?"
Carlos remained seated, lighting a cigarette, his demeanor markedly different from their office encounters.
Observing the situation, Penelope remained unruffled. He set down his bag gracefully and took a seat, offering a subtle smile. "I'm curious, Mr. Bosh, about this 'inside information' concerning Meyer you mentioned."
Carlos flicked the cigarette ash off, his covetous eyes scanning Penelope from head to toe. "No need to hurry; we can discuss it over dinner."
Smiling faintly, Penelope checked her watch, "I'm short on time; let's get straight to it."
"There's no need to rush," Carlos remarked, rising from his seat. He approached Penelope, placing his hand on the backrest of her chair and leaning in closer.

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