"Oh. Isn't it the CEO of Cheng juice company? I'm happy for you friend. It's just that you gave my little heart a surprise. ", she said holding her chest dramatically.
Luke approached her and placed his hands in his pockets.
"I don't need your praise to miss Shi. ", he said coldly. "You left my company without my notice. It seems I have to fire you myself. "
"That's up to you sweetheart. ", she smiled and reached for his face but he grasped her wrist and glared at her.
"Weldone for spying in my company for almost a year. Don't forget we are competitors now and I look forward to what you are going to do. I'm not some pushover that will let anything slide. Your stupid plan won't put me down!", he said fiercely.
Susan's hands were hurting but she still sent the glare back.
"Are you speaking about what happened tonight? What I did was just help my father. It can't compare to what your dear 'father-in-law did'. Mr. Li could betray your father even after knowing him for decades. I wonder what Juliet who you barely met for a year could do to you? You know, an apple doesn't fall far from the tree.", she said.
"You're right? An apple surely won't fall far from its tree." He smirked eyeing her. "Stop comparing yourself to Juliet. You're nothing like her. If she is an angel, you're a devil reincarnate." He said and pushed her back. "We'll meet soon miss Shi." He added and walked away.
Luke entered his room and sat on the bed and scratched his head. He might act like he was okay but he was extremely worried now. The anger and confusion he saw in Juliet's eyes were still playing in his head. He felt like strangling Susan again just now. To think that she was spying on them the whole time. After that attack incident, they had decided to keep a watch on Susan but after she became cool-headed again, Luke thought she had no motives. Of course, Juliet never lets him keep his guard down and said it was a woman's instinct. Things would have changed today if she had known of his ownership of the company.
And there was the issue of Mr. Li. He must have infiltrated the Cheng industry and after withdrawing, Dad will face a new challenge to deal with. The ownership of the resort will surely keep him busy now. But Luke was sure Juliet had no idea about this and how she would feel after finding out. He was starting to question their suspicions about the attack being linked to Mr. Shi and if Mr. Li was involved. He wouldn't risk his daughter's life right? And what if he was threatened?
Luke exhaled and shook his head. He would let Dad deal with the matter himself as he had his work to do. Susan pulling out from the company will affect them. He planned to go back immediately after the meeting with Mr. Park.
As for the issue with Juliet.......
He took his phone and called her again but she wasn't responding. Laying on his back in agony, he didn't have any idea how to fix this, he only hoped Juliet would trust him.
.....................
When Juliet left the coffee shop that day, she sat by the big glass window watching the snow silently. Luke must be trying to call me over and over now. How did the auction conclude? She pursed her lips and taught. Another message came to her phone but the sound made her pick up the phone. That was an official message. She checked it and it was from Leo. Juliet started reading it and her eyebrows furrowed with time. She sighed with relief at the end but was still surprised.
Someone from the Cheng industry betrayed them and supported Shi corp. That was a grave issue. Who will be so hateful to do that they must be an important part of the industry?
And that vile bitch. How dare she?
"I always felt that Susan was bad news. How dare she infiltrate the company and betray Luke just like that?! He must be extremely angry right now.", she hollered clenching her fists. Juliet felt like leaving for China immediately. If she was there, she had no idea what she would do to Susan.
"Susan better wait for a sweet slap. It's a promise," she muttered and pursed her lips. Worry was pasted on her face. Luke must be facing a bad time now and needed someone close to him. She almost called him but refrain from doing so. Dropping her head on her knees, she fiddled with her toes. Juliet ended up sending a message to Leo to take care of his boss.
I won't speak to Luke but I will surely assist him.
............
The owner of the resort was going to change but that didn't mean that the management team was all changing. The refreshments used there were already set but an opportunity for new companies to apply was opened. Luke was here for the reason that if his father was now the owner of the resort, their product still had to be approved. After settling things with Mr. Park, the last thing to do here was the contract.
Luke arrived at the restaurant with Leo and sat by the long table. In total, there were five juice companies. Hard drink and champagne weren't their issues. He greeted the other two who had arrived and looked at the young man in admiration. Susan arrived shortly with the last company.
"Good morning everyone. ", she smiled and sat down. Who was she deceiving? Even with that smile, his arrogant look wasn't taken.
"Hey, Luke. We've been working together for a long time now and are friends. Don't pretend like you haven't seen me.", she looked at Luke and said.
"If you know me personally, I don't speak much with women.", Luke said coldly not even looking at her. She seemed unfazed and took her seat. The manager came shortly and greeted them.
"This opportunity will go to the deserving company. ", he began. "Being the five chosen to take this test, it means we've checked your credibility and now, the choice lies in the hands of my friends over there. " he pointed behind them and ten people were sitting there. They waved in greeting.
The manager added, "Each company is given a number and will be tasted. Then they'll vote. The companies with more votes will be chosen and we'll even give a good remark on your websites."
Luke felt this was a great opportunity. He trusted in the juice his mother personally gave him its recipe. The manager gave a motion and some waiters came in with glass cups and juices. The bottles were surely also going to be noticed. The company owners sat down quietly as the testing begin. When the ten people were done, a paper was given to them where they wrote down their votes. Someone collected the papers and gave them to the Manager. He nodded and checked it himself.
The Manager smiled and took two cards out.
"Mango villa got two votes. Congratulations. ", he said and smiled at the owner of the mango juice company. The man shook his hand and sat down with a smile.
"Peach peak. Three votes. Congratulations." The manager said and Susan gave a bright smile but she was in thought as she shook the man's hand. Doesn't it mean the last company got five marks?
"Utopia. Five votes. Congratulations. ", the manager smiled and turned his gaze to Luke. Luke smiled and shook his hands.
Utopia? So that's the name he gave it. Susan muttered to herself. She knew the orange juice was good but she hadn't expected it to be that good after working with peach peak. It seems I have to work harder to pin them down.
The manager looked at the other two and said, "Even if your products weren't chosen, we'll still give a review about it. Thanks for coming. " he shook their hands and they left the meeting.
The manager then turned the three winners and smiled.
"Since we've chosen you, we'll send all that is necessary and the purchase will be done shortly. Thank you." They exchanged pleasantries before the meeting ended. Luke went to meet Dad and since the latter was busy, they only spoke for a bit. He left the resort that day with Leo.