CHAPTER 46: CHAPTER 46: SECOND SLAP IN THE FACE

Jordan Hawthorne heard the words, and his gaze suddenly darkened.

Before, although he heard Brooke mentioning that Sabrina Hayes and Josee Sheffield were quite close,

he didn’t expect that the other party would bring Sabrina to such an occasion.

That Purple Gold Card was actually given by Josee Sheffield?

Beside him, Ethan Hawthorne and Brooke Sinclairs were equally shocked, not to mention the guests nearby.

"Young Master Sheffield actually came too?"

"He just said Mrs. Hawthorne is his business partner? So, she was never tailing them from the start."

"To become a partner of President Sheffield, she must be quite capable too, right?"

In Veridia, Josee Sheffield has a carefree personality, operates discreetly, and is hard to approach, but no one can deny his status and ability.

Sabrina Hayes had long grown tired of such gatherings. Upon seeing Josee Sheffield, she spoke up, "You’re here?"

"Mm."

Josee nodded, looking at her and asked, "Are you alright?"

Although he had just arrived and hadn’t seen what happened,

he could still guess that she had been wronged.

Sabrina shook her head, "It’s nothing, just a few mad dogs, nothing to bother about. Work is more important, let’s go."

With that, she didn’t look at the people in front of her again and went straight to a corner.

Josee, seeing this, didn’t bother to confront Jordan Hawthorne and hurriedly followed her, saying, "Sorry, I forgot to ask ahead if they would come..."

"It’s not related to you."

Sabrina didn’t want to bring up the previous incident again, nor did she mean to blame Josee Sheffield.

Even if she knew Jordan and his group were present, she wouldn’t refuse this opportunity for help.

However, she was eager to wrap up work quickly and leave.

"Let’s discuss the project for tonight before Miss Yates arrives."

"Alright..."

Josee noticed her low spirits and cooperated fully.

The two quickly huddled together, discussing business matters.

This familiar and intimate posture did not sit well with Jordan Hawthorne, who watched from a distance, an unidentified irritation growing within him.

Ethan Hawthorne didn’t expect to be embarrassed himself.

At that moment, watching the two of them, he couldn’t help but speak disparagingly, "When did she start getting involved with Josee Sheffield? She’s not even divorced yet, and dares to be so blatant. What a disgrace to The Hawthorne Family... Brother, when will you kick her out?"

If it were before, Jordan might have agreed.

But upon hearing the words ’divorce’, he inexplicably became irritable, shooting a sharp glance, "Instead of concerning yourself with this, why not improve your business skills."

Ethan, being reprimanded, sulked, "I’m just standing up for you."

Brooke Sinclairs observed Jordan’s expression and felt a vague sense of crisis.

Jordan’s reaction today was peculiarly abnormal.

Unwilling to think deeper, she quickly changed the subject and also started talking about business.

After a while, she spoke confidently, "This time, I am fully prepared. This project will surely be ours!"

Jordan glanced subtly at the two not far away, "It seems Josee came here also for this project."

Brooke realized it as well.

No wonder Sabrina appeared!

So, this evening, she was to compete with her?

Upon realizing this, Brooke looked disdainful.

What advantage does Sabrina have to compete against her?

She had made sure to lower costs, offering almost seventy to eighty percent in profit, all for the sake of getting close to The Yates Family.

There was no reason why Miss Yates shouldn’t choose her!

Just as she was having these thoughts, Miss Yates, dressed elegantly and seductively, finally made her grand entrance.

As she appeared, all the guests immediately approached her.

Poppy Yates responded with grace and poise.

Brooke seized the opportunity, took Jordan’s arm, and went forward to strike up a conversation.

Poppy Yates’s attitude towards the two of them was very courteous and friendly.

The medical devices under Hawthorne Group’s banner are renowned and advanced in the country.

Hence, this project collaboration was already on Poppy Yates’s candidate list.

Brooke also noticed this and handed over the project proposal at the right moment, "This time, we bring with us utmost sincerity. Miss Yates must carefully review our terms, as they will surely satisfy you greatly."

Poppy Yates opened the file and quickly skimmed through it.

After finishing, she nodded affirmatively, "The terms are indeed generous, especially the price, very tempting... I will prioritize it for consideration, but in the end, it will require our board’s decision."

"Of course."

Brooke answered calmly, her heart secretly rejoicing.

She felt confident that this project was essentially secured.

The satisfaction on Miss Yates’s face was unmistakable.

In the distance, Sabrina Hayes and Josee Sheffield naturally witnessed this scene as well.

Sabrina frowned, "Miss Yates’s attitude seems inclined to collaborate with Hawthorne. Do we not stand a chance?"

Josee, without much thought, said, "The medicine you’ve developed is second to none. It’s still uncertain who will win. I have faith in you! Go ahead!"

Sabrina was surprised, "You’re not coming with me?"

Josee chuckled with a mysterious air, "The drug is your creation. I wouldn’t want to steal your thunder. Besides... I want to observe Poppy Yates’s judgment."

Sabrina was speechless for a few seconds but didn’t insist further.

She quickly grabbed the proposal and approached Poppy Yates.

On the way, she encountered Brooke.

Brooke had been clearly monitoring her moves all along and sidled over, speaking in a voice that only the two could hear, "Miss Yates is quite satisfied with our proposal. Why exhaust yourself? The feeling of constant defeat is unpleasant, isn’t it? Why can’t you learn?"

Sabrina cast a cold glance at her, "Talking about wins and losses, as someone who leeches off others’ hard work, isn’t that laughable? Besides... nothing is set in stone yet, being too confident might just end up biting you."

With those words, she ignored her and soon stood before Poppy Yates.

Poppy Yates, with her naturally commanding presence and a neat bob cut, exuded an even sharper aura.

Most people would find themselves feeling inferior in her presence.

But Sabrina, without being overbearing or servile, politely greeted her before directly stating her purpose.

Poppy Yates also accepted the proposal and glanced over it.

Upon seeing the price of the medical brand Sabrina represented, her eyes slightly paused.

The sales price of the drug seemed excessively high.

It deviated significantly from her current requirements.

Poppy Yates didn’t look in detail and quickly closed the document, saying, "I will take this proposal back for my team to study properly..."

Her tone was slightly indifferent, with no profound enthusiasm.

Not far off, Brooke Sinclairs heard this and was almost overflowing with pride.

Poppy Yates’s response was obviously a polite refusal!

Indeed, opting to cut the profit was the wisest decision.

While Brooke was internally celebrating, a sudden commotion erupted at the entrance.

Everyone’s attention was drawn there.

They saw an elderly man in a traditional Chinese gown being slowly wheeled in from outside.

The guests were stunned.

This was... Elder Yates!!!

Rarely does he appear in public, but everyone knows that The Yates Family’s foundation and prestige are all built by him.

A man of great achievements and noble status.

Ordinary people rarely get the chance to meet him, yet unexpectedly... he’s here tonight!

Those attending were quick-witted, unable to resist the urge to greet him and establish connections.

Poppy Yates clearly didn’t expect her grandfather to show up and hurried over, "Grandpa, why aren’t you resting properly? How did you end up here?"

Yates asked, "What? An old man like me can’t join the fun?"

"Of course not. It’s just that we’re worried you’ll get tired. Your leg hasn’t fully healed yet!"

Poppy immediately shifted from her sharp demeanor to one of obedient gentleness.

Elder Yates explained, "Originally, I didn’t plan to come, but I heard there might be someone I know here..."

Saying this, he instinctively scanned the room.

In the next moment, spotting a certain figure, his stern face suddenly broke into a joyous smile, "Dr. Nash, you really are here!"