CHAPTER 43: CHAPTER 43: WHEN ENEMIES MEET

The Lloyd Group, Ethan Lloyd arrived at the company early in the morning to prepare for the reception, his gaze filled with intense anticipation.

The Kevin Group has been flourishing over the years, mainly focusing on foreign trade and high-end women’s design, with some involvement in the jewelry sector, almost reaching the scale of the Lloyd Group when it acquired the Sinclair Group in its heyday.

If it weren’t for the takeover news and the ensuing major staff overhaul, the opportunity to collaborate with the Lloyd Group might have never materialized.

"President, the director from Kevin Company is about to arrive. It’s truly fortunate that we have the chance to negotiate a collaboration with Kevin Company. If we can secure this contract, our crisis will be completely averted."

The assistant beamed with a smile of relief. Ethan Lloyd, having worked diligently and earnestly with the Lloyd Family’s backing, might not lead the Lloyd Group to a peak, but he could certainly maintain the status quo.

However, after Ethan Lloyd got together with Melanie Lloyd, who loved to flaunt and splurge, he had her join the company to keep her occupied.

Unexpectedly, Melanie lacked business acumen, investing in sluggish industries and being scammed out of millions, which led to the Lloyd Group’s shortfall in liquid assets, necessitating investment to stabilize the situation.

"Something this big, and you didn’t include me?"

Melanie Lloyd approached, dressed in a white lace dress with exquisite patterns, flaunting her slender figure, looking stunning.

Five years ago, after numerous incidents, Ethan Lloyd disclosed Melanie’s true identity to avoid media attention.

She was not his biological sister but an adopted one.

Three years ago, they married, but due to their gradual intimacy, it didn’t cause much of a stir.

Ethan Lloyd’s lips curled up: "Of course, someone as capable as you definitely needs to be involved."

The assistant scoffed inwardly.

Using her status as the CEO’s wife, Melanie caused quite a stir within the company, finding ways to dismiss many attractive high-performing women.

Similarly, she meddled in finances, embezzling up to five million.

When reported, Ethan heavily picked it up but lightheartedly set it down by reimbursing the five million, considering the issue resolved.

A knock sounded, and Ethan’s expression turned serious, fully embodying a domineering CEO demeanor.

"Please come in."

Melanie adjusted her appearance as Director Sinclair, presumed to be a woman, entered; she couldn’t afford to lose.

A woman entered, and both Ethan and Melanie’s eyes showed a trace of surprise.

Seraphina Sinclair wore a black lace dress, her figure captivating, and her face akin to white jade.

The allure in her phoenix eyes was irresistible. In those days, Seraphina was already striking; now, with time’s refinement, she was even more unforgettable.

"Seraphina? What are you doing here?" Melanie exclaimed as if she had seen a ghost, instinctively stepping back.

Turning her head, she noticed the admiration in Ethan’s eyes and couldn’t help clenching her fists.

"President Lloyd, have you forgotten the meeting to sign the contract with Kevin Company today?" Seraphina ignored Melanie’s question, turning to Ethan.

"You’re the director sent by Kevin Company?" Melanie’s voice shrilled into a high pitch.

Realizing her loss of composure, Melanie instantly changed her demeanor, smiling brightly: "Ethan, look, Seraphina has become Kevin’s director, so we needn’t negotiate the contract. Let’s just go have a meal, and let them verify the contract. With Seraphina here, we definitely won’t get the short end of the stick."