Jonathan's heart skipped a beat. He quickly explained, "I went there, but it was all over by the time I got there. Don't worry about it." He knew that if his identity was exposed, many things would become difficult to manage.
Olivia blinked in suspicion but didn't press further.
A few days later, the partnership between the Harrison family and the Apex Group was officially finalized. Olivia, the person in charge, walked out of the Apex Group building with Sophia and Chad. Everything was set. The project just needed to start.
The Harrison family was in the home decoration and space design business with a vast network and resources. They were an industrial leader in Yonderville. This project involved designing and renovating five major malls in Yonderville.
These five projects were estimated to bring in millions in profit and double the Harrison family's assets.
Sophia threw a bitter glance at Olivia. "Olivia, don't think I'll listen to you just because you're in charge. I have far more experience in project management than you. You'd better watch yourself."
With that, Sophia strutted off, and her long legs took her to Mark's Mercedes S-Class.
Chad said casually, "Olivia, keep up the good work. Send me the project files. I'm off to have drinks with a few important clients to plan for this project." He then got into his BMW and drove off.
Olivia was left alone with a pile of heavy documents. She could only approach the bus stop.
Meanwhile, in Mark's car, as soon as Sophia got in, Mark wrapped his arm around her waist and kissed her. "What's wrong, babe? You look pissed."
Sophia pushed Mark away and pouted. "Olivia is in charge of this partnership. It's pissing me off." She turned angrily to Mark. "Didn't you say you'd help me become the head of this project? Were you lying to me?"
Mark chuckled and leaned back. "Relax. It's all under control. Olivia is just a weak woman with no connections or skills. How far do you think she can go? I've already arranged for a local gang leader to make sure she doesn't get the building materials on time. Without them, the project will be delayed, and the Apex Group will lose a lot of money.
"Do you think the Apex Group will wait? They'll surely reconsider Olivia's capabilities. Meanwhile, you can secretly prepare the materials, and when the time comes, you'll supply them and take over the project. Who would question your position then?" Mark sneered as if he could already see Olivia's failure.
Sophia's face lit up with a smile. "Really? That's perfect! That b***h thinks she can compete with me. Dream on!" She leaned into Mark, sat on his lap, and unbuttoned his shirt.
Mark burst into flames and urgently told the driver, "Forget the office. Head to the hotel. Damn it! You're such a tease. I'm going to make you scream today!"
Meanwhile, Jonathan and Benjamin stepped out of a military jeep.
They stood in front of the towering Infinity Group building. This was Yonderville's landmark and home to Simon's empire. It was valued at over a billion dollars.
Jonathan walked into the building. The receptionist was a well-dressed young woman with a perfect figure. She asked politely, "How can I help you?"
"I'm here to see Simon Reed," Jonathan said calmly.
The receptionist blinked. "Do you have an appointment?"
"No," Jonathan replied.
"Sorry, sir. Mr. Reed is in a meeting. Without an appointment, I can't let you in," the receptionist explained with a smile.
"Just call him and tell him Jonathan Parker is here." Jonathan raised an eyebrow.
The receptionist hesitated. Normally, she would have called security, but something about Jonathan's upright stance and Benjamin's intimidating aura made her comply.
"Please wait a moment." She dialed a number. "Hello, could you patch me through to Mr. Reed's office? Mr. Jonathan Parker is here to see him."
Just then, a middle-aged man in a gray suit walked in with a stern face. "What's going on here?"
"Mr. Olsen, this gentleman wishes to see Mr. Reed." The receptionist trembled slightly. She was clearly afraid of the man.
The manager, Jack Olsen, frowned at Jonathan and Benjamin and berated the receptionist. "Have you forgotten our protocols? A random guy says he wants to see Mr. Reed, and you report it upstairs? Do you want to lose your job?"
The receptionist, clearly flustered, responded, "I'm sorry, Mr. Olsen. It won't happen again." She didn't expect that a minor action would bring such trouble. She couldn't help but resent Jonathan. 'If I lose my job because of this stranger, how will I pay my mom's medical bills?'
Jack snorted and turned to Jonathan and Benjamin with disdain. "Who are you? Just look at you. Do you really think you can see Mr. Reed? Get out now, or I'll have the security throw you out."
'Who do these scrubs think they are? Without an appointment, they want to see the richest man in Yonderville!'
Jonathan's brow furrowed. Behind him, Benjamin roared, "How dare you talk to Mr. Parker like that? I'll tear this place down!"
"Oh, you're a tough guy, huh? Do you even know where you are? This is the Infinity Group, Yonderville's top company." Jack smirked at Benjamin and then addressed Jonathan, "And who are you? Was it your lackey that spoke?"
Benjamin's face turned red with anger. He stepped forward, ready to strike. He was the captain of the Thunderbolt Squad and a colonel. He had never been insulted like this before.
Jonathan was a five-star general. If the military heard about this disrespect, Jack could be sentenced to death.
But Jonathan raised a hand to stop Benjamin. His icy gaze locked onto Jack. "You have ten seconds to apologize to my friend."