Chapter 19

So that was his master plan. By having her marry his son and produce an heir, he could give her the company, knowing she would eventually pass it on to her child —his grandchild. KINY Group would remain in the Johnson family, and he would gain a capable leader in the process. It was a brilliant strategy.

But for Penelope, the benefits were just as great.

When she left the executive suite, Nathan Reed, the original manager for the mall project, was waiting for her. He was in his thirties, with a scholarly air and gold- rimmed glasses. They had spent the last three months in negotiations, so they knew each other well.

"Ms. Laurier, welcome to KINY Group," Nathan said, extending his hand.

Penelope shook it. "Mr. Reed, you have dark circles under your eyes. Haven't been sleeping well?"

Nathan sighed dramatically. "Not at all. Every time I close my eyes, I see flashes of all the times I gave you a hard time during negotiations. Then I remember you're about to be my boss, and a cold sweat keeps me awake all night."

Penelope playfully slapped his hand. "Stop the theatrics. I bet you were up all night playing video games."

Nathan's eyes twinkled. "So, you did your homework on me."

"To win a project, I always research the person in charge. It helps with the flattery. It's part of the job."

"And that's what I admire about you, Ms. Laurier." She was practical and wasn't afraid to use every tool at her disposal.

The company had created a dedicated department for the mall project, and Nathan wanted to introduce her to the team.

"Not just yet," she said. "I want you to continue leading the department. Just report to me regularly."

Nathan quickly understood. "So, when the Stone Group representatives arrive this afternoon to sign the contract, will you be present?"

"Don't let them know I'm the new person in charge."

Now Nathan fully grasped her plan. "Understood."

In the KINY Group conference room, Rebecca and her assistant had arrived early. She sat with an air of self-satisfaction, as if she were the one who had worked late nights faced countless rejections and endured round after round of grueling negotiations to win this deal.

Unbeknownst to her, Penelope was sitting in the office right behind her, separated only by a one-way mirror. She coul see Rebecca, but Rebecca couldn't see her.

Nathan entered the room with his team. Rebecca immediately stood up to shake his hand.

Nathan feigned surprise. "Oh, there's been a change? Where's Ms. Laurier?"

"My name is Rebecca Winters. I'll be taking over the project from now on. I look forward to working with you," she said, unable to hide her pride.

"I see." Nathan sat down, but before he was even settled, Rebecca was already asking about signing the contract.

"Let's not be hasty."

Those words sent a jolt of alarm through Rebecca. "Mr. Reed, I believe we had already reached an agreement. We're here today to sign the contract."

"I reached an agreement with Ms. Laurier."

"Whether it's me or Penelope, we both represent Stone Group. It's the same thing."

"Perhaps. But since you've switched personnel so abruptly, I think it's only reasonable for me to request some changes to the design."

"Changes?" Rebecca was taken aback. "But..."

"I have a few points. Please take notes."

Rebecca took a moment to compose herself and signaled for her assistant to get ready. Nathan without looking at any documents, began reeling off a list of required modifications as if the blueprints were etched in his mind. But while the design was clear to him, it was a complete mystery to Rebecca and her assistant, who hadn't even seen the plans yet. They scrambled to keep up, quickly becoming flustered and confused.