Semua Bab Kicking Him to the Curb: Bab 171 - Bab 180

Colin gave Gwyneth's hand a reassuring pat and nodded gently. "The tech department did a solid job this round. But we've got to keep the momentum going. We can't afford to let Crescent Holdings down."This is our biggest client of the year, so I'll handle the negotiations personally. Ms. Sanders will come with me."Colin understood exactly what Gwyneth was angling for and deliberately included her.The previously lively atmosphere instantly chilled, and the team stared at him in disbelief. After all, Niall had made it very clear that he wanted to meet the software's creator to discuss technical details. So, why were two people with zero technical background going to meet them? It made no sense.Every pair of eyes slowly drifted toward Aspen, their expressions laced with pity. It was obvious to everyone that Gwyneth was trying to snatch the credit and claim the glory.Aspen could feel the weight of their gazes, but she simply smiled and spoke with measured calm. "I think Mr. Full

Gwyneth hadn't expected Niall to be so blunt. Caught off guard, she instinctively glanced at Colin, then shrank back behind him and muttered, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean it like that."But Colin didn't defend her like he usually did. Instead, he just gave Niall a polite smile and said in a calm tone, "Our lead developer is working overtime right now and really doesn't have the time, but if you're serious about this partnership, I can call her in.""I'll only speak with the developer—the one leading this project," Niall replied firmly, making his stance crystal clear.From Niall's attitude alone, Colin could already tell that if Aspen didn't show up in person, this deal was probably not going anywhere.Colin had never been brushed off like this in a business meeting before. It was only now he realized that Fuller Group's money meant very little in a place like Ertonfield—it was a drop in the ocean. Still, Colin knew this was how business worked. He desperately needed this opportunit

"How dare you treat me like this? Are you insane?" Gwyneth stared at Aspen, bewildered.She couldn't wrap her head around the fierce, intimidating look she received from the woman who had always been so timid and soft-spoken.Could losing a child really change someone so drastically?Aspen snapped back without hesitation, "Why wouldn't I dare? Gwyneth, I'm warning you right now that this deal is critical for Fuller Group and Colin. You better keep your little schemes to yourself, or trust me, you won't even know what hit you."Aspen roughly shoved Gwyneth aside, grabbed her suitcase back, and strode out. It had taken so much hard work and effort to bring the project this far, and all she could think about was how to secure this deal. Anything else was just meaningless background noise.Gwyneth watched Aspen storm off, her face twisting with resentment. After a moment's hesitation, she pulled out her phone and quietly sent off a quick text message.When they finally reached the

Colin stood at the entrance of Crescent Holdings, checking his watch with a slight frown on his face. A cab finally pulled up in front of him just as he was about to call Aspen to hurry things along.Aspen stepped out of the cab. Seeing the impatience on Colin's face, she paid it no mind. She even glanced at her own watch. She wasn't late; she had arrived right on the dot."Mr. Fuller, we can go in now."Aspen walked over, getting straight to business. Colin nodded but strode past her toward the car behind her. He then opened the door, revealing Gwyneth's pale face.The sight of her face made Aspen's stomach churn. She didn't even glance at the wretched pair and headed straight inside. Today wasn't about pretending to be some sickeningly loving couple with Colin—it was about the technology.Colin's expression flickered as he watched Aspen's retreating figure, but he still gently took Gwyneth's hand. "You're in no condition to be here. Why did you come?""I know how important th

It took Colin a moment to realize his misstep. He instinctively glanced at Niall and said, "My apologies. The situation was urgent, and we hadn't discussed this internally yet.""Mr. Fuller, you don't seem to trust your own project lead very much…" Niall frowned slightly as he studied Colin. Something about the dynamic between these three felt off, to say the least.Colin quickly shook his head. "No, my team and I have excellent rapport."He wasn't exactly lying. He did have strong synergy with his team—just not with Aspen. Meanwhile, the corner of Aspen's mouth twitched into a faint, bitter smile."In that case, Mr. Fuller, you can go back and calculate the costs and get me a precise quote. As for the project itself, I'm very satisfied with this software." Niall agreed outright, clearly impressed. On the contrary, Colin was genuinely surprised by this. Had they succeeded just like that?Meanwhile, Gwyneth wasn't sure whether she should feel pleased or not. Colin stepped closer