chapter 4 With ulterior motives

Right after the lunch break had ended, Tashiany had already arrived at the entrance of the marketing department. This time, she didn't bring her assistant and came alone.
"So early?" Melanion, who was assigning tasks to his subordinates, showed a look of surprise when he saw the graceful figure at the door.
"Get ready and come with me."
Tashiany was brief in her words, exuding the aura of a strong, independent woman!
"Okay."
This was the first time Melanion would be alone with the beautiful CEO, so naturally, he had to make a good impression.
The Maybach, which had been damaged by Melanion, was already taken to the repair shop, so this time Tashiany had Melanion drive a Bentley.
As soon as he opened the car door, a fragrant scent wafted out, and Melanion couldn't help but take a deep breath.
Melanion had driven cars since getting his driver's license, but mostly ordinary family cars. He had never touched a luxury business car like a Bentley, so he started to look around and touch everything as soon as he got in, which made Tashiany roll her eyes.
"Show some professionalism; they're already waiting for us." Tashiany said calmly from the back seat.
"Yes."
Urged by the CEO, Melanion let out an awkward smile and started the car.
It has to be said that a good car is different; in terms of control and performance, it's streets ahead of ordinary family cars, with an impressive thrust on acceleration.
Perhaps because it was his first time driving such a fine car, Melanion couldn't control the speed and nearly crashed into the roadside railing, startling Tashiany into screaming.
"Can you even drive? If not, get out!" Tashiany scolded.
"Well... it's my first time driving such a nice car; I didn't control it well. I'll go slower."
After all, Melanion was an experienced driver for several years, and he indeed drove much more steadily afterward.
"Mr. Langford, this morning Fatty Moore said he sold the company's new drug formula to Hanson Group. Could this affect the company?" Melanion suddenly asked.
The company had invested heavily in the new drug, and any issues could mean a crisis for Langford Group.
Hanson Group had always been a fierce competitor of Langford Group. If they got a hold of an opportunity, Langford Group might not stand a chance to recover.
"Don't worry, the matter has been handed over to the police, and the formula he sold is just a half-finished product. Even with Hanson Group's wealth, they can't hope to produce the finished drug." Tashiany's face showed a hint of coldness.
"No wonder."
Hearing this, Melanion finally understood why the company wasn't panicking over the leaked new drug formula; it seems Fatty Moore had really set Hanson Group up this time.
Ten million for a pile of trash, even if Hanson Group was wealthy, they probably couldn't swallow this pride.
"We're being followed." At that moment, Melanion glanced at the rearview mirror and frowned slightly.
"You make it sound like a movie. Maybe they're just going the same way. Just drive your car."
Tashiany, half-closing her eyes, shook her head.
"They've been following us for four streets now. I deliberately took a detour just now, and they're still right behind us."
Hearing this, Tashiany's eyes suddenly opened wide, and she became somewhat nervous.
"What should we do?"
"Don't panic. They're just in a regular Buick. Let me shake them off first."
As soon as he finished speaking, the car accelerated sharply, causing Tashiany to grab the armrest.
The car swiftly weaved through the dense traffic, even running a red light at one point. About five minutes later, the speed finally slowed down, and by then, the Buick that had been following them was nowhere to be seen, completely outclassed.
"Done! I've completely shaken them off!"
"Stop the car! Ugh!" At that moment, Tashiany covered her mouth and called out.
As soon as the car stopped, Tashiany rushed out and started vomiting by the roadside.
"Are you okay?" Melanion handed her a tissue, feeling guilty for focusing solely on losing the tail and neglecting the CEO's comfort.
"Is this how you drive a car? It's more like flying a plane!" Tashiany said embarrassingly after taking the tissue.
...
The incident on the road didn't delay them for too long. When they arrived at the location to discuss the contract, Melanion couldn't help but feel perplexed, as they were standing in front of a bar.
"This doesn't seem like a proper place to discuss a contract. Too informal, isn't it?" Melanion asked incredulously.
"This is the place they chose. It's just a formality. No choice." Tashiany said with a hint of helplessness as she picked up her belongings.
Since Tashiany had already put it that way, Melanion could only temporarily suppress his doubts and followed her into the bar.
Since it was daytime, the bar was not yet open and seemed deserted. However, a table full of dishes was already set in one of the private rooms, and under the guidance of a black-clad bodyguard, Melanion and Tashiany met the person they were there to see today.
Aion Waltheof, Chairman of the Tripplelane Group from Fliagoria City.
"I've long heard of Mr. Langford's talents and youthful achievements. Seeing you today, it's indeed as impressive as they say, haha." Upon seeing Tashiany, a possessive glint flashed in Aion's eyes, but he quickly concealed it and replaced it with a smile, grabbing Tashiany's hand as if meeting an old friend.
After a few polite exchanges, Melanion and Tashiany took their seats.
But as soon as they sat down, Aion's expression immediately turned somber, and he said, "Mr. Langford, the business secrets we are about to discuss are important. There's no need for your bodyguard to stay, right?"
"He's not a bodyguard; he's my marketing manager." Tashiany said indifferently.
"Isn't the marketing manager Fatty Moore? Why the change?" Aion frowned upon hearing this.
"Mr. Waltheof, that's an internal personnel adjustment at Langford Group. Aren't you overstepping?" Tashiany was slightly displeased.
"No harm done, no harm done. One more person doesn't matter. We can pretend he's not here." Aion laughed, then picked up his wine glass and said, "As a guest, Mr. Langford, I must toast to your youthful success."
"Mr. Waltheof, you are the senior here, and we juniors still seek your guidance." Tashiany smiled slightly and then picked up her glass of wine and drained it.
"Generous." Aion laughed heartily.
"Mr. Langford, once we sign the contract, the Langford will earn at least seven or eight hundred million. One toast isn't enough; let me offer you another." As he spoke, one of Aion's subordinates quickly refilled Tashiany's glass.
"Mr. Waltheof, let's not beat around the bush. I'm here to talk about cooperation, let's discuss the main issue first." Tashiany glanced at Aion without touching her glass again.
"Fine, since you put it that way, I'll be straightforward. As long as you drink with me to your heart's content today, the contract is yours."
Hearing this, Tashiany immediately understood the other party's intentions; it was clear he was making things difficult for her.
Next to her, Melanion had already heard Aion's inner thoughts.
"Humph, I've long heard that Tashiany is a renowned beauty of Fliagoria's business world. Today I want to have a taste!"
Indeed a cunning fox; on the surface a successful businessman, yet so despicable and calculating behind the scenes.
"Tashiany, I know the Langford's latest drug development is a massive investment. If you don't get these billions, I'm afraid Langford Group might encounter some trouble."
As he said this, Aion himself drank another glass of wine and added, "Consider your options carefully."
The atmosphere became somewhat oppressive at that moment, and Melanion could see the struggle on Tashiany's face. It wasn't easy for a woman to uphold such a large company, and the opponent probably took advantage of her vulnerability to be so brazen.
"Alright! I'll drink with you."
After a fierce internal struggle, Tashiany once again picked up her glass and downed it.
Her tolerance for alcohol was never strong, and now, after two glasses of red wine, her cheeks were slightly flushed. After the third glass, she leaned on the table, clearly drunk.
"Good, Mr. Langford is indeed a woman of courage. Today, we'll drink to our heart's content!"
Watching Tashiany with her eyes glazed and cheeks flushed, Aion's eyes gleamed, almost wishing he could embrace her right then and there.