Chapter 170
Cold sweat beaded on Chloe’s forehead; her hands trembled so much she could barely hold her phone. She scrambled away from Alice’s seat.
But Luke blocked her path.“Answer
my question. What were you doing?” Chloe trembled, unable to meet Luke’s gaze. She stammered, ‘I…I was trying to help with Sixth Brother’s project. Maple Leaf is his competitor, and I wanted ΤΟ help.” “You can help, but what you did was illegal! And you hurt Alice!”
Luke couldn’t believe Chloe had done this! He thought of Luke’s words from earlier. “[Was that coffee shop surveillance footage real?]”
“Sixth Brother, it wasn’t…”
Luke refused to listen to her expression, grabbing her arm. Go apologize to Alice!”
He might have conflicts with Alice, and even tried to dissuade her from joining the Ballers, but he would never do something like this!
Chloe was terrified, her voice pleading, “Sixth Brother, I was working for Dad. Please don’t tell
anyone.”
If Alice found out, she’d be finished. Alice
Luke was
wouldn’t
tolerate
betrayal!
incredulous.“You’re saying Dad told you to steal Alice’s data?”
“Yes! Why else would I risk this? It doesn’t benefit me.”
In her panic, Chloe used her father as a shield!
Luke was stunned. He hadn’t expected his father to order Chloe to do this. Knowing his father, he was capable of such a thing, especially given his resentment towards Alice. He’d even talked about destroying Maple Leaf!
Seeing Luke waver, Chloe pressed on.“Second Brother invested half his fortune in this project,– hoping to establish himself in Cloud City. If it fails, it’ll be a huge blow!”
“But you shouldn’t resort to such underhanded tactics! Why not compete fairly? Does Dad really want to destroy Alice?”
Luke still felt something was wrong, but he couldn’t pinpoint it.
“Sixth Brother, Dad doesn’t want to destroy her. He thinks Alice isn’t cut out for business, especially now that she’s offended the Garcias; her future is uncertain.
If she fails this time, she’ll focus on her studies and won’t cause trouble again.”
Luke fell silent.
Chloe continued, “Look at Alice now, so famous, and she disregards the Windham family. She even Wants to join your rival team, the Blitzkrieg, clearly disregarding you.
Dad wants Alice to learn a lesson, to realize how good the Windhams are to her. Maybe she won’t join the Blitzkrieg and will stay with your team instead.
After all, we’re family!”
Luke considered the last part. Would Alice really stay with his team? “What are you two whispering about?”
12:36
Alice suddenly appeared.
Chloe jumped, explaining quickly. “Nothing. Sixth Brother and I were discussing the team. You’re Cloud University’s captain now. Do you
still need TO join the Blitzkrieg?”
“It’s not impossible. The Blitzkrieg are strong, have great benefits, and a bright future!” Alice returned to her seat, glancing at her laptop, a cold smirk on her lips. She looked up.“You two touched my laptop, didn’t you?”
“No, Sixth Brother and I were chatting. Maybe someone else touched it. Right, Sixth Brother?”
Chloe looked at Luke, her heart pounding.
Luke vaguely nodded.
Don’t say anything!
Please!
He looked earnestly at Alice. “Dad wants this project, no matter the cost. You’re just an employee; leave while you can.”
“Who says I’m just an employee? If this project wins, I’ll get stock options and shares in Maple Leaf.”
At Alice’s words, Chloe’s expression changed. Maple Leaf was so generous? No wonder Alice needed Dad’s data!
A pang of bitterness arose in Chloe’s heart. She thought about the photos she’d taken and wast determined to prevent Alice from succeeding.
Luke’s expression was complex. Chloe was right. Alice was becoming more successful and disregarded the Windhams.
If Alice stumbled and faced difficulties, she might realize the Windham family’s value. Then he could help her. She would return to the Windhams and his team.
Luke deeply regretted things and wished for a chance to reset everything. This might be it. Seeing Luke not reveal her, Chloe said, “Sixth Brother, let’s go. Dad should be here soon.” Luke said nothing, leaving with Chloe.
Alice sat at her laptop, glanced at the presentation, and closed it.
Soon, the Maple Leaf team arrived.
Their representative spoke to Alice.“Mr. Yates said he had something to do and wouldn’t be here. We’ll handle everything.”
“Okay,”
Alice found it odd that Garrett wasn’t there, especially since he’d invited her. She dismissed it, assuming a work emergency.
More people arrived.
Luke’s father entered with a large entourage, exuding confidence.
Alice looked at Chloe, whose eyes flickered nervously.
Luke’s father approached Alice.“I heard the Garcias withdrew their sponsorship. As captain, you’ll
have to
cover the team’s
the team’s expenses.
expenses. How much money
“My finances are none of your business.”
do
you
have?”
Luke’s father placed his hands on Alice’s desk, his tone coldTll give you a chance. If you
Chapter 170
apologize, I’ll
Alice raised
the Garcias‘ behalf. How about on
that?”
the team sponsor
eyebrow.“Keep your measly money. Don’t embarrass yourself.”
Her expression was cold and defiant.
Luke’s father stared at her intensely.“Good. You want to play hardball? I’ll teach you a lesson, make you admit defeat.”
“We’ll see who wins.”
Alice’s gaze was sharp and
arrogant.
Luke’s father returned to his seat, glaring at Alice.
Alice remained calm and unfazed.
The Maple Leaf team was shocked. They’d investigated their competitors; the Windhams were a powerful family in Cloud City, more powerful than Maple Leaf. Alice stood her ground against such a formidable opponent.
Their representative whispered to Alice. “[Alice, were you a little too arrogant? They’re a powerful company.”
“[Do you know Mr. Windham? Do you have a history with him?]”
Alice nodded.“Yes, a history!”
Luke’s father wanted her to surrender? No way!
The official representatives arrived, asking the companies to present their Al projects. The Windham Corporation went first.
Luke’s father presented professionally, captivating the audience.
M
The Maple Leaf team’s faces changed upon seeing the presentation. “Alice, their presentation is almost identical to ours!”
Alice stood up, her voice ringing out.“Because they stole our ideas!”
