Chapter 274

That night, I slept like a baby, especially after a call from Royce before bed.

We talked about our plans for the next few days, and the next morning, I headed to the office to take care of Asher's business.

Asher's contract couldn't be delayed any longer, or it would mess up his project timeline.

As soon as I walked into the conference room, I heard Asher talking with someone.

"What's going on?" I asked, pushing the door open.

Asher was with one of his new business associates, someone I had met briefly before but whose name I couldn't remember.

"Aren't we here to finalize the contract? You guys sounded like you were about to argue and gave me a scare."

Asher laughed, "Why would we argue? We're just hashing out some project details. Caroline, you know how I am. I can get a bit intense when I talk."

I smiled, "People who know you understand, but don't scare off the new folks."

His associate chuckled, "Exactly. I almost quit last month because he was so harsh."

I couldn't help but laugh, "Maybe it's because you're not a woman."

Asher rolled his eyes, "I'm here to handle the contract, and you're already giving me a hard time? When have I ever let personal feelings interfere with business?"

True enough. Even when Brandon tried to undermine me by bribing Asher with attractive women, Asher stayed loyal to the company and me, which eventually led Brandon to use more ruthless tactics against him.

Thinking about it made my hatred for Brandon grow even stronger.

"I've got the contract ready. Today, we just need to confirm the details and sign. Then you can start the project."

Asher thanked me, "Thanks. This project is a new beginning for me, and I'll give it my all."

I nodded, "You should. There are a lot of eyes on this project. I even held a special press conference for you. If you don't do well, you'll be letting me down."

Asher became serious, "Of course. I won't disappoint you."

An hour later, we finished the contract. I had also called in other assistants to help confirm some details.

Business is business, and even though Asher is like a brother to me, I wouldn't overlook any details.

"Here's to a successful partnership," I said, extending my hand.

Asher shook it firmly, "Caroline, thank you. I won't let you down. I'll work hard."

I smiled, "Good. I'll be waiting for the results of our first review."

After a while, Asher sent his associate away.

I knew he had something to discuss privately, so I asked my assistant to leave as well.

"What's up?" I asked.

Asher sighed, "Caroline, now that we're partners, I won't hide anything from you."

My heart sank, "Don't tell me there's a problem with the contract. We just signed it!"

"Do you think I'm that kind of person? If there were issues, I wouldn't have signed it."

I pouted, "Then what's going on? You're making me anxious."

Asher finally spoke, "It's about Alfonso. I heard some things on my way here."

"Alfonso? I almost forgot about him."

Thinking about how he had once threatened me with my lost child made my blood boil. But I had been too busy to deal with him.

Now, he was lurking in the shadows while I was out in the open, leaving me with no choice but to react to his moves.

Asher continued, "It's not a big deal, but it made me uneasy, so I had to tell you."

He explained that Alfonso had been laying low, not because he was up to no good, but because he was pushing another project similar to Asher's.

Alfonso's project, however, was vastly different from his original proposal. He had been making bold claims at public events and bidding meetings, saying his project would shock everyone and bring huge profits to his company.

"He's a tough competitor, and his company has some reputation. His statements have attracted a lot of partners. I'm worried his high-profile approach might affect our project."

Asher's concerns were valid. This was a critical time for us, with many uncertainties.

Moreover, some of our partners were new, and we didn't know their character or have established relationships, relying solely on trust and mutual benefit.

"Our projects are launching simultaneously. I'm worried my meticulous approach might not compete with his aggressive tactics. If he has any tricks up his sleeve, he could steal our thunder, and our project would be criticized."

Asher was visibly anxious, rubbing his hands as he spoke.

I gently reassured him, "Asher, you're just overthinking. This is a big project, but you won the bid on your own merit and your company's potential."

"Winning the bid proves your company can handle it."

"Your hesitation is what's affecting your performance."

Asher blinked, "You know, Caroline, you kind of snapped me out of it."

"That's my intention. What you're worried about is irrelevant. Even if Alfonso is capable, he has to start from scratch. If he tries to copy your project, it won't succeed."