Chapter 8 · Now She Wants Me Back

Chapter 8

Once I was back at the company, I moved fast—cut staff, made big changes.The results came quickly. We won several new tech projects.I knew we didn't have the cash for all the big ones right away, so I didn't try to take on everything at once. Business had to grow step by step.Both the Benson family and the George family had started in real estate. But with housing prices peaking, the pile of unfinished buildings we both had could turn into a disaster at any time.If we didn't change direction, bankruptcy was only a matter of time.I hired a new employee whose ideas matched mine. She knew her stuff, so I started bringing her along for training.Now I didn't have to keep my distance from female employees just to keep the peace at home.The day of the bidding meeting, I brought Teresa to represent the Benson Group.We sat in the back, and Martin and Verda took the front row. People who knew our history kept glancing between us like they couldn't wait to see the drama unfold.After all, we'd been married once, and now we were rivals. With the difference in power between our companies, they thought the winner was obvious. But I didn't care.Our family never flaunted our wealth. We had solid assets, but we kept quiet about it except with a few future partners.When we kept quiet, we really kept quiet. But when we made a move, we made it big. I wanted this project to shut up everyone who doubted us.During the break, I took Teresa out to grab a snack. I didn't expect Verda to walk straight up to me."Arnold, give it up," she said. "With the Benson Group's current strength, you can't handle a project this big. Why waste your time?"I let out a cold laugh. "That's not your concern."Martin trailed behind her. "Arnold, I get you want to prove yourself, but this is childish. The Benson family is like an ant compared to the George family. We could crush you with one step. What do you even have to compete with us?"I frowned and turned to Teresa. "Do you hear some annoying buzzing nearby? Real irritating."Teresa nodded. "Yeah, noisy."Martin clenched his fists. "Arnold, don't push it. I'm trying to help you, but if you won't listen, don't regret it when you lose."I shrugged. "We'll see."Verda's gaze locked on Teresa before she looked at me with wounded eyes. "Who is she? I remember you never let female employees get too close before."That was true. Back then, to keep Verda from getting suspicious, I'd made sure almost all my assistants were men.But now? We were divorced. I didn't have to tiptoe around that stuff anymore.I snorted, "What's it to you? We're divorced. You told me not to bother you—so why are you bothering me?"Verda's face tightened. Maybe she finally realized I wasn't the guy who would put up with anything from her anymore.She was about to speak, but Martin cut in, "Verda, don't waste time with this clown. Let's go." He dragged her away, jaw tight.I shook my head as they left. Quick tempers, thin skin.If they found out later that I won the project, they'd probably lose it.The meeting went on. After a tough fight, the Benson Group came out on top.Compared to the George family using land for more housing, our plan to build a new tech park had way better long-term prospects. I smiled as the room erupted in surprise.Martin sneered, "So what if you won? With no money and high interest rates, one slip-up and you'll lose everything. Don't come crawling to us then."Verda chimed in, her tone almost gentle, "Arnold, why not just transfer the project to us now? We'll pay you a transfer fee so you don't have to take the risk."There might've been worry in her voice, but I wasn't stupid enough to think she was worried about me. She was worried about the George family missing out.I shut her down cold. "Not interested."

Chapter 8