Chapter 3
The sun in Maienstal was warmer than I expected, but in a good way.
I lay on a lounge chair on a private beach, wearing sunglasses.
A soft sea breeze carried the smell of salt. Not far away, clear blue water met bright white sand.
On the chilled table beside me sat a colorful cocktail.
This was real life.
I let myself fully relax. My mind finally stopped circling around all those people and all that mess—Baxter, Tina, and that 300-million-dollar project.
None of it mattered anymore.
I had booked a week here. I planned to do nothing but sleep well, eat well, and rest.
My phone was on silent and in my nearby bag. I didn't want to hear from anyone.
On the morning of the third day, I was half-asleep under the sun when my phone started vibrating nonstop inside my bag.
I frowned. Who could be this persistent?
After a while, I reached over and pulled it out.
The screen was filled with missed calls, all from the same unknown domestic number.
I recognized it immediately. It was Baxter's personal number.
He must have gone out of his way to get my new contact.
The moment I unlocked my phone, it started ringing again.
I looked at the name flashing on the screen and let out a cold smile.
By now, he should be panicking.
I declined the call without hesitation.
A few seconds later, a message popped up. It was from Jeffrey. [Valda. Something big happened. Please call me back.
[Mr. Webster Benson from Glory Star showed up at the company with his team. He wants to review the final delivery plan. Mr. Wade couldn't find it. He was furious.]
Glory Star was the key client for that 300-million-dollar project.
Webster Benson was the founder. He was a tough, decisive man who had the final say in the industry.
It had taken me six months to build a connection with him.
I knew his temper well. He hated unprofessional behavior. He hated delays even more.
Baxter failed to produce the plan. The outcome was obvious.
I tossed my phone back into my bag. I had no interest in getting involved.
But a few minutes later, another message from Jeffrey came in. [Valda, please. Mr. Wade is losing it. He said if you hand over the plan, any condition is negotiable.
[The plan Tina made was ripped apart by Mr. Benson right there. He tore into her without holding back.
[Mr. Benson set a deadline. If he doesn't see your plan by six tonight, he will cancel the partnership immediately and demand triple the penalty.]
That was 900 million dollars, enough to crush the company overnight.
My phone started vibrating again. It was still Baxter.
This time, I didn't hang up.
I slowly swiped to answer.
"Hello?" I said, my voice lazy and unbothered.
On the other end, Baxter exploded the second the call connected. "Valda! What exactly do you want?"
His voice was twisted with anger and panic, almost unrecognizable. "Where did you hide Glory Star's core data? Hand everything over immediately!"
I pulled the phone slightly away from my ear so it would not hurt.
I waited until he finished shouting, then brought it back. "Mr. Wade, the wind is really strong where you are. I can't hear you clearly."
"What did you say?" His voice rose even higher.
"I said..." I picked up my cocktail and took a slow sip. The cold drink slid down my throat, smooth and refreshing. "The signal here is bad."
As soon as I finished speaking, I hung up.
The world went quiet at once.