Back in Time to Fall for Him novel Chapter 88

When William finished speaking, his gaze shifted to Sam. Though his tone seemed like a question, everyone could tell it wasn't.

All eyes turned toward Sam.

Madison, especially, couldn't hide the worry in her eyes. Now she understood why Simon had stood up for Sam earlier. He had been waiting to spring this trap.

Having shadowed Sam these past few days, she knew Project ET's progress inside out, and it was already nearing completion. Once she finished the translations, everything would be wrapped up, ready for the bidding ceremony.

At this point, adding a new team member would mean letting them take credit for work already completed, especially if that newcomer was Ethan. Once he had a foot in headquarters, getting him out would be nearly impossible.

Could Simon be the one who had schemed against Sam in Madison's past life? He had always resented losing his position as heir, and Sam's success had blocked Ethan's rise.

As Madison's thoughts spun, Sam's icy voice echoed in the dining room. "I'm too busy to mentor a newcomer on a major project like this."

A single sentence refused William's order and mocked Simon's ploy in one stroke.

Simon wasn't surprised by the rejection. He had merely been testing the waters.

If Sam agreed, Ethan would get an effortless ride into headquarters and an easy win. If he didn't, Simon would find other ways to take credit for the project and plant Ethan firmly in the company.

Ethan understood exactly what Simon was thinking, but didn't share his optimism. If William truly meant to help them, they wouldn't have spent years being suppressed and confined to managing a few minor subsidiaries.

Ethan had long seen through William's game. The old man was merely using Simon as a grindstone to hone Sam. And now, it seemed, it was Ethan's turn to play the tool.

At the thought of this, a flicker of resentment crossed Ethan's eyes, especially when he heard Sam's curt response. The humiliation burned, but he swallowed it.

He needed to lie low, appear harmless, and let them drop their guard. Only then could he strike and take what he wanted.

Because of that, she had no idea if Sam even managed to secure the project. She cursed herself silently for not being able to help him, despite having lived an entire lifetime.

Sam had no idea what was on Madison's mind. His cool gaze slid toward Simon. "There's no need to flatter me, Uncle Simon. I'm just luckier than you. If we're talking skills, you're the real expert.

"I've heard your subsidiaries have been running losses for years, and headquarters keep having to allocate funds. Still, you manage to keep your subsidiaries running smoothly, and that's impressive. Not everyone could pull that off."

The moment his words fell, an untimely laugh burst out.

Everyone turned toward the sound. It came from Jason, who now had a hand slapped over his mouth. Seeing the attention on him, he blurted out nervously, "I didn't mean to laugh. I just couldn't help it."

Madison almost laughed herself. That explanation made it worse. Didn't he see how Simon's face had darkened?

And yet, the real sting came from Sam's remark. It was practically calling Simon dead weight to his face.