Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 3310

Zane awkwardly tried to smooth things over. "Jenny's always been driven. She never quits until she gets results. We could all learn a thing or two from her."

He looked back at Norah. "What do you think? If you feel it's too much of an uphill battle, we can talk to the sales team and see if they want to pull the plug."

Norah was still staring down at the paperwork. She didn't look offended by Jenny's blatant disrespect. Instead, she was unnervingly calm, making it impossible to read her.

Once she had skimmed the file, she knew exactly what she was dealing with. She looked up. "No need. I've reviewed Jenny's proposal, and the strategy is solid. I'll take over negotiations with the Hanson family."

A calculating smile spread across Jenny's face.

She had been buddying up to the assistant manager handling the project over at the Hanson Corporation. She already knew for a fact that they had pre-selected a partner company and wouldn't be giving the contract to anyone else.

This was exactly the trap she wanted to spring. Norah had just claimed the project in front of everyone, which meant her inevitable failure would be utterly humiliating.

Thrilled that her scheme was working perfectly, Jenny smiled even wider. "You're so bold, Norah. I'll make sure to support you every step of the way so we can lock this down."

Norah met her gaze evenly. "Great."

*

For the next two days, Norah relentlessly called the Hanson Corporation's project manager. Every single time, an assistant intercepted her, citing endless meetings and refusing to schedule a sit-down.

Watching Norah hit a brick wall over and over filled Jenny with smug satisfaction. She was just waiting for her to throw in the towel. Once Norah failed so publicly, she'd lose all authority. No one in the department would respect her after that.

Jenny was going to prove that Norah was incompetent. Nepotism might have gotten her the promotion, but reality was going to drag her right back down.

That afternoon, feeling celebratory, Jenny ordered expensive pastries and coffee for the entire floor.

As Norah walked past the break room, she caught snippets of Jenny and Gillian gossiping inside.

After the meeting broke up, with thirty minutes still left in the workday, Norah had her assistant call Zane into her office.

Zane strolled in, flashing a familiar smile. "Look at you, Norah. You're really growing into the boss role."

Norah smiled politely. "Don't flatter me, Zane."

Zane took a seat. "Did you call me in here to ask for a recommendation? Because honestly, I think Jenny—"

"Zane," Norah interrupted him smoothly. "This isn't about the promotion. It's about the Hanson project. Their point man refuses to take a meeting with me. Do you have any insight on how to get past the gatekeepers?"

Zane gave a slick, evasive laugh. "If they were willing to meet, we wouldn't have been stalled out for two months. I really think you should just drop it. It's a waste of energy."

"Why do you think they're blowing us off?" Norah asked, studying him. "We're easily the most competitive firm bidding on this. I've looked at the other agencies, and they don't even come close."