His Last Command Came Back to Kill Him novel Chapter 18

"Let it go, Clive," Yelena murmured, biting her lip. "She's just in a bad mood. I'm fine."

Whitley felt completely nauseated by the performance.

Just then, the presenter walked onto the stage to announce the final results.

Yelena glanced sideways at Whitley, her tone returning to its patronizing, charitable pitch.

"If you run into any trouble, just let me know. I can easily bring you onto this project."

Whitley let out a soft sneer.

Why was Yelena so damn confident she was going to win? Did she think Clive was pulling strings behind the scenes just to hand her the victory?

Whitley didn't buy it.

Clive was one of the most powerful men in the Capital, securing his high-ranking position at such a young age entirely through absolute, ruthless competence. As much as Yelena was his precious darling, he wasn't going to compromise his flawless political record for her.

The room went dead quiet. Everyone held their breath, waiting for the verdict.

On the stage, the results were announced.

The air seemed to freeze.

"PurePath Biologics. Proposal approved. Sole winner."

The heavy anxiety that had been crushing Whitley finally evaporated.

Meanwhile, Yelena—who had just been confidently promising to take Whitley under her wing—turned ashen. One second she was offering handouts; the next, reality had slapped her straight across the face.

Yelena's fingers dug so hard into her palms that her nails almost broke the skin.

It had to be Chisholm Vance pulling strings for her. Whitley had just managed to latch onto a bigger coattail, that was all.

"Please welcome the representative from PurePath Biologics—Ms. Whitley Nash—to the stage."

Whitley stood up slowly and walked toward the podium.

Yelena forced a perfectly composed smile, whispering, "Congratulations, Whitley."

She looked immaculate, totally unfazed.

Whitley just gave her a passing glance and walked up the steps without a word.

Clive watched Whitley's straight, unyielding back, his dark eyes unreadable.

Leroy crossed his arms, leaning in to whisper viciously. "Why are you congratulating her? She's just riding Vance's coattails. Her name is just on the paper."

Of course. Clive.

He was the Deputy Secretary of the Foreign Office. With just one word, he could bypass any schedule and casually walk away with the very opportunity she had spent her life fighting for.

She hadn't doubted that he would protect Yelena. But she never imagined he would do it like this—effortlessly snuffing out her only spark of hope the second it ignited.

Yelena had lost the bid. Clive wouldn't rig a government contract for her, but his sheer status was more than enough. Acting as a bridge to introduce Yelena to Dr. Landon was the ultimate power move.

Whitley took a trembling breath. "Thank you."

She walked slowly toward the exit.

Through the sheet of rain, she saw an Armored Sentinel slowly pulling out of the VIP parking lot.

She recognized it instantly. It was Clive's car.

Through the blurred windows, she could faintly make out Clive sitting in the back. He was leaning in slightly, looking deeply focused as he listened to Yelena speak.

And Dr. Landon was in the car with them.

Clive never used his power for her. All the blood, sweat, and tears she poured into her work were ultimately worth less to him than a single word from Yelena.