The Ugly Wife’s Stunning Comeback (Felicia and Max) novel Chapter 175

Rain tapped gently against the window, filling the silence in the room. Everything inside felt still, heavy, like time itself had slowed down.

It was a long while before Max finally stood up and walked out.

By Tuesday, things were back in motion. After his morning meeting, Max returned to his office, where Isaac was waiting with a stack of papers that needed his signature. Business as usual.

Once they'd gone through the paperwork, Max looked up. “Any updates from Simon?”

“I’ll give him a call now,” Isaac answered, already dialing.

Simon picked up almost right away. “Isaac,” he said, his voice clear on speaker.

Isaac got straight to the point, asking how things were going.

Max had a full plate every day, but the major projects from the investment team were always on his radar. He’d already checked on the Westfield Clinical Research deal twice this week.

Simon could definitely feel the pressure, but honestly, he was more excited than nervous. If Mr. Hawthorne cared this much, landing the deal would be a huge win for him.

He gave his update with all the confidence in the world, his words echoing through the office on speakerphone.

“I’ve completely nailed down Roen Capital’s negotiation tactics,” Simon said. “The meeting this afternoon should be a breeze.”

In this business, big companies often tried to poach insiders or dig up secrets from the competition. It was just how the game was played.

Simon went on, “I heard their new investment director, Evelynn, has some kind of sketchy relationship with Jeremy. Who’d have thought Jeremy would fall for a girl? Now he’s letting her handle such a key project. If Jeremy keeps letting her run things, Roen Capital’s bound to have problems sooner or later.”

Simon sounded smug, barely bothering to hide his contempt. He clearly didn’t see Felicia as a real competitor, and the smooth progress on his end only made him more certain she was out of her depth.

He pressed the intercom button. The investment director answered. Max’s voice was cold. “Put a stop to the Westfield Clinical Research investment. Immediately.”

The director was caught off guard. Max never sounded like this. “Is there a problem, Mr. Hawthorne? Simon’s supposed to meet with them today.”

“Just do it.”

The director didn’t press for details. “Understood.”

He called Simon right away and relayed the order.

Simon was furious when he got the call but managed to keep his cool. “What’s going on? Why is Mr. Hawthorne shutting this down?”

“He must have picked up on something. Are you sure you can trust Jett?”