Ever since Franklin became the president of the ST Group, he had started plotting the acquisition of Downey Group.
Growing up, he was always competing against Joseph and wanted to take him down. He was enduring the hardships to gain strength in the past three years so he can stage a comeback, but he got to admit that Joseph was really competent. The core of enterprise culture was his achievement. It would be a long way ahead if he really wanted to take over the ST Group.
The acquisition of a blossoming enterprise was a monumental springboard for him.
The reason why he chose Downey Group was because for one thing, Joseph was working there, and for another, Downey Group was on the down path since Bentley died and he really doubted Hayden’s capability.
“President Hawkins, I’ve arranged the time and place for the dinner tonight. It’s 7 o’clock.” Standing by the desk, a curvy secretary said to Franklin in a cute voice.
Leaning on the back of the chair, Franklin’s right hand was turning the wedding ring on his left hand. Quirking up the corner of his eyebrows, he was smiling gently, but with malice in his eyes.
“I’ve also notified Ms. Kidman. She will be there tonight.”
Franklin then nodded and said, “Okay.”
Mr. Wright from the West Group was hosting the dinner.
Joseph was called back to the Beckham’s mansion by the Old Master Beckham, so Hayden went to the dinner alone.
“It’s been a long time, President Downey. You’re as gorgeous as ever.”
Hayden nodded back to Mr. Wright’s greeting and saw two familiar figures in the restaurant booth with the corner of her eyes.
“President Hawkins also brought along a friend. You wouldn’t mind it, right?”
“Of course not. We are all friends.” Looking at that “friend”, Hayden smiled.
“President Hawkins is truly something. You can even bring the famous Ms. Kidman to entertain us.”
Viola’s face changed a bit, but returned to normal pretty quickly. Then she said calmly, “If President Downey is still holding grudges against me for what happened several years ago, I’ll certainly show myself out. I surly wouldn’t want to ruin your dinner.”
“Well? Does President Downey know Ms. Kidman before?” Mr. Wright asked in bewilderment.
Hayden smiled and said, “I do know her, but we’re not that familiar. I really don’t understand what Ms. Kidman was talking about. I’m pretty busy and can’t really recall what happened in the past.”
The secret of being socially political was saying opposite things in your heart.
People within the circle all knew that Franklin and Viola were having an affair. But because Franklin was married, everybody remained silent and guarded this secret. But Hayden didn’t really expect that Franklin would really bring Viola out blatantly and didn’t worry that his wife might find out.
Apart from Franklin, the West Group and Downey Group all brought representatives to celebrate their first successful cooperation in advance. But all people present knew that Mr. Wright was actually pulling the strings for Franklin.
Nobody mentioned the acquisition after several rounds of drinking. Then Joseph called and Hayden got the excuse to go the bathroom to avoid drinking.
People teased, especially Mr. Wright, “Is that Mr. Beckham’s call? Well, when can we participate your wedding ceremony?”
Hayden smiled and said, “I will definitely invite all of you.”
Hayden heard Joseph’s voice right after she answered the phone in the bathroom, “They are not giving you a hard time, are they?”
“No, they wouldn’t dare. I’m not a rookie salesman.” Leaning against the sink, Hayden asked, “But Franklin brought someone along. Take a guess.”
“Who is it?”
“Your previous lover.” Hayden looked cunning and said the sentence on purpose.
Joseph turned silent and asked in a while, “Who is it?”
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