Let Me Go, Mr. Howard Chapter 64

"Me?" Scarlett frowned, instinctively wanting to refuse. "I've just joined MRK. Having me negotiate a project isn't appropriate."

Orion wagged his finger at her objection, a mysterious smile playing on his lips. "No, Ms. Seymour, you're our only chance of success."

Confused, Scarlett only understood when he handed her the contract—this was a collaboration between MRK and the Howard Group. 

While such partnerships were commonplace in business, Watson and Howard Group had never directly worked together. If successful, this project would become the talk of the town.

Scarlett immediately felt the heat of the situation and placed the proposal back on his desk. "Mr. Watson..."

"It's not complicated," Orion waved dismissively, taking a sip of his soda. "They said it just needs someone to go through the formalities. Just visit the Howard Group's project department and get Manager Paul Parker to sign something."

Scarlett frowned skeptically. "Really? That's it?"

"Really. You make it happen, and I'll give you a bonus. How about that?"

Money had been tight lately. After moving into her own apartment, Scarlett's expenses had increased significantly. She'd been eyeing a car—nothing fancy, just thirty thousand dollars.

"How much?" she immediately asked.

"Thirty thousand dollars."

"Deal."

Scarlett truly believed it would be easy. That same afternoon, she visited the Howard Group's project department—only to quickly discover the project was anything but simple.

For two consecutive days, she couldn't even get a meeting with Paul. By the afternoon of the second day, the receptionist had memorized her face and directly asked her to leave. 

Their excuse was that MRK wasn't their best option, and they refused to even hear her proposal. Eventually, they simply claimed Paul wasn't available and that they had no decision-makers present.

After days of rejection, Scarlett felt defeated. She wanted to abandon the project, but having committed to it, backing out wouldn't be easy.

Desperate, she turned to Tom for help. He still worked at the Howard Group

[Scarlett, I've found out that Mr. Parker will be attending an event soon,] Tom messaged her with the details. [I'm sending you the address and time.]

It was a charity gala. Looking at the message, Scarlett breathed a sigh of relief. Finally, a breakthrough. If she could speak with Paul directly, it might be easier.

She borrowed a car from Chris but regretted it immediately. Almost all of his vehicles were flashy sports cars that stood out on the road.

"What, are you planning to follow someone?" Chris raised an eyebrow, noticing her dissatisfaction.

Fearing her plan might be exposed, Scarlett quickly shook her head. "No."

Chris winked at her. "Really? I can help. What did this person do to you?"

Exasperated, Scarlett stuffed a hand pie into his mouth. "Just eat."

After one bite, he spat it out, his brows furrowed. "This tastes off!"

Scarlett took a bite of her own, savoring it carefully. "No, it doesn't."

"Maybe I just don't like the filling." Chris refused to eat any more, lowering his head to sip his porridge instead.

After finishing her meal, Scarlett stood up. "Should I drive your car to Azure Court tonight?"

"No, keep it at your place. I'll catch a ride with Dennis later to pick it up," Chris replied without looking up, wincing as the hot porridge burned his tongue.

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Scarlett left work early that day and drove to the venue's parking lot well before the event started. In this situation, Chris's distinctive sports car actually provided her with unexpected advantages. 

Many cars had previously parked along the roadside, but most had been asked to move by the event staff. Only Scarlett's flashy car remained undisturbed throughout.

The gala was large in scale, with attendees who were either wealthy or influential. Someone like Paul was more of a supporting player in such company.

She sat in the car, watching as Paul's vehicle parked in the adjacent spot. He got out alone, without an assistant. Not wanting to miss this opportunity, Scarlett immediately stepped out. "Mr. Parker."

Paul was locking his car. He had already noticed the fancy sports car beside him and had assumed some rich young man would emerge. He was surprised to see a beautiful woman instead.

His brow furrowed slightly. At his position, he wasn't susceptible to honey traps, and his thoughts remained practical. 

Seeing that she immediately addressed him by name, he became instantly wary.

"Who are you?"

Scarlett held a document folder in her hand. "I'm Scarlett Seymour; you should have heard of me. I'm here about the MRK collaboration."

As she spoke, she attempted to hand him the folder.

However, Paul gave her a strange look, then glanced at the folder with an almost amused expression.

"Mr. Parker?" Scarlett frowned.

"I'm sorry," Paul smiled, covering his mouth with his hand and speaking suggestively. "I know about this project, but as you must realize, MRK is the Watson family's business—I don't have the authority to make decisions on something like this."

Hearing this, Scarlett's smile froze. She instinctively asked, "Then who should I speak with?"

But even as the words left her mouth, she already knew the answer.

Seeing her expression, Paul realized she understood. He smiled. "After all, this collaboration is unprecedented. Only that person can give approval."